Introduction to Virus Classes and Families

Flashcards covering the six classes of viruses, specific viral families such as herpes and picornaviruses, and notable diseases including Polio, Smallpox, and Ebola as discussed in the lecture.

Class 1 Viruses

Viruses characterized by having double-stranded DNA (dsDNA).

Class 2 Viruses

Viruses characterized by having single-stranded DNA (ssDNA).

Class 3 Viruses

Viruses characterized by having double-stranded RNA (dsRNA).

Class 4 Viruses

Single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses where the RNA serves directly as mRNA.

Class 5 Viruses

Single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses where the RNA is the complement used to make mRNA.

Class 6 Viruses (Retroviruses)

Single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses that use a template for DNA synthesis before reproducing.

Adenovirus

A family of double-stranded DNA viruses that usually cause respiratory diseases and occasionally tumors.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

A sexually transmitted member of the papavirus family that causes warts and can lead to cervical cancer in women.

Herpes simplex 1

A virus in the herpes family that causes cold sores near the lips.

Herpes simplex 2

A sexually transmitted virus in the herpes family that causes genital sores.

Varicella zoster virus

A herpes family virus responsible for causing chickenpox and shingles.

Epstein-Barr virus

A virus that causes mononucleosis (mono) and can lead to Burkitt's lymphoma in a small percentage of people.

Smallpox virus

A famous member of the pox virus family that was exterminated worldwide through a United Nations vaccination program.

Postules

Painful, blister-like sores on the body associated with smallpox infection.

Cowpox

A mild virus used in the first historical 'vaccine' because its antibodies protect humans against smallpox.

Rotavirus

A double-stranded RNA virus in the riovirus family that is a common cause of diarrhea.

Colorado tick fever virus

A virus transmitted by ticks that causes fever and illness, named after where it was first identified.

Rhinovirus

The most common picornavirus in humans, which causes the common cold.

Poliovirus

A picornavirus that infects nerves and can cause paralysis or the need for an 'iron lung' to assist breathing.

Iron lung

A large chamber that uses air pressure changes to help paralyzed polio patients breathe.

SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)

A severe respiratory illness caused by specific species in the coronavirus family; outbreaks occurred in China and the Middle East prior to COVID-19.

West Nile virus

A flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes that is native to Africa but spread across North America; it is highly deadly to birds.

MMR vaccine

A single vaccine providing protection against three viral diseases: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.

Ebola

A hemorrhagic fever virus that causes internal organs to break down, resulting in high mortality and bleeding from body openings.

Hemorrhagic fever

A condition involving high fever and internal or external bleeding caused by the breakdown of cellular tissues.