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Mimiviridae, Marseilleviridae, and virophages as emerging human pathogens causing healthcare-associated infections

Anton G Kutikhin1, Arseniy E Yuzhalin2, Elena B Brusina3

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, Kemerovo State Medical Academy, Kemerovo, Russian Federation ; Central Research Laboratory, Kemerovo State Medical Academy, Kemerovo, Russian Federation ; Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases under the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Kemerovo, Russian Federation.

GMS Hygiene and Infection Control
|August 26, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Viruses from the Mimiviridae family are potential causes of pneumonia, including healthcare-associated pneumonia, and may worsen outcomes in intensive care unit patients. Further research is needed to understand their exact role in respiratory infections.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Viruses within the Mimiviridae and Marseilleviridae families (order Megavirales) have emerged as potential contributors to pneumonia.
  • The role of these viral families, along with virophages, in respiratory tract infections, especially healthcare-associated pneumonia, warrants investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the association of Mimiviridae, Marseilleviridae, and virophages with pneumonia.
  • To explore their potential role in healthcare-associated pneumonia and other respiratory infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of published articles.
  • Analysis of studies investigating viral associations with pneumonia.

Main Results:

  • Mimiviridae viruses are implicated as potential agents of both community-acquired and healthcare-associated pneumonia.
  • These viruses may be linked to adverse outcomes in intensive care unit patients.
  • The pathogenicity mechanisms and discrepancies in detection methods for Mimiviridae remain unclear.

Conclusions:

  • Mimiviridae viruses are potential causative agents of pneumonia, particularly in intensive care settings.
  • Further research is essential to elucidate Mimiviridae pathogenicity and identify risk groups.
  • The role of Marseilleviridae viruses and virophages in pneumonia remains undetermined.
Keywords:
giant viruseshealthcare-associated infectionsmarseilleviridaemimiviridaemimiviruspneumoniavirophages

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