Virus Virulence Flashcards
What are the two types of genetic instructions viruses contain?
Structural (assembled into new virus particles and non structural (polymerases)
How do some viruses make us sick?
- altering physiology of a tissue
- Viruses cause inflammation
What cells detect viral infection near or at the site of infection?
Cytokines - these chemical messengers attract immune cells circulating in the blood to the infected tissue.
What can excess inflammation lead to?
Severe virus diseases including hemorrhagic fevers ex: Ebola has leaky blood vessels - internal bleeding and encephalitis.
What is viral hepatitis?
This is inflammation of the liver.
How are Hep A and E transmitted?
Via the fecal/oral route.
Is Hep A and E short lived?
Yes, they are generally acute infections - vaccine for hep A available.
Hep B and C can cause which types of infections?
Short lived or long lived infections - depending on the individual infected.
How are Hep B and C transmitted?
Via the blood - needle sharing, unprotected sex or from a mother to her unborn child.
Which hep is there antivirals for but not a vaccine?
Hep C
Which hep is there a vaccine for but no cure?
Hep B
How is Hep D transmitted?
In people who already have hep B. Transmission is the same for both. Hep B vaccine helps with Hep D infection.
What are the three direct diagnostic tests for virus detection?
Electron microscopy - morphology and tissue changes
PCR - detect nucleic acid
Antibodies - antigen
What are the 2 indirect diagnostic tests of virus detection?
Cytopathic effects - cells are put onto cell culture in the lab
Fusing ex: sinusitis
What is serology used for, what type of method?
ELISA
Detection of antibodies.
