Epidemiology of Viral Infections Flashcards
What are the different types of transmission?
- Horizontal (direct or indirect)
- Vertical (in utero, during birth, colostrum, milk)
Define virus transmission.
The passing of an infectious virus from an infected host to a susceptible host, regardless of whether the other individual was previously infected or naive.
What is vertical transmission?
Virus transmission from a parent to offspring (embryo, fetus, or newborn).
When does vertical transmission occur?
Before, during, or shortly after birth.
What are the consequences of vertical transmission?
- Embryonic death / abortion
- Congenital disease
- Congenital defects
What is horizontal transmission?
Virus transmission between animals within the population at risk.
What are the modes of horizontal transmission?
- Direct contact
- Indirect contact (fomites)
- Common vehicles
- Airborne
- Vector-borne
- Iatrogenic
What are examples of direct contact virus transmission?
- Licking
- Rubbing
- Biting
- Sexual contact
- Skin abrasions
What are examples of indirect contact virus transmission?
Fomites:
- Shared eating containers
- Bedding
- Restraint devices
- Vehicles
- Clothing
- Improperly sterilized surgical equipment (iatrogenic)
What are common vehicles of transmission?
- Colostrum and milk
- Virus contaminated meat
- Virus contaminated bone products
How does airborne transmission of large droplets occur?
Large droplets settle down.
How does airborne transmission of micro droplets occur?
Micro droplets evaporate and form a droplet nucleus, becomes an aerosol and remain suspended in air for long periods. They can also travel long distances with certain wind and weather conditions.
What is an example of an arthropod-borne virus?
Mosquito - Equine encephalitis virus.
Soft ticks - African swine fever virus.
Culicoides - Blue tongue virus.
What does iatrogenic transmission mean?
Caused by the doctor or animal handler.
What are examples of iatrogenic transmission?
- Non-sterile equipment
- Multi-use syringe
- Inadequate hand washing
(BLV, equine infectious anemia)
What are nosocomial infections?
Infection acquired while in clinics or hospitals.
Give an example for a virus that undergoes vertical transmission (one for each: before, during, and after birth).
Before - Feline parvovirus, blue tongue, BVDV.
During - Canine herpesvirus.
After - Maedi-Visna, CAE.
How stable are viruses transmitted by the respiratory route in the environment?
Low stability
How stable are viruses transmitted by the fecal-oral route in the environment?
Higher stability
Are enveloped viruses environmentally stable?
No, labile in environment.
Which enveloped virus is stable in the environment?
Orf virus and Marek’s disease virus.
Maybe because it is protected by skin keratin???
Are non-enveloped viruses environmentally stable?
Yes.
Survival of a virus in nature depends on…
maintenance of serial infections (chain of transmission)
What is the difference between clinical and subclinical infections in terms of transmission?
Clinical infection - Virus is more productive.
Subclinical infection - More numerous and more important for transmission. Gives a better opportunity for virus to be transmitted.
What are the major patterns that viruses use to maintain serial transmission?
- Acute self limiting
- Persistent infection
- Vector maintenance