Cardiovirus: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 06:49, 16 February 2025

Overview[edit]

Electron micrograph of Cardiovirus particles

Cardiovirus is a genus of viruses in the family Picornaviridae. This genus includes several species that are known to infect mammals, including humans and rodents. Cardioviruses are non-enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses. They are primarily associated with diseases of the heart and central nervous system.

Structure[edit]

Cardioviruses are small, spherical viruses with a diameter of approximately 30 nm. The viral capsid is composed of 60 copies each of four structural proteins: VP1, VP2, VP3, and VP4. The genome of cardioviruses is a single-stranded RNA molecule of about 7,500 nucleotides, which is polyadenylated at the 3' end and has a covalently linked protein, VPg, at the 5' end.

Genome Organization[edit]

The genome of cardioviruses is organized into a single open reading frame that encodes a polyprotein. This polyprotein is cleaved by viral proteases into structural and non-structural proteins. The structural proteins form the viral capsid, while the non-structural proteins are involved in viral replication and host cell interaction.

Replication Cycle[edit]

Cardioviruses replicate in the cytoplasm of host cells. The replication cycle begins with the attachment of the virus to a host cell receptor, followed by entry into the cell. Once inside, the viral RNA is released and translated into a polyprotein, which is then processed into functional viral proteins. The viral RNA is replicated by the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and new virions are assembled in the cytoplasm before being released to infect new cells.

Pathogenesis[edit]

Cardioviruses are known to cause a range of diseases in their hosts. In humans, they have been associated with myocarditis, encephalitis, and other inflammatory conditions. The exact mechanisms of pathogenesis are not fully understood, but it is believed that the virus can directly damage host tissues and also trigger immune-mediated damage.

Species[edit]

The genus Cardiovirus includes several species, such as:

Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV)
Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV)

Transmission[edit]

Cardioviruses are primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, although other routes of transmission, such as respiratory or vector-borne, may also occur. Rodents are considered the primary reservoir hosts for many cardioviruses, and they can spread the virus to other animals, including humans.

Prevention and Control[edit]

Currently, there are no specific vaccines or antiviral treatments available for cardiovirus infections. Prevention relies on good hygiene practices, rodent control, and avoiding contact with infected animals.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Cardiovirus''' is a [[genus]] of [[virus]]es in the [[Picornaviridae]] family, which is part of the [[Picornavirales]] order. This genus includes several species known to infect mammals, including humans, and is associated with a variety of diseases ranging from mild respiratory infections to more severe conditions such as myocarditis. The most well-known species within this genus is the Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), which has been studied extensively due to its impact on both human and animal health.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Cardiovirus}}
-==Structure and Classification==
+== Overview ==
-Cardioviruses are non-enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses. Their genome is approximately 7,500 nucleotides long and encodes for a single polyprotein that is subsequently cleaved into structural and non-structural proteins. The virion is icosahedral in shape, with a diameter of about 30 nm.
+[[File:Journal.pone.0142415.g001.B.png|thumb|right|Electron micrograph of Cardiovirus particles]]
+'''Cardiovirus''' is a genus of viruses in the family [[Picornaviridae]]. This genus includes several species that are known to infect mammals, including humans and rodents. Cardioviruses are non-enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses. They are primarily associated with diseases of the heart and central nervous system.
-The genus ''Cardiovirus'' is classified within the family [[Picornaviridae]], which includes other significant human pathogens such as [[Poliovirus]], [[Coxsackievirus]], and [[Rhinovirus]]. Within the ''Cardiovirus'' genus, there are two main species that have been identified: Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) and Theilovirus. These viruses share common structural features but differ in their pathogenic profiles and host range.
+== Structure ==
+Cardioviruses are small, spherical viruses with a diameter of approximately 30 nm. The viral capsid is composed of 60 copies each of four structural proteins: VP1, VP2, VP3, and VP4. The genome of cardioviruses is a single-stranded RNA molecule of about 7,500 nucleotides, which is polyadenylated at the 3' end and has a covalently linked protein, VPg, at the 5' end.
-==Pathogenesis and Clinical Significance==
+== Genome Organization ==
-Cardioviruses are capable of infecting a wide range of hosts, including humans, rodents, and swine. Infection can lead to various clinical manifestations depending on the virus species and the host's immune response. In humans, cardiovirus infections have been associated with mild febrile illnesses, respiratory symptoms, and, in rare cases, severe conditions such as myocarditis and encephalitis.
+The genome of cardioviruses is organized into a single open reading frame that encodes a polyprotein. This polyprotein is cleaved by viral proteases into structural and non-structural proteins. The structural proteins form the viral capsid, while the non-structural proteins are involved in viral replication and host cell interaction.
-The Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) is of particular interest due to its ability to cause myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure and death in severe cases. EMCV infections have been reported in various animal species, including elephants and swine, indicating its zoonotic potential.
+== Replication Cycle ==
+Cardioviruses replicate in the cytoplasm of host cells. The replication cycle begins with the attachment of the virus to a host cell receptor, followed by entry into the cell. Once inside, the viral RNA is released and translated into a polyprotein, which is then processed into functional viral proteins. The viral RNA is replicated by the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and new virions are assembled in the cytoplasm before being released to infect new cells.
-==Transmission and Epidemiology==
+== Pathogenesis ==
-Cardioviruses are primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, although respiratory transmission has also been documented. The viruses can be shed in the feces of infected individuals or animals, contaminating water and food sources. Direct contact with infected animals or their secretions can also lead to transmission.
+Cardioviruses are known to cause a range of diseases in their hosts. In humans, they have been associated with myocarditis, encephalitis, and other inflammatory conditions. The exact mechanisms of pathogenesis are not fully understood, but it is believed that the virus can directly damage host tissues and also trigger immune-mediated damage.
-The epidemiology of cardiovirus infections varies by species and geographical location. EMCV, for example, has been detected worldwide, with outbreaks occurring in both wild and domesticated animals. Human infections are less common but have been reported in various countries, highlighting the need for surveillance and research to understand the full impact of these viruses on public health.
+== Species ==
+The genus Cardiovirus includes several species, such as:
+* '''[[Encephalomyocarditis virus]] (EMCV)'''
+* '''[[Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus]] (TMEV)'''
-==Prevention and Control==
+== Transmission ==
-Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for cardiovirus infections. Management of infected individuals primarily involves supportive care to alleviate symptoms. Prevention strategies focus on maintaining good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and proper sanitation, to reduce the risk of transmission. In animal populations, controlling rodent populations and implementing biosecurity measures can help prevent the spread of cardioviruses.
+Cardioviruses are primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, although other routes of transmission, such as respiratory or vector-borne, may also occur. Rodents are considered the primary reservoir hosts for many cardioviruses, and they can spread the virus to other animals, including humans.
-==Research and Future Directions==
+== Prevention and Control ==
-Research on cardioviruses continues to explore their molecular biology, pathogenesis, and potential therapeutic targets. The development of vaccines and antiviral drugs remains a priority to protect both human and animal populations from cardiovirus-related diseases. Additionally, understanding the mechanisms of cardiovirus transmission and evolution will be crucial in predicting and preventing future outbreaks.
+Currently, there are no specific vaccines or antiviral treatments available for cardiovirus infections. Prevention relies on good hygiene practices, rodent control, and avoiding contact with infected animals.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Picornaviridae]]
+* [[RNA virus]]
+* [[Myocarditis]]
+* [[Encephalitis]]
-[[Category:Virology]]
 [[Category:Picornaviridae]]
-[[Category:Infectious diseases]]
+[[Category:RNA viruses]]
+[[Category:Viral diseases]]
-{{Virus-stub}}