Picornavirus & Polio Flashcards
Structure of picornavirus
- small, non-enveloped, icosahedral virus
- ss (+) sense RNA
Which picornaviruses are acid stable?
- Enterovirus
2. Hep A virus
Clinically important picornaviruses:
o Poliovirus o Coxsackieviruses (serotypes A and B) o Echoviruses o Enteroviruses o Rhinoviruses And Hep A (non-enterovirus)
What is true of genetic information transfer within species groups?
Recombine in the wild to become more virulent.
Can also recombine across species groups (cross-species sex does not lead to more fit viruses = they don’t transmit)
What molecules of the virus and host define serotypes?
- Neturalizing antibodies from the host
- Antigenic epitopes of capsid proteins (on the surface of virus particles)
What is recognized by antibodies to neutralize infectivity?
The epitopes on capsid proteins (particular flavors for each virus)
Immunity to one serotype IS/IS NOT protective against other serotypes?
IS NOT protective - this is why it is the most infectious virus…
Most common outcome of picornavirus infection?
- Asymptomatic infection (coexist well together, and try not to kill host)
Diseases caused by picornavirus
- Aseptic meningitis
- Encephalitis
- Paralysis (AFP)
- Respiratory illness
- Myocarditis
- Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease
Cause of myocarditis in newborns, adolescents or young adults? Who has the most severe disease?
Coxsackie B virus
Neonates have more severe disease
What molecules of the virus and host define picornavirus serotypes?
Serotypes of picornoviruses are related to both viral and host elements. Serology is determined by antigenic epitopes of viral capsid proteins to which the host makes neutralizing antibodies. Serotypes require both the antigen and antibody.
What months do you usually get enterovirus?
Late summer and early fall (June - Oct)
Common presentations of enterovirus
- Children: Fever, rash & exanthem
- Adults: Aseptic meningitis b/c adults tolerate this poorly
- Both: URIs
Why are the organisms causing meningitis in newborns different from those in children > 6 months of age?
Maternal antibodies - newborns have them… because mom has been exposed before she had the baby.
What is the “protective immune response” to the organisms causing meningitis in children > 6 months of age?
Antibodies! All 3 are encapsulated, so antibodies to the capsules. You must have a B-cell response.