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