Picornavirus (Virus) Flashcards
Class family features of Picornavirus?
Small, naked icosahedral RNA virus. Mostly enterovirus genera, but also a rhinovirus genera and Hep A (HAV) genera.
Picornaviruses are mostly of the enterovirus genera but whats special about them?
Its enterovirus because its fecal-oral transmission, however no diarrhea is caused.
Which age group is susceptable to be infected by picornaviruses?
Older than 9.
Acid and alcohol vs picorna virus?
Stable at pH of 3, resistant to alcohol and detergents due to no envelops.
What are the 3 enteroviruses of the picornavirus?
Polio, coxackie A and B, and echovirus.
What physical growth characteristics is interesting about Rhinoviruses?
Not stable at pH of 3 like enteroviruses, however grows quite well at 33 degrees C, hence they stay around the nasopharynx area. (Steam from chicken soup will kill the virus in the nasopharynx).
How is Polio transmitted and what is its target?
Transmitted fecal-oral, and the anterior horn motor neurons are the target. It is a lytic virus so it will destroy the neuron.
What are clinical features of Polio virus?
Asymptomatic or fever of unknown origin at first, aseptic meningitis (characteristic of all enteroviruses), and paralytic polio (flaccid paralysis but no sensory loss).
How can Polio be treated?
Live vaccine (Sabin) and killed vaccine (Salk), we only use the Salk in the U.S. because polio is already destroyed in the U.S., using the live vaccine Sabin would actually increase the risk of having polio.
