60 likes | 66 Views
Medical Microbiology. Chapter 60 Orthomyxoviruses. Orthomyxoviruses. Structure: Enveloped virus Single-stranded RNA genome (linear) 8 segments – this allows for the production of new strains of virus through reassortment The structure of the influenza virus includes:
E N D
Medical Microbiology Chapter 60 Orthomyxoviruses
Orthomyxoviruses • Structure: • Enveloped virus • Single-stranded RNA genome (linear) • 8 segments – this allows for the production of new strains of virus through reassortment • The structure of the influenza virus includes: • an envelop having 2 different kinds of protein spikes: • H-spikes allow the virus to attach to a host cell • N-spikes are involved in penetration into the cell • Figure 60-1
Influenza Virus • The influenza virus is the etiological agent of influenza or the “flu” • Infection occurs in the upper respiratory system • Virus can spread to the lungs • Increases the likelihood of a secondary bacterial pneumonia infection • This is the primary cause of serious disease and death • 90% of deaths occur in patients older than 65 • Classic flu symptoms are associated with interferon release (fever, malaise, headache, myalgia)
Influenza Virus (cont.) • Recurring epidemics are possible because of changes in the antigens (the H and N-spikes) • Antigenic drift (mutation) and Antigenic shift (rearrangement) • Pandemic of 1918 (Spanish Flu) • the US reported 548,452 deaths over a period of a few months • it is estimated that 20-40 million people died worldwide • Subsequent pandemics have occurred in 1947, 1957, 1968, and 1977. • Table 60-2
Influenza Virus (cont.) • Box 60-2 and 60-3