Morbillivirus

Morbillivirus is a genus of viruses in the family Paramyxoviridae, order Mononegavirales. Morbilliviruses are enveloped, with non-segmented, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genomes. Humans, dogs, cattle, and some other animals can serve as natural hosts. Diseases associated with this genus include: measles, rinderpest, and canine distemper.

Taxonomy

The genus Morbillivirus is part of the family Paramyxoviridae, which also includes other genera such as Henipavirus, Respirovirus, and Rubulavirus. The family Paramyxoviridae belongs to the order Mononegavirales, which comprises several other families of RNA viruses.

Structure

Morbilliviruses are enveloped viruses with a non-segmented, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome. The virions are typically spherical, and have a diameter of around 150-300 nm.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of morbilliviruses begins with viral attachment to host receptors, which mediates clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Replication follows the negative-stranded RNA virus replication model. Negative-stranded RNA virus transcription is the method of transcription. Translation takes place by leaky scanning, and RNA termination-reinitiation. Humans, dogs, cattle, and some other animals serve as the natural host. Transmission routes are airborne particles, contact, and bodily fluids.

Diseases

Morbilliviruses are associated with several diseases in humans and animals. The most well-known morbillivirus is Measles virus, which causes measles in humans. Other morbilliviruses include Rinderpest virus, which causes rinderpest in cattle, and Canine distemper virus, which causes canine distemper in dogs.

Prevention and Control

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent morbillivirus infections. For example, the MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella in humans. Similarly, vaccines are available for the prevention of rinderpest in cattle and canine distemper in dogs.

See Also

• Paramyxoviridae
• Mononegavirales
• Measles
• Rinderpest
• Canine distemper

References

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