Parechovirus B

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.

History

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 and Genome

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.

Pathogenesis and Disease

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.

Transmission

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

• Parechovirus
• Picornaviridae
• Virus
• Diabetes
• Myocarditis
• Encephalitis

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