M1 Orthomyxoviridae, Paramyxoviridae & Rubella Virus

Orthomyxoviridae

A family of viruses which includes the influenza viruses, characterized by their spherical shape and negative-sense RNA.

Influenza Virus

A virus that causes the disease influenza, known for its variability and ability to cause pandemics.

Single-stranded RNA

A type of nucleic acid that consists of a single strand, as seen in influenza viruses.

Enveloped virus

A virus that is surrounded by a lipid membrane, which in the case of influenza, comes from the host cell.

Genetic reassortment

The process by which two different strains of viruses infect a single cell and exchange genetic material, potentially forming a new strain.

Transmission (influenza)

Mainly through direct contact or respiratory droplets.

Influenza A

The most studied and variable type of influenza virus, known to cause pandemics.

Antigenic drift

Minor antigen changes that occur annually in influenza viruses due to RNA replication errors.

Antigenic shift

Major antigenic changes in influenza A viruses, leading to the emergence of new subtypes and potential pandemics.

Hemagglutinin (HA)

Surface glycoprotein on influenza viruses responsible for binding to host cell receptors.

Neuraminidase (NA)

Surface glycoprotein that facilitates the release of new viral particles from infected cells.

Matrix protein M1

Major structural protein of the influenza virus that helps form the inner lining of the viral envelope.

Nucleoprotein (NP)

Protein that binds to the viral RNA to form the ribonucleoprotein complex.

RNA polymerase

An enzyme responsible for the transcription and replication of the RNA genome in influenza viruses.

Epidemiology of Influenza A

Influenza A can affect all age groups, with immunocompromised individuals at greater risk of severe disease.

Neuraminidase inhibitors

Antiviral medications such as oseltamivir and zanamivir used to treat influenza infections.

Nasopharyngeal swabs

Specimens commonly used for laboratory diagnosis of influenza.

Annual vaccination

Recommended preventive measure against influenza, especially for high-risk groups.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

A major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children.

Reye syndrome

A serious condition that can occur in children and adolescents, potentially following influenza infection.

Paramyxoviruses

A family of viruses that includes several pathogens that cause respiratory infections.

Croup

A childhood condition characterized by a barking cough, often caused by viral infections; commonly associated with parainfluenza viruses.

Mumps virus

A virus that primarily infects children, causing parotitis and other complications.

Koplik spots

A clinical manifestation of measles that presents as small spots in the mouth, signaling an ongoing viral infection.

Congenital rubella syndrome

A serious condition in infants caused by maternal rubella infection during the first trimester.

Live attenuated vaccine

A type of vaccine that contains live microbes that have been weakened so they cannot cause disease.

RSV epidemiology

Most common cause of bronchiolitis and viral pneumonia in children under five.

Laboratory diagnosis

Tests utilized to identify viral infections, including RT-PCR, cultures, and serological tests.

Viremia

The presence of viruses in the bloodstream.

Antibody response

The immune response involving the production of antibodies to fight infections.

Sialic acid

A sugar molecule that hemagglutinin binds to on host cell surfaces, facilitating viral entry.

Influenza B

Type of influenza virus that is less variable than Influenza A but still poses a health risk.

Vaccination recommendations

Guidelines suggested by health organizations for immunizing specific at-risk populations against influenza.

Clinical findings of influenza

Common symptoms include chills, headache, high fever, and muscular aches.