Viruses Flashcards
List 3 facts about a virus particle?
a. Sub microscopic
b. Obligate intracellular parasite
c. Biologically inert
Define the capsid?
Protein shell that forms the shape of the virus.
Define the nucleocapsid?
The nucleic acid plus the capsid.
Identify the 4 shapes of nucleocapsid?
Icosahedral. Helical. Complex. Compsite.
What are the functions of the virion envelope?
Allow attachment to host cell membrane. Allows virus to exit the host cell without being destroyed. May help to camouflage virion against the immune system.
Describe the replication of non-enveloped and enveloped virions 3 basic methods?
a. Replication takes place inside the host’s cell. Enveloped virus attach to a cell with a suitable receptor and then merges with the host
b. Non enveloped virus stimulate the host cell to engulf it to gain entry known as endocytosis. It basically tricks the host’s cell into thinking it is harmless so it lets it in. Once inside the virus will break out of the vesicle around it to gain access to the cytoplasm
c. The virus injects genome into the host’s cell
Which method of replication do bacteriophages use?
Injecting genome into host cell.
List 4 differences between viruses and bacteria?
Viruses - need living cells, are not able to replicate, are not antibiotic sensitive, are interferon sensitive.
What information about a virus will aid control?
Where and when is the virus shed? How is the virus transmitted? How does the virus survive? How is the virus controlled/destroyed?
Describe the Canine Distemper virus?
An enveloped, negative-sense RNA virus, that infects different cell types.
How is canine distemper virus transmitted?
Inhalation Of aerosol droplets. Contact with infected bodily fluids.
Describe the nursing care for a 5 month old puppy suffering from canine distemper virus?
Isolation. Supportive therapy – i.v. fluids, antiemetics, antibiotics. Barrier cream around nose and eyes. Think about bedding used. Tempt to eat by warming food if not vomiting. Grooming, clip hair around anus and apply barrier cream if has diarrhoea.
Describe the clinical signs of parvovirus?
Fever, lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, haemorrhagic diarrhoea.
Describe the nursing care given to a dog suffering from canine hepatitis?
Isolation, think about bedding and lining kennel. I/V fluids, antibiotics, antiemetics. Clip around anus and apply barrier cream if diarrhoea present. Tempt to eat once not vomiting.
Name the causative agents of feline upper respiratory tract disease?
Feline calicivirus and feline herpes virus.
