Viruses are Cool by Marta Tsikitas

Foot and Mouth-Marta Tsikitas

2032021 — 2015-02-17 19:58:58 UTC

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) are the major causative agents of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), which is prevalent in Asia. So far, there are no prophylactic or therapeutic measures against HFMD.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3196414/

Small Pox - Matt

2032021 — 2015-02-18 13:57:47 UTC

The Coxsackievirus Belongs To a Group of Viruses Called Nonpolio Enteroviruses

2032021 — 2015-02-20 19:54:39 UTC

It contains a genome of single-stranded, positive-sense RNA with a single open reading frame encoding a large polyprotein precursor.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3196414/

How the Virus Infects

2032021 — 2015-02-22 17:55:37 UTC

In infected cells, the polyprotein encoded from the RNA is further cleaved into four structural (Vp1 to Vp4) and seven nonstructural (2A to 3D) proteins via the virus-encoded 2A and 3C proteases.When the poly protein is translated, the 2A protease automatically cleaves the joining sequence between Vp1 and 2A. However, 3C is the main protease, because it is responsible for the cleavage of the other eight junction sites within the remainder of the polyprotein. In addition, the 3C protease also acts as a part of the replication complex through its binding to the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of the viral genomic RNA. The EV71 3C facilitates progeny virus production and helps the virus evade host antiviral immunity by interaction with or cleavage of host factors. The important roles of the 3C protease in the life cycles of EV71 and CVA16 make it an ideal target for anti-HFMD drug design.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3196414/

Fighting the virus

2032021 — 2015-02-22 18:40:09 UTC

The Virus Causes Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

2032021 — 2015-02-22 19:11:41 UTC

This viral illness easily spreads among children through direct contact with saliva, from blisters in the mouth, the fluid from blisters on the hands and feet, or through the infected person’s stool (bowel movement). Adults can spread the disease without showing symptoms of the disease. Outbreaks of the disease are more common in summer and autumn in the United States and other temperate climates. In tropical climates, outbreaks occur year-round.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease/basics/causes/con-20032747

Symptoms and Risks of HFMD

2032021 — 2015-02-22 19:20:03 UTC

The usual period from initial infection to the onset of signs and symptoms (incubation period) is three to six days. A fever is often the first sign of hand-foot-and-mouth disease, followed by a sore throat and sometimes a poor appetite and malaise.One or two days after the fever begins, painful sores may develop in the mouth or throat. A rash on the hands and feet and possibly on the buttocks can follow within one or two days. NOT DEADLY

A rare and sometimes serious form of the coxsackievirus can involve the brain and cause other complications:

Viral meningitis. This is a rare infection and inflammation of the membranes (meninges) and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Encephalitis. This severe and potentially life-threatening disease involves brain inflammation caused by a virus. Encephalitis is rare.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease/basics/complications/con-20032747

Treatments and Vaccine

2032021 — 2015-02-22 19:26:22 UTC

There is no specific treatment for HFMD. Fever and pain can be managed with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It is important for people with HFMD to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids).

reduce the risk of getting infected with the viruses that cause HFMD by following a few simple steps:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers;
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands,
Avoid close contact (kissing, hugging, sharing cups and eating utensils) with people who are infected.
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces (toys, doorknobs, etc.), especially if someone is sick.

Trying to create vaccine by testing mice

http://www.cdc.gov/features/handfootmouthdisease/

Background On Virus

2032021 — 2015-02-22 19:37:11 UTC

Since its discovery in the 1970s, enterovirus 71 (EV71) has become one of the most pathogenic enterovirus serotypes causing recurrent outbreaks in different parts of the world. Three waves of outbreaks globally have been recorded over the last three decades and more recently active circulation of EV71 is evident amongst countries in South East Asia and beyond. There is evidence of a continuous evolution in its genetic make up which is likely to impact on its epidemiology and pathological potential.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rmv.538/abstract;jsessionid=EEBD98FC961B722EDDCD43C5311B9277.f03t04

Virus Pic

2032021 — 2015-02-22 19:46:12 UTC

Smallpox virus

201829 — 2015-02-23 04:23:34 UTC

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/92/Smallpox_virus_virions_TEM_PHIL_1849.JPG

Structure of smallpox

201829 — 2015-02-23 04:27:52 UTC

-Double stranded DNA

-Two viral envelopes containing lipids and proteins

-10 enzymes transmitted with virus to manage gene expression

-Numerous nucleoproteins for DNA transcription

http://web.uconn.edu/mcbstaff/graf/Student%20presentations/Smallpox/Smallpox.html

Disease facts

201829 — 2015-02-23 04:35:07 UTC

There are two forms of the variola virus: variola major and minor. Variola major is lethal with a mortality rate of 20%-40%. Smallpox enters through the respiratory tract and targets host cells where it replicates in the cytoplasm. There is no real cure or treatment for smallpox, but there is a vaccine.

http://web.uconn.edu/mcbstaff/graf/Student%20presentations/Smallpox/Smallpox.html

Historical background

201829 — 2015-02-23 04:43:53 UTC

The origins of smallpox are unknown, but it is believed to have been first seen in Africa in 10,000 BC. Throughout all of history smallpox exposure has occurred around the world. People began to realize that those who survived smallpox were immune, causing people to purposely infect themselves in order to gain immunity later. In 1797 Edward Jenner infected a young boy with cowpox, creating the first vaccine for smallpox. This allowed the world to begin to get rid of the smallpox virus, with the last recorded case occurring in 1977.

http://web.uconn.edu/mcbstaff/graf/Student%20presentations/Smallpox/Smallpox.html