Glossary of Micro-organisms- NOT FINISHED

Question 1

What are adenoviruses?

Answer 1

Adenovirsus are any group of DNA viruses first discovered in the adenoid (mass of enlarged lymphatic tissue between the back of the nose and the throat) tissue.

They are a family of over 40 viruses which are common causes of:
-Respiratory infections
- Conjunctivitis
-Gastroenteritis 
...in children

Question 2

What causes spongiform encephalopathy?

Answer 2

It is an infection caused by Abnormal proteins called prions, that accumulate in the brain, causing spongiform encephalopathies.

Examples:
-Creutzfeld-Jacob disease (CJD)- there is also new variant CJD (nvCJD)
(Note: aka mad cow disease)
-Gerstmann Straussler Scheinker syndrome (GSS)
-Kuru and fatal familial insominar