DNA Viruses and Herpesviridae Overview

A highly contagious childhood illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is characterized by a fever and a rash of itchy, fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) that progress to pus-filled bumps (pustules) and then scabs (crusts).

Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in adults, often years after an initial chickenpox infection. Shingles causes painful, blistering rash along the path of a nerve.

A chronic and debilitating pain condition that can occur after shingles. It is characterized by persistent pain, tingling, or numbness in the area of the shingles rash even after the rash has healed.

The immune system's ability to destroy infected cells. This is important for controlling VZV infection.

VZV reactivation and shingles are more common in older adults. This is partly due to a decline in VZV-specific cell-mediated immunity.

The transfer of cytomegalovirus (CMV) from a pregnant woman to her offspring during pregnancy or birth.

The process of how CMV interacts with and affects the immune system, leading to different outcomes.

CMV infection can cause different levels of disease severity depending on the individuals' age and immune status.

The presence of antibodies against CMV in a mother's blood, which reduces the risk of CMV transmission to the fetus.

A mother who has never been infected with CMV before and has no antibodies in her blood.

A mother who has previously been infected with CMV and has antibodies in her blood against the virus.

The most common congenital infection in high-income countries, often impacting fetal development.

CMV transmission from a pregnant woman to her fetus.

Acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir are medications used to treat VZV infections, including shingles, in adults and immunocompromised individuals.

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a painful condition that can occur after shingles. There is no effective treatment for PHN.

The Oka strain vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine used to prevent VZV infections. It is administered after 1 year of age.

VZV vaccination, either with live attenuated or recombinant vaccines, boosts the immune system's response to VZV, ultimately preventing or reducing the severity of the disease.

CMV is a member of the Betaherpesvirinae subfamily of viruses, infecting only humans.

While CMV usually causes mild or asymptomatic infections in healthy individuals, it can cause severe disease in immunocompromised patients and fetuses.

CMV replicates in fibroblasts, epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages.

CMV establishes latency in myeloid cells, meaning it remains hidden within these cells.

A common viral infection that can cause serious health problems in newborns and immunocompromised individuals.

A condition in which CMV infection occurs in individuals with weakened immune systems.

A leading cause of hearing loss in children, second only to Down syndrome as a cause of cognitive impairment.

The possibility that CMV might contribute to the development of various inflammatory diseases and cancers.

In permissive cells, E2 expression leads to viral replication, but in non-permissive cells, blocking E2 inhibits replication, contributing to cancer progression.

The ability of some cells to support a complete viral replication cycle, while others are only able to produce early viral products. This can lead to abortive infection and potentially cancer development.

A type of HPV infection where the virus is unable to complete its replication cycle due to cellular factors that hinder its progress.

HPV infection occurs when the virus enters cells, promoting epithelial proliferation, resulting in the development of warts or papillomas.

The longer a high-risk HPV infection persists, the greater the chance of developing precancerous or cancerous cells.

HPV types 6 and 11 are associated with benign genital warts (condylomata acuminata), while high-risk types like 16 and 18 are linked to cervical cancer.

Viral proteins E6 and E7 are crucial in HPV-related carcinogenesis. They interfere with tumor suppressor proteins like p53 and pRb, contributing to uncontrolled cell growth.

HPV infection typically occurs through breaks in the epithelial lining, infecting basal cells. Most infections are transient (clear within 3 years), but some persist and may lead to cancer.

HPV infection is diagnosed using molecular tests that detect the presence of the viral genome (DNA) in samples like cervical swabs.

Cervical cancer prevention strategies include regular screening using Pap smears and HPV tests, which detect precancerous cells and viral presence.

HPV vaccines target specific HPV types (e.g., 6, 11, 16, 18) to prevent both warts and cancer.

HPV vaccines are composed of virus-like particles (VLPs) that mimic the structure of the virus but are not capable of causing infection.

Routine HPV vaccination is recommended for both boys and girls at age 11-12 years, even though they may not be sexually active.

Even after vaccination, continued cervical cancer screening is necessary as vaccines may not cover all HPV types and other factors can contribute to cancer development.

A virus that can cause cancer. Oncogenic viruses establish persistent infections that may lead to cancer development. They do not kill their host cell, instead, they establish long-term infections.

A condition where the body's immune system is weakened, making it more susceptible to infections and diseases like cancer. Suppression of the immune system often leads to a delay in the recognition and clearance of cancerous cells.

The environment surrounding a tumor, encompassing cells, signaling molecules, and the extracellular matrix. It plays a crucial role in tumor growth, metastasis, and response to therapy.

A type of immune response characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain. It's the body's natural defense mechanism to fight off infections and injury. Some viruses and bacteria can manipulate this process to their advantage, promoting inflammation and tumor growth.

A crucial part of a virus's life cycle, where the virus integrates its genetic material into the host's DNA. This allows the virus to persist within the host cell and potentially contribute to cancer development.

Viral proteins that contribute to the development of cancer. They can disrupt normal cellular processes, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation.

The Epstein-Barr virus, a common human herpesvirus that primarily infects B lymphocytes. EBV is associated with several cancers, including Burkitt's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

A cancer of the B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. It's associated with EBV infection and is particularly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa.

A type of cancer that frequently arises in the nasopharynx, the area at the back of the nose. It's strongly linked to EBV infection and specific geographic regions like Southeast Asia.

A group of related DNA viruses that can infect humans. Some HPV types are associated with cervical cancer, while others cause skin and mucosal lesions.

A cancer of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. It's the fourth most common type of cancer in women worldwide. HPV infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer.

A test that detects the presence of viral DNA or RNA in biological samples, such as blood or tissue. A highly accurate tool for identifying viral infections, including those associated with cancer, such as EBV or HPV.

The presence of specific antibodies in the blood, indicating a past or current infection. Serological testing is widely used to diagnose viral infections, including EBV and HPV.

The ability of viruses to evade the body's immune system. This allows viruses to establish persistent infections and potentially contribute to cancer development. The body's immune system is often suppressed in the presence of cancer.

An increase in the number of blood cells, particularly white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting infections. It's a common symptom of infections, including viral infections like EBV.

A type of white blood cell that is typically enlarged and atypical in appearance in conditions like infectious mononucleosis (mono) caused by EBV.