BUNYAVIRIDAE

• STRUCTURE: ss (-) RNA, segmented, 3 segments. Enveloped. Spherical, helical nucleocapsid. There may be some ambisense (+/-) characteristics.
• RNA-Dependent RNA-Polymerase is present.
• DIAGNOSIS: Serology -- no culture.
• BUNYAVIRUSES: Arboviruses
• CALIFORNIA ENCEPHALITIS VIRUS:
• Fatality: less than 1%
• LA CROSSE VIRUS:
• PHLEBOVIRUSES:
• RIFT VALLEY FEVER VIRUS:
• HANTAVIRUSES: Rodent-born viruses, not arboviruses. Transmitted by rodent urine and respiratory secretions.
• HANTAAN VIRUS: First discovered member of this family. From 1950's Korea (Korean War).
• MANIFESTATIONS: Korean Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). Incubation period 2 - 4 weeks.
• MUERTO CANYON VIRUS: Relative of Hantaavirus discovered in 1993 epidemic in New Mexico, U.S.
• MANIFESTATIONS: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). ARDS-like syndrome with 70% fatality.
• TRANSMISSION: Deer Mouse was newly discovered and found to be the vector. Direct contact with rodents or rodent-products required.
• TREATMENT: Respiratory therapy. Ribavirin was once shown effective, but requires special permission to use.
• SEOUL VIRUS:

Category: Microbiology Notes