Lecture 19-20 - Emerging Viruses Flashcards
What disease is probably the most communicable human disease known?
Measles or Rubeola
Does Rubeola have an iceberg effect?
No, almost 100% of non-immune individuals would quickly become infected and show disease
Measles is caused by what type of a virus?
Paramyxovirus
Measle Virus characteristics:
- Envelope or No envelope
- Genetic Material
- Transmission
- Can become immune?
- Enveloped
- (-)ssRNA
- Vertical transmission through Respiratory droplets
- Lifelong immunity to those infected
Where does the Measles virus attack first?
It initially replicates in the respiratory tract and the local lymphatic system. It then spreads via viremia throughout the body.
What causes the characteristic measles rash?
Tc cells targeting measles-infected endothelial cells of the capillaries
Explain the pathophysiology of the Measles virus
It causes cell fusion, leading to the formation of giant cells and allowing the viruses to pass directly from cell to cell and escape antibody neutralization. But Tc cells destroy viral factories resulting in elimination of infection.
How is the mortality rate of the Measles virus similar to influenza?
It is relatively low in both of these highly-contagious viruses
In those healthy individuals the die from Measles virus, what is usually the ultimate cause of death?
Viral-caused encephalitis
In poor populations: Usually because of viral and secondary bacterial pneumonia
Is mortality rate of Measles higher in poor and malnourished populations? Why?
Yes. The measles-induced immunosuppression synergizes with poverty-induced immunosuppression to cause excess mortality
Mumps virus Characteristics:
- Virus family?
- Envelope or No envelope
- Genetic Material
- Transmission
- Paramyxovirus
- Enveloped
- (-)ssRNA
- Respiratory droplets, Saliva, Contact (highly contagious)
Do Mumps have an iceberg effect?
Yes, a significant number of infected individuals do not show symptoms
What is the characteristic symptom of mumps
Parotitis - painful swelling of the salivary glands, especially the parotids
What is the Pathophysiology of Mumps
Viruses infect the salivary ducts and subsequent inflammation blocks the drainage of salivary fluids.,
Why might men not want to get Mumps????
Mumps may also infect almost any other gland of the body. This includes testicular ducts which occasionally causes sterility in adult males.. Not so good…
Rubella virus Characteristics:
- Virus Family
- Envelope or No envelope
- Genetic Material
- Transmission
- Togavirus
- Enveloped
- (+)ssRNA
= Spread by respiratory droplets
Rubella or German Measles is similar to Measles with this exception
It is comparatively benign and less infectious than Measles
What age group do we not want to contract this disease?
Unborn babies are at high risk of severe birth defects if their mothers contact the disease during the first trimester. If not for this, we wouldn’t worry much about Rubella.
What is the vaccine for Measles, mumps and rubella?
MMR vaccine. It is a live, attenuated combined vaccine. It is usually given between 12-14 months, with a booster just before school entry.
Which of the three diseases, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, affect only humans?
All of them are only found in humans.