Borna disease virus: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:14, 15 February 2025

Borna Disease Virus[edit]

Borna disease virus (BDV) is a member of the Bornaviridae family, which is part of the order Mononegavirales. It is a non-segmented, negative-strand RNA virus that primarily infects the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals. BDV is known for causing neurological disorders in a variety of animal hosts, including horses, sheep, and birds.

Virology[edit]

BDV is an enveloped virus with a spherical shape. Its genome is approximately 8.9 kb in length and encodes six proteins: the nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), glycoprotein (G), polymerase (L), and an accessory protein (X). The virus replicates in the nucleus of infected cells, which is unusual for RNA viruses.

Genome Organization[edit]

The BDV genome is organized into six open reading frames (ORFs). The nucleoprotein (N) is responsible for encapsidating the viral RNA, forming the ribonucleoprotein complex. The phosphoprotein (P) acts as a cofactor for the viral polymerase (L), which is responsible for RNA synthesis. The matrix protein (M) is involved in virus assembly and budding, while the glycoprotein (G) mediates viral entry into host cells.

Pathogenesis[edit]

BDV is known for its ability to cause encephalitis in infected hosts. The virus primarily targets neurons, leading to neurological symptoms such as ataxia, behavioral changes, and paralysis. In horses, the disease is known as "Borna disease," characterized by severe neurological dysfunction and often leading to death.

Host Range[edit]

BDV has a broad host range, infecting various species of mammals and birds. In addition to horses and sheep, BDV has been detected in cats, dogs, and even humans, although its role in human disease remains controversial.

Epidemiology[edit]

Borna disease is endemic in certain regions, particularly in parts of Europe. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or their secretions. The exact mechanism of transmission is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve the olfactory route.

Diagnosis and Treatment[edit]

Diagnosis of BDV infection is typically based on clinical signs and confirmed through laboratory tests such as RT-PCR and serological assays. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for BDV infection, and management focuses on supportive care and symptomatic treatment.

Prevention[edit]

Preventive measures include minimizing contact with infected animals and implementing biosecurity protocols in endemic areas. Vaccination strategies are under investigation but are not yet available.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Borna disease virus''' (BDV) is a [[neurotropic]] virus that causes [[Borna disease]] in mammals. This virus belongs to the family [[Bornaviridae]], which is within the order [[Mononegavirales]]. BDV is the only member of the genus ''Bornavirus'' and is named after the town of [[Borna, Saxony]], Germany, where the disease was first identified in horses in the late 19th century.
+== Borna Disease Virus ==
-== History ==
+[[File:PDB_1n93_EBI.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Structure of the Borna disease virus nucleoprotein.]]
-The Borna disease virus was first identified in the late 19th century in the town of Borna, Saxony, Germany. The disease was named after the town where it was first discovered. The virus was initially associated with a neurological disease in horses and sheep, but it has since been found to infect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including humans.
+'''Borna disease virus''' (BDV) is a member of the [[Bornaviridae]] family, which is part of the order [[Mononegavirales]]. It is a non-segmented, negative-strand [[RNA virus]] that primarily infects the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals. BDV is known for causing neurological disorders in a variety of animal hosts, including horses, sheep, and birds.
-== Structure and Genome ==
+== Virology ==
-BDV is a non-segmented, negative-strand [[RNA virus]]. The virus has a unique replication strategy that involves the transcription of viral RNA into mRNA in the nucleus of the host cell, which is unusual for a non-retroviral RNA virus. The genome of BDV is approximately 8.9 kilobases in length and encodes six proteins.
+BDV is an enveloped virus with a spherical shape. Its genome is approximately 8.9 kb in length and encodes six proteins: the nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), glycoprotein (G), polymerase (L), and an accessory protein (X). The virus replicates in the nucleus of infected cells, which is unusual for RNA viruses.
-== Transmission and Disease ==
+=== Genome Organization ===
-BDV is transmitted primarily through direct contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids. The virus can also be transmitted vertically from mother to offspring. Infection with BDV can lead to a wide range of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic infection to severe neurological disease. In humans, BDV infection has been associated with a number of psychiatric disorders, including [[schizophrenia]] and [[bipolar disorder]], although the causal relationship between BDV infection and these disorders remains controversial.
+The BDV genome is organized into six open reading frames (ORFs). The nucleoprotein (N) is responsible for encapsidating the viral RNA, forming the ribonucleoprotein complex. The phosphoprotein (P) acts as a cofactor for the viral polymerase (L), which is responsible for RNA synthesis. The matrix protein (M) is involved in virus assembly and budding, while the glycoprotein (G) mediates viral entry into host cells.
+== Pathogenesis ==
+BDV is known for its ability to cause [[encephalitis]] in infected hosts. The virus primarily targets neurons, leading to neurological symptoms such as ataxia, behavioral changes, and paralysis. In horses, the disease is known as "Borna disease," characterized by severe neurological dysfunction and often leading to death.
+=== Host Range ===
+BDV has a broad host range, infecting various species of mammals and birds. In addition to horses and sheep, BDV has been detected in cats, dogs, and even humans, although its role in human disease remains controversial.
+== Epidemiology ==
+Borna disease is endemic in certain regions, particularly in parts of Europe. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or their secretions. The exact mechanism of transmission is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve the olfactory route.
 == Diagnosis and Treatment ==
-Diagnosis of BDV infection is typically based on the detection of BDV-specific antibodies or BDV RNA in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid of the patient. Treatment for BDV infection is primarily supportive, as there are currently no antiviral drugs approved for the treatment of this infection.
+Diagnosis of BDV infection is typically based on clinical signs and confirmed through laboratory tests such as [[RT-PCR]] and serological assays. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for BDV infection, and management focuses on supportive care and symptomatic treatment.
+== Prevention ==
+Preventive measures include minimizing contact with infected animals and implementing biosecurity protocols in endemic areas. Vaccination strategies are under investigation but are not yet available.
-== Research and Future Directions ==
+== Related Pages ==
-Research on BDV has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of viral persistence and pathogenesis. Future research on BDV will likely focus on the development of effective antiviral therapies and vaccines, as well as further elucidating the potential role of BDV in human psychiatric disorders.
+* [[Bornaviridae]]
+* [[Encephalitis]]
+* [[RNA virus]]
+* [[Mononegavirales]]
-[[Category:Virology]]
+[[Category:Bornaviridae]]
-[[Category:Neurology]]
+[[Category:Viral diseases]]
-[[Category:Psychiatry]]
+[[Category:Animal diseases]]
-{{Virus-stub}}
-{{No image}}