ARENAVIRIDAE

• STRUCTURE: ss (-) RNA, segmented, lipid-envelope and helical capsid.
• Some ambisense (+/-) properties, like Bunyaviruses.
• Viral RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase.
• Name derives from a picture of sand on EM, which is cellular ribosomes accidentally packaged into the viral particles.
• TRANSMISSION: Natural rodent reservoir. Transmitted by rodent respiratory secretions and urine.
• LYMPHOCYTIC CHORIOMENINGITIS VIRUS: Causes meningitis.
• LASSA FEVER VIRUS:
• TRANSMISSION: Western Africa. Can be via rodent or human-to-human.
• MANIFESTATIONS: Hemorrhagic fever with hepatitis.
• MACHUPO VIRUS: Bolivian Hemorrhagic Fever. Epidemic in 1962-64 which resembles in many ways the Muerto Canyon epidemic of 1993. Rat population probably increased prior to the epidemic.
• JUNIN VIRUS

Category: Microbiology Notes