Veterinary Virology Flashcards
Describe the properties of the nidoviruses.
Enveloped
Positive sense
RNA
Must replicate by generating negative sense RNA to make mRNA
Name nidoviruses.
Alpha, beta and gamma coronaviruses
Porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus
Feline coronavirus
Describe the structure of coronaviruses.
Enveloped virus with characteristic large peplomers/spike protein and a core containing +RNA helical nucleocapsid.
Describe the structure of coronavirus spikes.
It is a trimer – made up of 3 monomers, each with a S1 and 2 domain. Each of these has a receptor binding domain.
How do coronaviruses enter cells?
Spike protein on the virion binds to ACE-2, a cell surface protein. TMPRSS2, an enzyme, help the virion enter via endocytosis.
Describe the replication of coronaviruses.
- The virion releases it RNA into the cytoplasm.
- Some RNA is translated into proteins by the cells machinery, including the production of RdRp.
- Some of these proteins form a replication complex to make more RNA.
- Proteins and RNA are assembled into a new virion in the Golgi and released.
What are syncytia?
Coronavirus can from syncytia - syncytia are multinucleated cells.
How do coronaviruses form giant multinucleated cells?
Spike glycoprotein is expressed on the surface of the host cell and this might contribute to fusion with neighbouring uninfected cells by binding to its receptor via the ACE-2 of neighbouring cells.
What is the purpose of coronavirus budding from the intracellular ER?
The virus does not have to kill the cell and can avoid exposing its peplomers on the cell surface where antibodies may bind and mediate complement fixation or ADCC. The virus is in circular intracellular vesicles.
Describe the genome of coronaviruses.
Very large
Positive sense
5’ to 3’
6-7 genes
5’ cap
Poly A tail
What is the purpose of a 5’ cap?
Protects the growing RNA chain from degradation by nucleases
What is the purpose of a poly A tail?
Polyadenylation increases the stability of mRNAs. Plays a role in the initiation of translation promotes export from the nucleus.
How is coronavirus genome replicated?
- RNA dependent RNA polymerase can only bind to RNA and undergoes polymerisation.
- The positive strand is first copied into a full length negative strand
- Negative strand is then copied into a full length + strand.
How is porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus transmitted?
Ingestion. The virus is acid labile and the virus is protected by milk and food as it passes through the stomach.
How does TGEV enter cells?
Via attachment to receptor, aminopeptidase-N (APN), on epithelial cells on intestinal villi.
What is the incubation period of TGEV?
18-72h
What are the clinical signs of TGEV?
Vomiting
Profuse watery diarrhoea
Rapid weight loss
Dehydration
What age group of pigs are most affected by TGEV?
Dangerous in neonatal populations of swine. Asymptomatic in adult pigs
How does TGEV cause disease?
Destroys the integrity of intestinal architecture and disrupts intestinal homeostasis. Get severe blunting villus atrophy of villi. If these are damaged, affects the nutritional status of the animal.
How can TGEV be diagnosed?
- Histological staining of intestines
- Antigen capture ELISA
- Isolate the virus from dead pigs, usually from kidneys, thyroid or testicle cells samples
- RT-PCR
How can we protect against TGEV?
- Secretary IgA antibody is protective
- Vaccination of sows with live attenuated TGEV
- Depopulation and disinfection of affected pens
- Removal of Seropositive adults
Name the 2 biotypes of feline coronavirus.
Feline infectious peritonitis virus/FIPV
Feline enteric coronavirus/FECV
How is feline coronavirus transmitted?
Typically shed in faeces by healthy cats
Transmitted by the faecal-oral route
How does FECV cause disease?
Infection of the mature gastrointestinal epithelial cells