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Related Concept Videos

Introduction to Virus01:28

Introduction to Virus

Viruses are unique biological entities that blur the boundary between living and non-living systems. Although they lack cellular structure and metabolic processes, they can exhibit characteristics of life when infecting a host. Their defining feature is a nucleic acid core, composed of either DNA or RNA, encapsulated within a protein coat called a capsid. This simple structure allows them to invade host cells and use their machinery for replication efficiently.Viral Structure and...
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Viruses 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...
Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

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’...
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Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

Validating Whole Genome Nanopore Sequencing, using Usutu Virus as an Example
05:45

Validating Whole Genome Nanopore Sequencing, using Usutu Virus as an Example

Published on: March 11, 2020

Usutu virus, Italy, 1996.

Herbert Weissenböck1, Tamás Bakonyi, Giacomo Rossi

  • 1University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria. herbert.weissenboeck@vetmeduni.ac.at

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|January 26, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Usutu virus was identified in Italian bird deaths from 1996. This finding suggests Usutu virus (USUV) was introduced into Europe much earlier than previously believed.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Virology
  • Ornithological Epidemiology
  • Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

  • Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging flavivirus known to cause significant bird mortality.
  • Previous understanding placed the introduction of USUV into Europe significantly later than 1996.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the causative agent of unexplained bird deaths in Tuscany, Italy, in 1996.
  • To determine the genetic relationship of the identified virus to known Usutu virus strains.
  • To reassess the timeline of Usutu virus introduction into Europe.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of archived avian tissue samples collected in 1996.
  • Partial viral genome sequencing.
  • Phylogenetic analysis to compare with existing Usutu virus strains.

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Isolation of Fidelity Variants of RNA Viruses and Characterization of Virus Mutation Frequency
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Isolation of Fidelity Variants of RNA Viruses and Characterization of Virus Mutation Frequency

Published on: June 16, 2011

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Isolation of Fidelity Variants of RNA Viruses and Characterization of Virus Mutation Frequency
18:10

Isolation of Fidelity Variants of RNA Viruses and Characterization of Virus Mutation Frequency

Published on: June 16, 2011

Main Results:

  • Usutu virus was definitively identified in tissue samples from deceased birds.
  • Partial sequencing confirmed the Italian 1996 isolate is closely related to the 2001 Vienna strain.
  • The genetic data indicates Usutu virus circulated in Europe by at least 1996.

Conclusions:

  • The 1996 Usutu virus detection in Italy predates its previously assumed arrival in Europe.
  • This discovery necessitates a revision of the epidemiological history of Usutu virus in the European context.
  • Archived samples are crucial for understanding the historical emergence of zoonotic viruses.