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What is an alphavirus?

Updated: 8/21/2019
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Bobo192

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An alphavirus is a virus of the genus Alphavius, a group IV virus which has a positive sense, single-stranded RNA genome.

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What is the scientific name of the virus chikungunya?

It's just known as Chikungunya virus, and it belongs to genus Alphavirus.


What another name for yellow fever?

If you are looking for the medical terminology for yellow fever, here are some common names for it. 1. Yellow Jack 2. Black Vomit 3. American Plague 4. Vomito Negro (this means Black Vomit in spanish) The virus that causes yellow fever is called ALPHAVIRUS (Genus) which is a RNA virus, in the Family TOGAVIRIDAE.


Viral replication of hepatitis e virus?

Replication of the HEV genome:- ü HEV replicates in the hepatocytes and is excreted in stool ü A general model of HEV replication has been proposed, based on similarities and sequence homology to other more completely characterized +RNA viruses. ü As HEV enters into a permissive cell, the viral genomic RNA is translated in the cytosol of infected cells to produce the nonstructural ORF1-encoded polyprotein (nsP). ü Because it contains the viral replicase, nsP is postulated to replicate the genomic positive strand into the negative strand replicative intermediate. ü This intermediate, in analogy with alphaviruses, is postulated to act as a template for the synthesis of additional copies of the genomic positive strand as well as a subgenomic positive strand. ü The analogy to alphavirus replication is presumed because of the presence in HEV negative-strand RNA of a sequence stretch that is similar to the junction sequence found in the RNA replicative intermediate of the Sindbis alphavirus. ü During alphavirus RNA replication, this junction sequence acts as a subgenomic promoter for transcription of the structural region mRNA. ü The proposed subgenomic positive-strand HEV RNA can then be translated into the structural protein(s) at late stages of viral replication. ü The structural (capsid) protein then probably packages the viral genome to form progeny virions. ü However, direct experimental confirmation of this replication scheme is still awaited.


What is chikungunia?

Chikungunya (in the Makonde language "that which bends up") virus (CHIKV) is an insect-borne virus, of the genus Alphavirus, that is transmitted to humans by virus-carrying Aedesmosquitoes.[1] There have been recent breakouts of CHIKV associated with severe illness. CHIKV infection causes an illness with symptoms similar to dengue fever, with an acute febrilephase of the illness lasting only two to five days, followed by a prolonged arthralgic disease that affects the joints of the extremities. The pain associated with CHIKV infection of the joints persists for weeks or months, or in some cases years.[2][3]


What is the name of virus which causes yellow fever?

flavivirus. There are at least members of this group of virus, two in Africa and two in South America. Yellow fever is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Illness ranges in severity from an influenza-like syndrome to severe hepatitis and hemorrhagic fever. Yellow fever virus (YFV) is maintained in nature by mosquito-borne transmission between nonhuman primates. Transmission by mosquitoes from one human to another occurs during epidemics of "urban yellow fever."


What is the name of the organism that cause dengue?

it is caused by a virus serotype of the genus flavivirus wich corresponds to the family flaviviridae and it is transmitted by the aedes eygipti moskitoe Dengue fever can be caused by any one of four types of dengue virus: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4.why do you think so? it caused by virus, all was 4 serotypes, usually found in tropical contry. all of them was DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4.if you dont know, viruses is a different matter than microbes. viruses just consist of a DNA or RNA strand and a bunch of protein capsule, while microbes are one-cell living thing with all mitocondrias and etc, etc beside the DNA strand


Chikungunya and dengue in Kerala?

Chikungunya fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Chikungunya virus is a member of the genus Alphavirus, in the family Togaviridae. Chikungunya fever is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., joint swelling), laboratory testing, and the possibility of exposure to infected mosquitoes. There is no specific treatment for chikungunya fever; care is based on symptoms. Chikungunya infection is not usually fatal. Steps to prevent infection with chikungunya virus include use of insect repellent, protective clothing, and staying in areas with screens.Causes:- Chikungunya virus is indigenous to tropical Africa and Asia, where it is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes, usually of the genus Aedes. CHIK fever epidemics are sustained by human-mosquito-human transmission. The word "chikungunya" is thought to derive from description in local dialect of the contorted posture of patients afflicted with the severe joint pain associated with this disease. The main virus reservoirs are monkeys, but other species can also be affected, including humans.Prevention:-The most effective means of prevention are those that protect against any contact with the disease-carrying mosquitoes. These include using insect repellents with substances like DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide; also known as N,N'-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide or NNDB), icaridin (also known as picaridin and KBR3023), PMD (p-menthane-3,8-diol, a substance derived from the lemon eucalyptus tree), or IR3535. Wearing bite-proof long sleeves and trousers (pants) also offers protection. In addition, garments can be treated with pyrethroids, a class of insecticides that often has repellent properties. Vaporized pyrethroids (for example in mosquito coils) are also insect repellents. Securing screens on windows and doors will help to keep mosquitoes out of the house. In the case of the day active Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, however, this will only have a limited effect, since many contacts between the vector and the host occur outside. Thus, mosquito control is especially important.Dengue fever is a disease caused by a family of viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes. It is an acute illness of sudden onset that usually follows a benign course with headache, fever, exhaustion, severe joint and muscle pain, swollen glands (lymphadenopathy), and rash. The presence (the "dengue triad") of fever, rash, and headache (and other pains) is particularly characteristic of dengue.Causes:-The virus is contracted from the bite of a striped Aedes aegypti mosquito that has previously bitten an infected person. The mosquito flourishes during rainy seasons but can breed in water-filled flower pots, plastic bags, and cans year-round. One mosquito bite can inflict the disease. The virus is not contagious and cannot be spread directly from person to person. There must be a person-to-mosquito-to-another-person pathway.Prevention:-There is no commercially available vaccine for the dengue flavivirus.Primary prevention of dengue mainly resides in mosquito control. There are two primary methods: larval control and adult mosquito control. In urban areas, Aedes mosquitos breed on water collections in artificial containers such as plastic cups, used tires, broken bottles, flower pots, etc. Periodic draining or removal of artificial containers is the most effective way of reducing the breeding grounds for mosquitos. Larvicide treatment is another effective way of control the vector larvae but the larvicide chosen should be long-lasting and preferably have World Health Organization clearance for use in drinking water. There are some very effective insect growth regulators (IGR's) available which are both safe and long-lasting (e.g. pyriproxyfen). For reducing the adult mosquito load, fogging with insecticide is somewhat effective.Prevention of mosquito bites is another way of preventing disease. This can be achieved either by using insect repellent or by using mosquito nets.First get rid of those dogs, then Dengue and Chikungunya will go away from Kerala.Dengue Fever is a Zoonosis, a disease occurring primarily in mammalian animals that can be transmitted to humans. The viruses responsible for this disease survive in nature as infections in animals; human infection is not necessary for their survival. Dengue Fever is an Arboviral infection, the viruses being transmitted by arthropod vectors such as ticks. House dogs and street dogs are the common Animal Reservoir Hosts to these viruses, as almost all of these animals are tick-affected. The recent outbreaks of Dengue Fever in Kerala were exclusively caused by the millions of dogs roaming the streets and in the houses. Otherwise the healthy and clean people of Kerala would not have succumbed this much easily to this disease and this much frequently too. Actually, reports from Kerala indicate that the State has been in the grip of dog-transmitted diseases for long. Hundreds of people there are daily admitted to hospitals following severe group attacks by dogs in the streets.The recent outbreaks of Dengue Fever rendered health services helpless, claimed hundreds of human lives and incapacitated tens of thousands more. Everyone talked about mosquitoes, stagnant pools, dirty canals and the like, but no one admitted the possibility of these diseases being spread from dogs, lest it would be commented as trivial. With this many dogs on the loose in streets and houses, there may occur yet another outbreak of Dengue and Congo Fevers in Kerala which would be fatal. The health authorities and dog lovers know this but they fear revealing this for fear of retaliation from amorous dog lovers. Chikungunya is a viral disease closely similar to Dengue fever that recently swept through Africa, Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Europe and America. As the African name denotes, it causes a contorted and stooped appearance and may take years and decades for the patient to get a slight relief. Full recovery is never. There is no treatment or vaccine available for this disease. Victims are incapacitated and cannot work or earn a living for many years. The destructing power of this virus is such that it is considered as an ideal agent for future biological weapons and warfare.Chikungunya is an Arboviral infection which need an animal reservoir host for the virus to survive and thrive in nature. It will need an animal reservoir host or a primate other than men to reside in and multiply for a time. Usually they are monkeys and dogs. Outbreaks of this disease happened very recently and very frequently too. Nothing especially happened in the environmental conditions of the world which was why world health authorities could not predict the coming of this disease. What they could not see clearly and take into account was the number of dogs increasing inconceivably everywhere. Or even if they knew, they were forced to remain silent about it, knowing well the iron hand of dog-lovers, many of whom the dignitaries who design and govern the modern world. Assuming all things in the environment remained the same, and also given that the number of some available animal host increased in the world considerably lately so as to cause repeated massive outbreaks of this disease, we are forced to believe that it was only the number of dogs in the world that increased lately, due to nations one after another blindly passing laws banning the killing of dogs. Even W.H.O. articles on Chikungunya carefully remain vague about the role of the abundance of dogs in bringing about this disease which is sweeping through almost all continents. Some get a few minutes' pleasure from dogs and the world pays too high a price for the pleasure to be justified.Also note that the orthodox Hindu Brahmins of India never allow dogs anywhere near their home, temple or compound. They consider dogs entering those places a profane act and breach of sanctity and cleanliness. Where does all the drop-out hair of a house-dog go except to the digestive and respiratory systems of the occupants of the house? There are hundreds of other diseases spread by pet animals including dogs. Nipah Virus, Lyme disease, Chagas disease, Q fever, Brucellosis, Diphyllobothriasis, Ehrlichiosis, Pasteurellosis, Rickettsiae, Rhinosporidiosis, Ringworm Salmonellosis, Strongyloidiasis, Yersiniosis, Leptospirosis, Leishmaniasis, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, Echinococcosis, Coenuruses cerebralis. Coccidioido mycosis and Giardiasis-theirs is a long list. The spreading of these diseases among humans could have been totally avoided, had human society broken ties with dogs.


How can you harness chikungunya and dengue through an integrated environment safe approach?

HARNESSING CHIKUNGUNYA & DENGUE- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENT SAFE APPROACH * Sreejith A., **Dr. Lakshmanan S Recent outbreaks and resurgence of mosquito-borne diseases such as Chickungunya and dengue in parts of Indian peninsula, especially in state of Kerala, which boasts an efficient healthcare system, is an outcome of extensive mosquito breeding under situations of unsustainable environment management. Chikungunya is a relatively rare form of viral fever caused by an RNA virus, alphavirus (Fam:Togoviridae) that is spread by mosquito bites from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, though recent research by the Pasteur Institute in Paris claims the virus has suffered a mutation that enables it to be transmitted by Aedes aegypti , Aedes albopictus (Tiger mosquito). Dengue Fever (DF), an outbreak prone viral disease is transmitted by Aedesmosquitoes. DF is characterized by fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, rash, nausea and vomiting. Some infection results in Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) - a syndrome that in its severe form can threaten the patient's life primarily through increased vascular permeability and shock. The four-dengue viruses DEN 1, 2, 3 and 4, which are closely related antigenically, causes DF and DHF. Aedes aegypti is the main vector species of DF/DHF in India and is common in most of the urban areas on account of deficient water management, presence of nondegradable tyres and long-lasting plastic containers as well as increasing urban agglomerations and inability of the public health community to mobilize the population to respond to the need to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Overhead tanks, ground water storage tanks and septic tanks are usually the primary habitats where the Aedes sp. breeds almost entirely. Natural larval habitats are rare, but include tree holes, leaf axles and coconut shells. The population of Aedes aegypti fluctuates with rainfall temperature and humidity. Under the optimal conditions the life cycle of aquatic stage of the Aedes aegypti (the time taken from hatching to adult emergence) can be as short as seven days. At low temperatures, however, it may take several weeks for adults to emerge. With the rise in global temperature as a result of Global climate change, which is evident during the past two months in the state of Kerala, may be one of the many reasons for extensive multiplication of arthropod vectors like Aedes sp. During the rainy season, when survival is longer, the risk of virus transmission is greater. The rural spread of Aedes is a relatively recent occurrence associated with expanding network of rural water supply schemes and other development projects without health and environmental impact assessments, scarcity of water with consequent water storage, changing lifestyle with improper use of air coolers and indiscriminate use of disposable containers, bottles, etc, increased the spread. Therefore, the key to control vector borne diseases is adoption of a comprehensive approach by way of regular vector surveillance and integrated management of the Aedes mosquitoes through environmental, biological and chemical control that are safe and cost effective; Environmental Management The major environmental management methods used for control of immature stages of Aedes sp. is: * Environmental modification: Long lasting physical transformation of vector habitats. * For example, improved water supply, mosquito proofing of overhead tanks, cisterns or underground reservoirs. * Environmental manipulation: Temporary changes to vector habitats that involve the management of essential. and non-essential. containers and management of or removal of natural breeding sites. * Changes in human habitations: Efforts are made to reduce man-virus contact by mosquito proofing of houses with screens on doors/windows. Biological Control * Larvivorous fish are recommended for control of Aedes aegypti in large water bodies or large water containers. * Endotoxin-producing bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) serotype H-14 (Bt H-14) has been found an effective mosquito control agent. Management at Household, Community and Institutional Level: Aedes aegypti mosquito bites during daytime. Adult mosquitoes should be killed by using of commercially available safe aerosols (Pyrethroid-based). Rooms including closets, bathrooms and kitchens should be sprayed (by removing/covering all food items properly) for a few minutes and closing the room for 15-20 minutes. The timing of the spray should coincide with the peak biting time of the Aedes aegyptimosquito, e.g., early morning or late afternoon. * Taking personal protection measures like wearing protective clothing (full sleeved shirts & full pants during day time) and using mosquito nets, preferably insecticide treated ones, while sleeping, even during daytime. * Using commercially available repellents during daytime. * Using mosquito repellents or burning neem leaves, coconut shells and husk to kill or repel the mosquitoes. * Using tight-fitting screens/wire mesh on doors and windows. * Covering all water containers in the house and water storage structures to prevent fresh egg laying by the vector. * Emptying, drying water tanks, containers, coolers, bird baths, pets water bowls, plant pots, drip trays at least once each week. * Regularly checking for clogged gutters and flat roofs that may have poor drainage. * Launch awareness campaigns on vector borne diseases and seek cooperation for prevention of mosquito breeding and protection from mosquito bites. * Keeping the surroundings clean and improving basic sanitation measures. * Cleaning weeds and tall grass to reduce available outdoor resting places for adult mosquitoes near houses. * In case water containers cannot be emptied, applying Temephos (1 ppm) on weekly basis in coordination with the Health authorities. * Introducing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) dunks, larvivorous fishes (e.g., Gambusia / Guppy) in abandoned water bodies and ponds. * Carrying out Indoor Space spraying with Pyrethrum 2%. The timing of the spray should coincide with the biting time of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, e.g., early morning or late afternoon. * Carrying out fogging or Ultra Low Volume (ULV) spray by using 95% or pure technical malathion. = Conclusion = It is essential to built public-private partnership of hospitals, non-health sector departments including schools/colleges, civil society organizations (NGOs, Faith Based Organizations and Community Based Organizations like Residents Welfare Organizations, Self-Help Groups), Panchayati Raj Institutions/Municipal Bodies or such like local self-governments, local Religious Bodies, Nehru Yuvak Kendras, NSS/NCC units in schools and colleges as well as professional associations and corporate sector to accomplish successful vector control programme on a sustainable basis. References Guidelines For Integrated Vector Management For Control Of Dengue / Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, NVBDCP, Delhi HHS Publication No. (CDC) (99-xxxx) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service Lumsden WHR (1955). "An Epidemic of Virus Disease in Southern Province, Tanganyika Territory, in 1952-53; II. General Description and Epidemiology". Trans Royal Society Trop Med Hyg 49 (1): 33-57. Robinson Marion (1955). "An Epidemic of Virus Disease in Southern Province, Tanganyika Territory, in 1952-53; I. Clinical Features". Trans Royal Society Trop Med Hyg 49 (1): 28-32. Vanlandingham DL, Hong C, Klingler K, Tsetsarkin K, McElroy KL, Powers AM, Lehane MJ, Higgs S (2005). "Differential infectivities of o'nyong-nyong and chikungunya virus isolates in Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes". Am J Trop Med Hyg 72 (5): 616-21. PubMed. *Author is currently working as Project Officer, World Wide Fund for Nature - India ** Co-author is a practising Physician in Social and Preventive Medicine at PRS Hospital, Trivandrum. HARNESSING CHIKUNGUNYA & DENGUE- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENT SAFE APPROACH * Sreejith A., **Dr. Lakshmanan S Recent outbreaks and resurgence of mosquito-borne diseases such as Chickungunya and dengue in parts of Indian peninsula, especially in state of Kerala, which boasts an efficient healthcare system, is an outcome of extensive mosquito breeding under situations of unsustainable environment management. Chikungunya is a relatively rare form of viral fever caused by an RNA virus, alphavirus (Fam:Togoviridae) that is spread by mosquito bites from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, though recent research by the Pasteur Institute in Paris claims the virus has suffered a mutation that enables it to be transmitted by Aedes aegypti , Aedes albopictus (Tiger mosquito). Dengue Fever (DF), an outbreak prone viral disease is transmitted by Aedesmosquitoes. DF is characterized by fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, rash, nausea and vomiting. Some infection results in Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) - a syndrome that in its severe form can threaten the patient's life primarily through increased vascular permeability and shock. The four-dengue viruses DEN 1, 2, 3 and 4, which are closely related antigenically, causes DF and DHF. Aedes aegypti is the main vector species of DF/DHF in India and is common in most of the urban areas on account of deficient water management, presence of nondegradable tyres and long-lasting plastic containers as well as increasing urban agglomerations and inability of the public health community to mobilize the population to respond to the need to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Overhead tanks, ground water storage tanks and septic tanks are usually the primary habitats where the Aedes sp. breeds almost entirely. Natural larval habitats are rare, but include tree holes, leaf axles and coconut shells. The population of Aedes aegypti fluctuates with rainfall temperature and humidity. Under the optimal conditions the life cycle of aquatic stage of the Aedes aegypti (the time taken from hatching to adult emergence) can be as short as seven days. At low temperatures, however, it may take several weeks for adults to emerge. With the rise in global temperature as a result of Global climate change, which is evident during the past two months in the state of Kerala, may be one of the many reasons for extensive multiplication of arthropod vectors like Aedes sp. During the rainy season, when survival is longer, the risk of virus transmission is greater. The rural spread of Aedes is a relatively recent occurrence associated with expanding network of rural water supply schemes and other development projects without health and environmental impact assessments, scarcity of water with consequent water storage, changing lifestyle with improper use of air coolers and indiscriminate use of disposable containers, bottles, etc, increased the spread. Therefore, the key to control vector borne diseases is adoption of a comprehensive approach by way of regular vector surveillance and integrated management of the Aedes mosquitoes through environmental, biological and chemical control that are safe and cost effective; Environmental Management The major environmental management methods used for control of immature stages of Aedes sp. is: * Environmental modification: Long lasting physical transformation of vector habitats. * For example, improved water supply, mosquito proofing of overhead tanks, cisterns or underground reservoirs. * Environmental manipulation: Temporary changes to vector habitats that involve the management of essential. and non-essential. containers and management of or removal of natural breeding sites. * Changes in human habitations: Efforts are made to reduce man-virus contact by mosquito proofing of houses with screens on doors/windows. Biological Control * Larvivorous fish are recommended for control of Aedes aegypti in large water bodies or large water containers. * Endotoxin-producing bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) serotype H-14 (Bt H-14) has been found an effective mosquito control agent. Management at Household, Community and Institutional Level: Aedes aegypti mosquito bites during daytime. Adult mosquitoes should be killed by using of commercially available safe aerosols (Pyrethroid-based). Rooms including closets, bathrooms and kitchens should be sprayed (by removing/covering all food items properly) for a few minutes and closing the room for 15-20 minutes. The timing of the spray should coincide with the peak biting time of the Aedes aegyptimosquito, e.g., early morning or late afternoon. * Taking personal protection measures like wearing protective clothing (full sleeved shirts & full pants during day time) and using mosquito nets, preferably insecticide treated ones, while sleeping, even during daytime. * Using commercially available repellents during daytime. * Using mosquito repellents or burning neem leaves, coconut shells and husk to kill or repel the mosquitoes. * Using tight-fitting screens/wire mesh on doors and windows. * Covering all water containers in the house and water storage structures to prevent fresh egg laying by the vector. * Emptying, drying water tanks, containers, coolers, bird baths, pets water bowls, plant pots, drip trays at least once each week. * Regularly checking for clogged gutters and flat roofs that may have poor drainage. * Launch awareness campaigns on vector borne diseases and seek cooperation for prevention of mosquito breeding and protection from mosquito bites. * Keeping the surroundings clean and improving basic sanitation measures. * Cleaning weeds and tall grass to reduce available outdoor resting places for adult mosquitoes near houses. * In case water containers cannot be emptied, applying Temephos (1 ppm) on weekly basis in coordination with the Health authorities. * Introducing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) dunks, larvivorous fishes (e.g., Gambusia / Guppy) in abandoned water bodies and ponds. * Carrying out Indoor Space spraying with Pyrethrum 2%. The timing of the spray should coincide with the biting time of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, e.g., early morning or late afternoon. * Carrying out fogging or Ultra Low Volume (ULV) spray by using 95% or pure technical malathion. = Conclusion = It is essential to built public-private partnership of hospitals, non-health sector departments including schools/colleges, civil society organizations (NGOs, Faith Based Organizations and Community Based Organizations like Residents Welfare Organizations, Self-Help Groups), Panchayati Raj Institutions/Municipal Bodies or such like local self-governments, local Religious Bodies, Nehru Yuvak Kendras, NSS/NCC units in schools and colleges as well as professional associations and corporate sector to accomplish successful vector control programme on a sustainable basis. References Guidelines For Integrated Vector Management For Control Of Dengue / Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, NVBDCP, Delhi HHS Publication No. (CDC) (99-xxxx) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service Lumsden WHR (1955). "An Epidemic of Virus Disease in Southern Province, Tanganyika Territory, in 1952-53; II. General Description and Epidemiology". Trans Royal Society Trop Med Hyg 49 (1): 33-57. Robinson Marion (1955). "An Epidemic of Virus Disease in Southern Province, Tanganyika Territory, in 1952-53; I. Clinical Features". Trans Royal Society Trop Med Hyg 49 (1): 28-32. Vanlandingham DL, Hong C, Klingler K, Tsetsarkin K, McElroy KL, Powers AM, Lehane MJ, Higgs S (2005). "Differential infectivities of o'nyong-nyong and chikungunya virus isolates in Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes". Am J Trop Med Hyg 72 (5): 616-21. PubMed. *Author is currently working as Project Officer, World Wide Fund for Nature - India ** Co-author is a practising Physician in Social and Preventive Medicine at PRS Hospital, Trivandrum.