Unit 1 - Antivirials And Prions Flashcards
Why is it difficult to make antivirals
Since viruses use the hosts cells to replicate which makes this difficult to find targets for the drug that would interferes with the virus without also harming the host cells. And virus variation.
What is an antiviral
An agent that kills a virus or that suppresses its ability to replicate and hence inhibits its capacity to multiply and reproduce
How do most antivirals work
Interfere with viral nucleic acid synthesis or regulation. Or interfere with viral cell binding or interruption of virus coating or release. Some antivirals also enhance the immune system of the host
What is a prion
Proteinaceous infectious particles that resist inactivation by procedures that degrade or damage nucleic acids. Prions are normal cellular proteins that undergo confirmational changes and become pathogenic. Very resistant to environmental effects. Do not invoke inflammatory or immune response. Can be transmitted horizontally and perhaps vertically
Describe prion diseases
Transmissible spongiform and cephalopod to use. 9 neurodegenerative diseases with long incubation period for months to years. Cause large vacuoles to form in the brain. Fatal diseases
Name all of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies of animals
Scrapies, bovine spongiform encephalopathies, feline spongiform encephalopathies, chronic wasting disease, transmissible mink encephalopathies
What are the human transmissible spongiform encephalopathies
Creutzfeld-Jakob disease, fatal familial insomnia, kuru, gersttman-straussler-scheinker disease
What is scrapies
Does occur in Canada and United States. Has been known since 1732 but infectious agent remain unknown until 1982. Affects sheep and goats between 3 to 5 years of age. Incubation. 2 to 5 years. Does not appear to be transmittable to humans
What are the clinical signs of scrapie’s
Behavior changes, may become excitable. Tremors of the head and neck. Intense pruritis, weakness, ataxia, fatal
What is the diagnosis for scrapie
Based on clinical signs, flock history and, microscopic evaluation of the brain
How do you prevent scrapie
Infectious and could be transmitted to other sheep. Slaughter infected sheep and those sheep that were in contact with infected sheep
What is bovine spongiform encephalopathy
mad cow disease
What are the clinical signs of bovine spongiform encephalopathic
Change in behavior, incoordination, milk production disease, weight loss, fatal. Most cattle affected or 3 to 5 years of age
How do you diagnose bovine spongiform encephalopathy
Based on clinical signs, third history, microscopic a valuation of the brain
How did mad cow disease first start
From feeding cattle meat and bone meal that contains infected products from a spontaneously occur in case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy
