Influenza Flashcards
What is the incubation period of influenza?
1-5 days
What is the infectious period of influenza?
5-6 days
What receptors do the influenza virus bind to?
Sialic acid containing receptors on non-ciliated respiratory epithelium
What type of linkage does sialic acid have to galactose in humans?
alpha2-6 linkage
Where does the influenza virus replicate?
in epithelial cells of upper and lower airways - particularly in the bronchi
Which cytokine produced by the inflammatory response to influenza virus results in fever?
IL-1
Which cytokine produced by the inflammatory response to influenza virus results in muscle aches?
IFN
Where might replication occur later on in the influenza infection?
In ciliated epithelium of trachea and bronchi
What pathogens may cause a secondary bacterial infection after an infection of influenza?
H. influenzae, staph aureus, strep pneumoniae
Which family is the influenza virus a member of?
The orthomyxoviridae family
What feature is unique to influenza and rotavirus?
Segmented genome
How many segments are there in influenza?
8
What type of genome is influenza?
- sense ssRNA
What types of influenza are there based on their immunological cross reactivity?
Type A, B and C
Which types are human pathogens?
A and B
Which type can infect other species?
Type A
What are the features of the virion?
Envelope, glycoproteins on the surface (haemoglutinin and neuraminidase), matrix, 8 ribonucleoproteins, M2 protein (ion channel), NEP protein (for replication)
What non structural protein is there in influenza?
NS1 - to counteract interferons
How many genes does influenza encode?
10+
What is the action of haemoglutinin?
Binds to sialic acid to initiate entry