Lecture 17: Poxvirus, Picornavirus, Coronavirus - Chap 44, 46, 47 Flashcards
What type of genome do Poxviruses possess?
Linear double-stranded DNA
Describe the structure of Poxviruses.
Large, oval/brick-shaped with complex structure, containing core membrane, lateral bodies, surface tubules
Where does Poxvirus replication occur, and why is this unique?
In the cytoplasm, unique for a DNA virus because it must encode its own replication enzymes
What immune evasion strategies do Poxviruses use?
Virokines, viromimicry, virotransduction, and virostealth to evade immune responses
What diseases are caused by Poxviruses?
Smallpox, Molluscum contagiosum, Orf, and Monkeypox
How is Smallpox transmitted, and what are key symptoms?
Respiratory droplets; symptoms include fever, rash with pustules, malaise
Describe the lifecycle stages of Poxvirus replication.
Early gene transcription, DNA replication in inclusion bodies, late gene expression for structural proteins
Why was Smallpox eradication possible?
Human-only host, single serotype, consistent symptoms, effective vaccine
What is Molluscum contagiosum, and how is it transmitted?
A Poxvirus infection causing non-lytic papules; transmitted by contact
What type of genome do Picornaviruses have?
Single-stranded positive-sense RNA
Describe the Picornavirus structure.
Non-enveloped, icosahedral capsid; very small (~25-30 nm)
What is unique about Picornavirus replication?
RNA serves as mRNA, directly translated into a polyprotein, which is cleaved into functional proteins
What diseases are associated with Enteroviruses (a Picornavirus group)?
Poliomyelitis, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, viral meningitis
How does Poliovirus cause disease in the body?
Infects lymphoid tissue, spreads via viremia, and may affect the nervous system causing paralysis
Describe the immune response to Enteroviruses.
IgA provides mucosal protection; IgG prevents viremia, helping to control disease spread
How is Poliovirus controlled?
Through vaccination (IPV - inactivated, OPV - live oral vaccine)
What are the main transmission routes for Enteroviruses?
Fecal-oral, respiratory aerosols, and fomites
How is Enterovirus infection diagnosed?
PCR for viral RNA; culture from throat swabs or fecal samples
What structure gives Coronaviruses their name?
The crown-like spike (S) proteins on the viral envelope
Describe the genome type of Coronaviruses.
Single-stranded positive-sense RNA
Explain the two-phase replication process of Coronaviruses.
Early phase produces RNA polymerase; late phase generates structural proteins from a negative-sense RNA template
What role do spike proteins play in Coronavirus infections?
Allow binding to host receptors (e.g., ACE2 for SARS-CoV-2), facilitating entry into cells
What diseases are caused by Coronaviruses?
Common cold, SARS, MERS, and COVID-19
How does COVID-19 affect the body?
Causes respiratory issues, systemic inflammation, and may lead to severe complications like ARDS
What immune evasion mechanisms are used by Coronaviruses?
Several non-structural proteins (e.g., PLPro, NendoU) suppress immune signaling
How is COVID-19 primarily transmitted?
Respiratory droplets, airborne particles, and contact with contaminated surfaces
What are common symptoms of COVID-19?
Fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste/smell, shortness of breath
What high-risk groups are most affected by COVID-19?
Older adults and people with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity
How is COVID-19 diagnosed?
RT-PCR for viral RNA from nasal or throat swabs
What treatments are available for COVID-19?
Antivirals (e.g., remdesivir), supportive care, and vaccination
Describe control measures for COVID-19.
Vaccination, quarantine, mask-wearing, social distancing
How did SARS and MERS outbreaks inform COVID-19 response?
Highlighted zoonotic transmission, need for quarantine, and rapid vaccine development
What vaccination types are available for COVID-19?
mRNA vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna), viral vector vaccines (J&J)
Explain the significance of the Coronavirus envelope.
Protects RNA genome and enhances survival in the respiratory and GI tracts
What diagnostic tools are used for Poxvirus infections?
Serology, electron microscopy, PCR for viral DNA
What treatments are used for severe Poxvirus infections?
Vaccinia immune globulin, cidofovir for vaccinia complications
Question
Answer
Which virus is associated with warts and cervical cancer?
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
What do HPV types 16 and 18 increase the risk of?
Cervical, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers
How does HPV evade immune detection?
Hides from immune responses, allowing persistent infection
What cells does HPV primarily infect?
Epithelial cells of skin or mucous membranes
What are the key oncogenes in HPV that promote cell growth?
E6 and E7 proteins
How does HPV affect p53 and RB proteins?
Inactivates them to promote uncontrolled cell growth
What is the common symptom of HPV infection on the skin?
Benign warts
How is HPV commonly transmitted?
By direct or sexual contact, and fomites
Which method is used for HPV detection in clinical settings?
PCR genome analysis of cervical swabs
Which HPV types are targeted by available vaccines?
Types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58
What virus is linked to Merkel cell carcinoma?
MCPyV (Merkel Cell Polyomavirus)
What disease does JCV cause in immunocompromised individuals?
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
How is JCV transmitted?
Inhalation or contact with contaminated water or saliva
What type of cells are affected in JCV-associated PML?
Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes
What is a distinguishing characteristic of PML lesions?
Demyelination with large abnormal astrocytes and oligodendrocytes
How is PML diagnosed in patients suspected of JCV infection?
PCR detection of viral DNA in cerebrospinal fluid and MRI/CT scans
What organ is primarily affected by BK virus in immunocompromised individuals?
Kidneys
How do polyomaviruses, such as BK virus, maintain persistent infection?
Establish latent infection in organs like kidneys and lungs
Which proteins do both HPV and polyomaviruses use to disrupt cell cycle regulation?
T antigen (in polyomaviruses) and E6/E7 proteins (in HPV)
What method is ineffective for polyomavirus control and treatment?
No effective mode of control is currently available
How does HPV tissue tropism vary by type?
Specific HPV types infect different tissues and determine disease manifestation
Which polyomavirus is commonly associated with kidney disease?
BK virus
What triggers reactivation of JCV and BK virus?
Immunocompromised state
Why are JCV infections usually asymptomatic in early life?
The virus remains latent and does not cause symptoms in healthy individuals
In which population are both HPV and polyomaviruses a significant health concern?
Immunocompromised individuals