Parechovirus B: Difference between revisions

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'''Parechovirus B''' (also known as '''Ljungan virus''') is a member of the [[Parechovirus]] genus, within the [[Picornaviridae]] family of viruses. It was first identified in the Ljungan River valley in Sweden, hence its name. The virus has been associated with various diseases in humans and animals, including [[diabetes]], [[myocarditis]], and [[encephalitis]].
{{Short description|An overview of Parechovirus B}}
{{Taxobox
| name = Parechovirus B
| virus_group = iv
| familia = [[Picornaviridae]]
| genus = [[Parechovirus]]
| species = Parechovirus B
}}


== History ==
==Overview==
'''Parechovirus B''' is a species of virus within the [[Picornaviridae]] family, which is known to infect humans and other mammals. It is part of the [[Parechovirus]] genus, which also includes other species such as [[Parechovirus A]]. These viruses are small, non-enveloped, and have a single-stranded RNA genome.


Parechovirus B was first discovered in the mid-1990s in the Ljungan River valley in Sweden. The virus was found in bank voles, a common rodent in the area. Since its discovery, the virus has been identified in various parts of the world, including North America and Europe.
==Structure==
[[File:Parechovirus_B_Pentakis_icosidodecahedron.png|thumb|right|Illustration of the Parechovirus B structure]]
Parechovirus B has a distinctive icosahedral capsid structure, which is typical of the [[Picornaviridae]] family. The capsid is composed of 60 copies of four structural proteins, VP1, VP2, VP3, and VP4, arranged in a pentakis icosidodecahedron. This geometric arrangement provides the virus with its stability and ability to withstand environmental conditions.


== Structure and Genome ==
==Genome==
The genome of Parechovirus B is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA, approximately 7,500 nucleotides in length. It contains a single open reading frame (ORF) that encodes a polyprotein, which is subsequently cleaved into functional viral proteins. The genome is flanked by untranslated regions (UTRs) at both the 5' and 3' ends, which play crucial roles in the replication and translation of the viral RNA.


Like other members of the Picornaviridae family, Parechovirus B is a non-enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Its genome is approximately 7.5 kilobases in length and encodes a single polyprotein, which is subsequently cleaved into the structural and non-structural proteins necessary for virus replication.
==Transmission==
Parechovirus B is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, similar to other members of the [[Picornaviridae]] family. It can also be spread through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals. The virus is known to cause a range of symptoms, from mild respiratory illness to more severe conditions such as [[encephalitis]] and [[myocarditis]], particularly in young children and immunocompromised individuals.


== Pathogenesis and Disease ==
==Clinical Significance==
Infections with Parechovirus B can lead to a variety of clinical manifestations. While many infections are asymptomatic or result in mild illness, severe cases can occur, especially in neonates and young children. Symptoms may include fever, irritability, rash, and gastrointestinal disturbances. In rare cases, the virus can cause severe neurological complications.


Parechovirus B has been associated with a variety of diseases in both humans and animals. In humans, the virus has been linked to type 1 diabetes, myocarditis, and encephalitis. In animals, particularly rodents, the virus can cause a range of symptoms, from mild respiratory illness to severe neurological disease.
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of Parechovirus B infection is typically achieved through molecular techniques such as [[RT-PCR]] (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction), which can detect viral RNA in clinical specimens. Serological tests may also be used to identify antibodies against the virus, indicating past or current infection.


== Transmission ==
==Prevention and Treatment==
 
Currently, there are no specific antiviral treatments or vaccines available for Parechovirus B. Management of the infection is primarily supportive, focusing on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications. Good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals, are important preventive measures.
The exact mode of transmission of Parechovirus B is not fully understood. However, it is believed that the virus can be spread through direct contact with infected animals or their droppings, as well as through the consumption of contaminated food or water.
 
== Prevention and Treatment ==
 
There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for Parechovirus B. Prevention strategies primarily involve good hygiene practices to avoid contact with infected animals and their droppings, as well as safe food and water handling practices to prevent ingestion of the virus.
 
== See Also ==


==Related pages==
* [[Picornaviridae]]
* [[Parechovirus]]
* [[Parechovirus]]
* [[Picornaviridae]]
* [[Encephalitis]]
* [[Virus]]
* [[Diabetes]]
* [[Myocarditis]]
* [[Myocarditis]]
* [[Encephalitis]]
[[Category:Virology]]
[[Category:Medical terminology]]
[[Category:Infectious diseases]]


{{stub}}
[[Category:Picornaviridae]]
{{dictionary-stub1}}
[[Category:Viral diseases]]

Revision as of 05:31, 16 February 2025

An overview of Parechovirus B



Overview

Parechovirus B is a species of virus within the Picornaviridae family, which is known to infect humans and other mammals. It is part of the Parechovirus genus, which also includes other species such as Parechovirus A. These viruses are small, non-enveloped, and have a single-stranded RNA genome.

Structure

File:Parechovirus B Pentakis icosidodecahedron.png
Illustration of the Parechovirus B structure

Parechovirus B has a distinctive icosahedral capsid structure, which is typical of the Picornaviridae family. The capsid is composed of 60 copies of four structural proteins, VP1, VP2, VP3, and VP4, arranged in a pentakis icosidodecahedron. This geometric arrangement provides the virus with its stability and ability to withstand environmental conditions.

Genome

The genome of Parechovirus B is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA, approximately 7,500 nucleotides in length. It contains a single open reading frame (ORF) that encodes a polyprotein, which is subsequently cleaved into functional viral proteins. The genome is flanked by untranslated regions (UTRs) at both the 5' and 3' ends, which play crucial roles in the replication and translation of the viral RNA.

Transmission

Parechovirus B is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, similar to other members of the Picornaviridae family. It can also be spread through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals. The virus is known to cause a range of symptoms, from mild respiratory illness to more severe conditions such as encephalitis and myocarditis, particularly in young children and immunocompromised individuals.

Clinical Significance

Infections with Parechovirus B can lead to a variety of clinical manifestations. While many infections are asymptomatic or result in mild illness, severe cases can occur, especially in neonates and young children. Symptoms may include fever, irritability, rash, and gastrointestinal disturbances. In rare cases, the virus can cause severe neurological complications.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Parechovirus B infection is typically achieved through molecular techniques such as RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction), which can detect viral RNA in clinical specimens. Serological tests may also be used to identify antibodies against the virus, indicating past or current infection.

Prevention and Treatment

Currently, there are no specific antiviral treatments or vaccines available for Parechovirus B. Management of the infection is primarily supportive, focusing on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications. Good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals, are important preventive measures.

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