Filovirus
Filovirus
Filovirus (pronounced: /ˈfaɪloʊˌvaɪrəs/) is a type of virus that belongs to the family Filoviridae and the order Mononegavirales. The term "Filovirus" is derived from the Latin word "filum", which means thread, referring to the unique thread-like structure of these viruses.
Filoviruses are known to cause severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and non-human primates. The most well-known members of this family are Ebola virus and Marburg virus.
Classification
Filoviruses are classified into three genera: Ebolavirus, Marburgvirus, and Cuevavirus. Each genus contains different species of filoviruses. For example, the genus Ebolavirus includes species such as Zaire ebolavirus, which is responsible for the Ebola virus disease.
Structure and Genome
Filoviruses are enveloped, non-segmented, negative-sense RNA viruses. They have a unique filamentous structure, which is where they get their name. The genome of filoviruses is approximately 19 kilobases in length and encodes seven structural proteins.
Pathogenesis and Transmission
Filoviruses are zoonotic viruses, meaning they are transmitted to humans from animals. The exact reservoir of filoviruses is unknown, but fruit bats are considered the most likely candidate. Transmission to humans can occur through direct contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids.
Once in the human body, filoviruses can cause severe disease characterized by hemorrhagic fever, multi-organ failure, and, in many cases, death. The viruses can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected people.
Prevention and Treatment
There is currently no specific treatment for filovirus infections. Management of the disease is primarily supportive, including rehydration and treatment of specific symptoms. Vaccines for Ebola virus are available and have been used during outbreaks.
Prevention of filovirus infections involves avoiding contact with infected animals and taking precautions to prevent person-to-person transmission in healthcare settings and among close contacts of infected individuals.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Filovirus
- Wikipedia's article - Filovirus
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