5 Questions
What is unique about the replication of arenaviruses?
It occurs in the cytoplasm
What is the shape of the arenavirus capsid?
Helical
What is the mode of transmission of arenaviruses to humans?
Rodent-borne
What is the disease caused by Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCV)?
Febrile aseptic meningitis
What is the mortality rate of hemorrhagic fever caused by arenaviruses in West Africa?
50%
Study Notes
Arenavirus Characteristics
- Has a single-stranded negative sense RNA genome
- Replicates in the cytoplasm
- Enveloped virus with a helical shaped capsid
- Can encode both negative and positive sense RNA
- Spiral banners represent the helical shape of the capsid
- Characterized by a granular, sandy outer capsid appearance on electron microscopy
Transmission and Disease
- Typically transmitted through rodents
- Causes diseases in humans, including lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCV)
- LCV causes febrile aseptic meningitides
- May also cause hemorrhagic fever with a high mortality rate (up to 50%) in West Africa
Sensitivity and Inactivation
- Inactivated by heating, low pH, irradiation, and detergents
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