Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 1, 2026
06:02
Arbovirus Infections As Screening Tools for the Identification of Viral Immunomodulators and Host Antiviral Factors
Published on: September 13, 2018
7.5K
Neglected Australian arboviruses: quam gravis?
Narayan Gyawali1, Richard S Bradbury2, John G Aaskov3
1School of Health, Medical & Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia; Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia.
Microbes and Infection
|May 30, 2017
Summary
Australia harbors over 75 arboviruses, primarily transmitted via arthropod vectors to animals. Key viruses like Ross River and dengue fever pose public health risks, necessitating further investigation into less common arboviruses.
Area of Science:
- Arbovirology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Australia has identified over 75 arboviruses, many with zoonotic transmission cycles involving arthropod vectors and animal hosts.
- Primary arboviruses causing human disease include Ross River, Barmah Forest, Murray Valley encephalitis, Kunjin, and dengue.
- Several other arboviruses are linked to human illness, but their clinical aspects and diagnostic availability are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the public health threat posed by arboviruses in Australia.
- To emphasize the need for investigating arboviruses beyond the commonly known ones.
- To address the gap in knowledge regarding less prevalent arboviruses and their clinical significance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of identified arboviruses in Australia.
- Analysis of known arbovirus transmission cycles and associated human diseases.
- Assessment of the prevalence of undifferentiated febrile illness in Australia.
Main Results:
- Over 75 arboviruses are present in Australia, with established zoonotic cycles.
- Ross River, Barmah Forest, Murray Valley encephalitis, Kunjin, and dengue are the main arboviruses of concern for human health.
- Limited data exists on the clinical presentation and diagnostics for numerous other arboviruses.
Conclusions:
- The significant presence of arboviruses in Australia warrants attention.
- Further research is crucial to understand the full spectrum of arboviral diseases and their public health impact.
- Investigating understudied arboviruses is necessary for comprehensive public health preparedness.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
50.0K
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...
50.0K
02:33Retroviruses
15.1K
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’...
15.1K
01:29Subviral Agents
670
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...
670
01:29Viruses with RNA Genomes
1.1K
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...
1.1K