Togaviruses

Questions

1. Describe the general properties, including its relation to arboviruses.

2. What are the main Genus types present, describe in detail each one, including diagnosis and symptomology?

General properties of togaviruses include: 40-50nm in size, enveloped, icosahedral, ss, +ve polarity. Contains some important arbo viruses ≫these viruses are transmitted from infected arthropods via bites and stings. Symptoms are discussed according to the target organ infected. There are two main genus types include: alpha and rubivirus. Alpha virus cause sub-clinical infections which may cause fever, encephalitis ≫ EEE, WEE, VEE. Ross River fever is called ≫ which is a case of epidermic polyarthritis, caused by Culex anulirostris, Aedes vigilax, and other Aedes spp. Barmah Forest Virus infection: causes epidermic polyathritis and is an important virus nowadays. Ross River Virus: this is the most common arboviral infection in Australia, as domestic and native animals become reservoirs. Symptoms include: pain in muscles and joints, polyarthritis, maculopapular rash, malaise, and headache. Diagnosis is confirmed serologically. The Rubivirus causes Rubella, to which there is now a vaccine ≫ MMR, given to all women before puberty. You get rash, enlarged glands behind neck, polyarthralgia. Confirmation of rubella is done via serological testing, looking for IGM or four fold increase in IgG. Congenitial rubella is a killer if acquired during early weeks of pregnancy (<>12 wks presents deafness only.

Category: Microbiology Notes