Microbiology Flashcards
What is the viral protein in a hep A virus used for? And where is it attached to the genome?
Acts as a primer for transcription and is attached to the 5’ end of the genome.
What is the genome of each Hepatitis virus and how is it kept in the cell?
HepA +ssRNA / capsid.
HepB dsRNA / Envelope.
HepC +ssRNA / Envelope.
What is more stable and robust, enveloped or non-enveloped viruses?
non-enveloped (except HBV which is an enveloped virus, it is still quite stable).
How are enveloped and non-enveloped viruses transmitted?
Enveloped are transmitted from host to host and dont survive long outside the host environment; it requires a host cell membrane to create a lipid balayer envelope.
Non-enveloped can be passed through faecal-oral route or contaminated water as they are more stable.
What is the role of the capsid?
The capsid is a protein shell that encases the nucleic acid. It has 3 main functions:
- Protects nucleic acid
- Contains special sites on its surface that allow the vision to attach to the host cell.
- Provides proteins that enable the vision to penetrate the host cell membrane and in some cases to inject the infectious nucleic acid into the cell cytoplasm.
What is the HBV vaccine made of?
A sub-unit vaccine made from HbsAg (surface antigens) produced by recombinant DNA technology.
What is the vaccination schedule for HBV vaccine?
Infants: 2, 4 and 6 months.
Adolescents: 2nd dose of adult formula at 11-15 years.
How long after vaccination with HAV do antibodies tend to appear?
1 month.
