Viruses and immune system evasion Flashcards
What is herpes simplex virus type 1?
- HSV type 1
- cutaneous exposure, mouth cold sores
- herpesviridae family of viruses
- acute infection
- Viral load is not cleared
- Remains as latent infection in DORSAL ROOT GANGLIA innervating the mucosa of that acute infection
- Immunodeficiency may be caused through severe cases
What is herpes simplex virus type 2?
- genital herpes
- Viral load is not cleared
- Remains as latent infection in DORSAL ROOT GANGLIA innervating the mucosa of that acute infection
- Immunodeficiency may be caused through severe cases
How is HSV diagnosed?
HSV = herpes simplex virus
type 1 and 2
- Sx based
- swabs taken for genital infection, testing using PCR
What is Varicella Zoster infection?
= chickenpox
- belongs to herpesviridae virus family
- Dx usually based on Sx
- Can take swab at ulcer base and send for PCR
Virus remains as latent infection in dorsal root ganglia
Reactivations = shingles
once infected, virus never completely clears
What is cytomegalovirus?
- congenital CMV
- causes hearing, visual and intellectual impairment
- herpeviridae virus family
- more common in developing countries and lower socioeconomic groups
- often asymptomatic
- Sx: fever, lymphadenopathy, fatigue, muscle aches, appetite loss and stiff joints
What are the features of human CMV infection?
- once infected, virus is not cleared
- latent, remains in lymphocytes
- can be reactivated
- infection (reactivated or primary) during pregnancy can be transmitted to foetus
What is EBV?
= epstein barr virus
- herpesviridae virus family
- latency in lymphocytes
- transmitted by contact with body fluids e.g saliva or via sexual contact
Glandular fever Sx: 4-6 weeks to appear
Sx: fatigue, fever, pharyngitis, cervical lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, rash
- Dx: Sx and IgM Ab test
What are the common herpesviridae viruses?
- HSV type 1
- HSV type 2
- Varicella Zoster
- CMV
- EBV
All stay latent then reactivate once infected
What is adenovirus?
- Eye infections: transmission via contact
- Respiratory infection
- Gastro infection: transmission via faecal-oral
What is pappillomavirus? How is it Dx?
non-enveloped DNA virus
Dx: usually based on Sx but can also do PCR
What is measles? How is it Dx?
measles virus: RNA virus, transmitted via respiratory tract
Dx: IgM Ab serology, throat swab looking for viral RNA by PCR
What is rubella? How is it Dx?
RNA virus
airborne transmission
Can also cause congenital infection if transmitted mother to baby
Dx: blood sample from baby to look for IgM
Carry out PCR for viral RNA
What is mumps? How is it Dx?
RNA virus
airborne transmission
Sx: swollen salivary glands, fever, headache, muscle ache, swollen tested
Dx: Sx, salivary PCR, serum IgM
What is parvovirus B19? How is it Dx?
DNA virus
respiratory transmission
can also be transmitted in utero to foetus
causes erthyema infectiosum (classic ‘slapped cheek’ appearance)
Dx: IgM, blood PCR for viral nucleic acid
What is rotavirus? How is it Dx?
dsRNA virus
faecal oral transmission
causes diarrhoea (particular in infants)
Dx: Sx, PCR, Ag detection test
What is haemorrhagic fever virus? How is it Dx?
viruses e.g. Lassa fever (arenaviridae)
RNA virus, enveloped
infected animals shed virus in urine/faeces
Direct contact with this infected material through inhalation or ingestion causes infection transmission
Dx: Blood PCR
What are the early Sx of Ebola infection?
Sx can appear between 2-21 days after exposure Is only contagious after Sx begin - fever - headache - diarrhoea - vomiting - stomach and muscle pain - unexplained bleeding or bruising Dx: blood PCR
What is Ebola virus?
RNA virus
enveloped
natural reservoir not yet known
possible that first patient was infected via contact with infected animal (bat or primate)
Then person to person transmission
Need direct contact with blood or bodily fluids
e.g. via contaminated needles