Picornavirus
Picornavirus (pronounced: /ˌpaɪkoʊrˈnævɪrəs/) is a type of virus that belongs to the family Picornaviridae. The term "Picornavirus" is derived from "pico", meaning small, and "rna", referring to the type of genetic material they contain.
Etymology
The term "Picornavirus" is derived from the Greek words "pico", meaning small, and "rna", referring to the type of genetic material they contain. The name reflects the small size of these viruses and their RNA-based genetic material.
Description
Picornaviruses are non-enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses. They are among the smallest and simplest viruses, with a diameter of about 30 nanometers. Despite their small size, they are responsible for a wide range of diseases in humans and animals, including common cold, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A, and foot-and-mouth disease.
Classification
Picornaviruses are classified into nine genera: Enterovirus, Rhinovirus, Hepatovirus, Cardiovirus, Aphthovirus, Erbovirus, Kobuvirus, Teschovirus, and Parechovirus. Each genus contains several species of viruses that cause specific diseases.
Picornaviruses are responsible for a wide range of diseases in humans and animals. Some of the most common diseases caused by these viruses include:
- Common cold: Caused by Rhinoviruses, a genus of Picornaviruses.
- Poliomyelitis: Caused by Poliovirus, a species of Enterovirus.
- Hepatitis A: Caused by Hepatitis A virus, a species of Hepatovirus.
- Foot-and-mouth disease: Caused by Foot-and-mouth disease virus, a species of Aphthovirus.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention of diseases caused by Picornaviruses primarily involves good hygiene practices, as these viruses are often spread through contaminated food and water. Vaccines are available for some Picornaviruses, such as Poliovirus and Hepatitis A virus.
Treatment for diseases caused by Picornaviruses is primarily supportive, as there are currently no antiviral drugs that are effective against these viruses.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Picornavirus
- Wikipedia's article - Picornavirus
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