Final Flashcards
Virus Main Features
Protein Coat:
- Capsid
- Provides structure and keeps the genetic material inside the cell
Protein Spikes:
- Help attach to the host cell
Membrane Envelope:
- Not always Present
- Can serve as protection
- Helps recognize the host
- Useful during fusion and budding
Nucleic Acid (DNA or RNA):
- Contains the genetic material
Virus
Type of pathogen that can only replicate within a host organism
- Either DNA or RNA (CANNOT HAVE BOTH at same time**)
- Can remain in a latent, non-replicating state for long periods without causing disease
- Activation of latent virus may produce symptoms of primary disease (Eg. genital herpes) or cause different symptomology (Eg. shingles instead of chicken pox)
Virion
Mature infective virus particle
Replication of Viruses
1) Virus invades the host cell
2) Virus injects its genetic material into the host cell
3) Virus’s genetic material reprograms the host’s DNA and starts to replicate itself
4) When the host cell is filled w/ virus copies, it bursts and releases then into the bloodstream to repeat the process
Stages of Viral Infection
1) Attachment to host cell
2) Penetration of genes and enzymes (Injection)
3) Synthesis of nucleic acid and proteins (once viral DNA integrates into host chromosome = Provirus
4) Assembly & packaging
5) Release of virions (lysis)
Types of Viruses
Oncogenic:
- Cause CA
- HPV cause cutaneous and genital warts (linked to cervical CA)
Other:
- rhinoviruses
- corona
6 Types of herpes viruses:
- HSV type 1 (Eyes, mouth, lips, genitals)
- HSV type 2 (Genital infection)
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) = immunocompromised pts
- Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) = shingles (zoster) & Chicken pox (varicella)
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) = Mononucleosis, Burkett’s lymphoma
(Don’t need to memorize all types, just know what herpes is/does)
Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Therapeutic Effects and Uses:
- Herpes viruses (*Most effective against HSV-1 & HSV-2)
- Effective only at high doses against CMV and varicella-zoster as well
MOA:
- Triphosphate form competes w/ guanosine for incorporation into DNA
- Triphosphate form inhibits DNA polymerase
Adverse Effects:
- Few adverse effects when given PO or Topically**
- Nausea, vomiting, anorexia
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Skin irritation/rash/localized pruritis
Serious Adverse Effects:
- Neurotoxicity (high doses)
- Nephrotoxicity (IV delivery)
Disease Caused by Viruses
SARS-CoV-2
Measles
Rhinoviruses
SARS-CoV-2
- Covid
- Coronaviruses have single-stranded RNA as their genetic material which allows them to mutate and evolve over time
- Features large spike proteins on their outer envelope that allow the virus to bind to the ACE2 receptor in the lungs, heart, kidneys and intestines
- Ability to suppress the host’s interferon response (a key part of the antiviral immune response) in early stages of infection, allowing virus to replicate more freely in the early phase of infection
Measles
-Caused by measles virus
Highly contagious through air droplets from coughing or sneezing
Symptoms:
- 10-14 days after exposure to the virus and can range from mild to severe
- Fever, cough, conjunctivitis, skin rash (distinctive red, blotchy
- *Koplik Spots = small, white spots w/ bluish-white centre that appear on the inside of the cheeks
- (Rash will appear about 3-5 days after the fever begins, starts on the face and behind the ears, then spreads down to rest of body)
- *NO TREATMENT** = Management primarily focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting immune system
Rhinoviruses
AKA Common Colds
- More common in fall and spring
- Primarily infect the nasal and throat epithelial cells
- Replicate upper respiratory tract causing the typical cold systems (sneezing, runny nose, cough, sore throat, fatigue)
- Commonly transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes but can also spread through indirect contact w/ contaminated surfaces
NO VACCINE = large # of different strains and it’s ability to rapidly mutate
- Mild and self-limiting w/ symptoms generally lasting 7-10 days
Complications = otitis media, sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, exacerbations fo asthma
Influenza
3 Types: A, B, C
- Type A = most common, most severe symptoms, multiple subtypes and cause serious pandemics
- Type B & C = less common, milder symptoms, no major subtypes
Structure:
- Single-stranded RNA viruses w/ 2 key surface proteins = Hemagglutinin & Neuraminidase
Drugs for Influenza
Amantadine and neuraminidase inhibitors are effective but VACCINES MORE EFFECTIVE
AMANTADINE (SYMMETREL):
Indications:
- Prevent infection and manage active flu infections
- Also used for Parkinson’s disease
MOA:
- Prevents uncoating of virus once it enters host cell by blocking M2 proteins
Adverse Effects:
- Insomnia
- Loss of concentration
- Dizziness
- Mental confusion
- Nervousness
**use w/ caution in pts w/ RENAL PROBLEMS
NEURAMINIDASE INHIBITORS (OSELTAMIVIR)
Indications:
- Manage active influenza infections
MOA:
- Prevents release of virus from infected host cell
Adverse Effects:
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
Hepatitis
Liver Inflammation (many causes including hepatitis viruses = DNA)
5 Types:
1) Hep A = Vaccine Available (usually resolves on its own)
2) Hep B = Vaccine Available (treated w/ antivirals, interferons)
3-5) Hep C, D, E = NO vaccine (less common than A & B)
Hepatitis Stages of Progression
1) Healthy Liver
(Reversible)
2) Acute Inflammation
(Reversible)
3) Chronic Inflammation
(Permanent damage)
4) Cirrhosis = life expectancy shortened
(Permanent Damage)
5) End Stage = disease is terminal
