Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 3, 2026
05:45
Validating Whole Genome Nanopore Sequencing, using Usutu Virus as an Example
Published on: March 11, 2020
9.2K
An overview of Usutu virus.
Paolo Gaibani1, Giada Rossini1
1Operative Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
Microbes and Infection
|June 13, 2017
Summary
Usutu virus (USUV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, has spread from Africa to Europe. This review covers its ecology, spread, and potential as a human pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Usutu virus (USUV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus originating in Africa.
- USUV has expanded its range and is now prevalent in several European countries.
- Understanding USUV's ecology and transmission is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current knowledge on Usutu virus.
- To explore USUV's ecological, epidemiological, and phylogenetic aspects.
- To discuss USUV's clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and role as a human pathogen.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on USUV.
- Analysis of ecological and epidemiological data.
- Review of phylogenetic studies and clinical case reports.
Main Results:
- USUV has a complex ecology involving mosquitoes and birds, with potential spillover to humans.
- Phylogenetic analysis reveals distinct USUV lineages.
- Clinical manifestations in humans are variable, and diagnosis requires specific laboratory methods.
Conclusions:
- Usutu virus represents a growing public health concern in Europe.
- Further research is needed to fully understand USUV transmission dynamics and pathogenicity.
- Integrated surveillance and diagnostic strategies are essential for managing USUV.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Subviral Agents
435
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...
435
01:29Viruses with RNA Genomes
653
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...
653
01:28Introduction to Virus
1.1K
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...
1.1K
00:50What are Viruses?
127.2K
Overview
127.2K
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
49.1K
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...
49.1K
02:33Retroviruses
14.5K
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’...
14.5K