Lyssaviruses
1Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. Louis.Nel@up.ac.za
Critical Reviews in Microbiology
|November 23, 2007
Summary
Rabies, caused by lyssaviruses, is a persistent viral disease. Despite effective vaccines and diagnostics, it remains a significant global health threat due to poor surveillance and underestimation, especially in developing nations.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Lyssaviruses cause rabies, an ancient and enduring viral disease.
- Decades-old diagnostics and vaccines have aided disease control in specific regions.
- Rabies control has been achieved in some North American and Western European reservoir species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the current global threat of rabies.
- To underscore the underestimation of rabies in developing countries.
- To emphasize the need for increased awareness and surveillance.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and current epidemiological data on rabies.
- Analysis of factors contributing to rabies persistence and spread.
- Assessment of public health and veterinary implications.
Main Results:
- Rabies continues to spread to new hosts and geographical areas.
- Lack of awareness, apathy, and poor surveillance contribute to underestimation.
- Rabies poses a greater global public and veterinary health threat than previously recognized.
Conclusions:
- Effective control measures exist but are inconsistently applied globally.
- Rabies remains a critical and escalating global health challenge.
- Enhanced surveillance and awareness are crucial for mitigating rabies risks worldwide.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Viruses with RNA Genomes
RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
01:29Subviral Agents
Subviral agents are infectious entities that resemble viruses but lack one or more viral components, such as a capsid or essential replication machinery. These agents include viroids, prions, and satellites, each possessing distinct structural and functional characteristics that influence their mode of infection and replication.Viroids are the simplest subviral agents, consisting of circular, single-stranded RNA molecules without a protein coat. They exclusively infect plants, relying entirely...
01:29Viruses of Archaea
Archaeal viruses play a crucial role in the ecosystems of extremophilic archaea, particularly those belonging to the phyla Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. By shaping host evolution and facilitating gene transfer, these viruses influence microbial communities and contribute to genetic diversity in extreme environments. The archaea they infect thrive in acidic hot springs and hydrothermal vents characterized by high temperatures and low pH. Archaeal viruses exhibit remarkable structural...
01:26Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...
02:33Retroviruses
Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
01:22Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors
Antiviral Nucleoside InhibitorsAntiviral nucleoside inhibitors are structural analogs of natural nucleosides that interfere with viral DNA or RNA synthesis. These compounds selectively target viral polymerases due to their resemblance to host nucleosides, thereby disrupting viral genome replication.Mechanism of Acyclovir ActionAcyclovir is a guanosine analog with a three-carbon acyclic side chain. It selectively targets herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2),...