L6: Emerging and re-emerging viral infections

Question 1

What factors are associated with the emergence of new viruses?

Answer 1

• Presence of animal reservoirs
• Geographic expansion of human populations
• Intensification of agriculture
• Disruption of habitat due to climate change
• Increased global travel

Question 2

Why is it important to study zoonotic infections?

Answer 2

• No pre-existing immunity
• Virus not yet adapted to host
• Innate IR sometimes responsible for more severe disease manifestations (eg. CK storm, overactive IR)

Question 3

Name the reservoirs for:

1. HIV
2. Nipah virus
3. SARS CoV
4. MERS CoV
5. Ebola
6. Zika

Answer 3

1. Chimpanzees
2. Fruit bats (pigs = intermediate host)
3. Chinese horseshoe bats
4. Camels
5. Probably bats but not confirmed
6. Non-human primates