ALPHAVIRUSES Meaning and
Definition
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Alphaviruses are a genus of RNA viruses that belong to the Togaviridae family. These viruses are known to infect a wide range of hosts, including humans, mammals, birds, and some arthropods. Alphaviruses are primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, although other modes of transmission such as direct contact with infected animals or consumption of infected meat have also been reported.
One characteristic feature of alphaviruses is their ability to cause various diseases in humans, ranging from mild to severe. Common diseases caused by alphaviruses include Chikungunya fever, which is characterized by symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and rash, as well as Ross River fever and Mayaro virus infection, which share similar symptoms. In rare cases, alphaviruses can also lead to severe complications such as encephalitis, which causes inflammation of the brain, and can result in long-term neurological damage or death.
Alphaviruses are enveloped viruses that contain a single-stranded RNA genome. They have a spherical shape and possess protruding, club-shaped glycoprotein spikes on their surface. These spikes aid in the attachment and entry of the virus into host cells. Once inside, the virus replicates itself using the host cell's machinery, leading to the production of new virus particles that can then infect other cells.
Due to their ability to cause significant morbidity and mortality in humans, alphaviruses are a subject of great importance in public health research. Efforts are continually being made to develop vaccines, antiviral drugs, and effective control measures to prevent and manage alphavirus infections and their associated diseases.
Common Misspellings for ALPHAVIRUSES
- zlphaviruses
- slphaviruses
- wlphaviruses
- qlphaviruses
- akphaviruses
- apphaviruses
- aophaviruses
- alohaviruses
- allhaviruses
- al-haviruses
- al0haviruses
- alpgaviruses
- alpbaviruses
- alpnaviruses
- alpjaviruses
- alpuaviruses
- alpyaviruses
- alphzviruses
- alphsviruses
- alphwviruses
Etymology of ALPHAVIRUSES
The word "Alphaviruses" is derived from the combination of "alpha" and "viruses".
The term "alpha" originates from the Greek letter "alpha" (Αα), which is the first letter of the Greek alphabet. In various contexts, "alpha" is associated with being the first or beginning of something. In the case of viruses, "alpha" often refers to the first group or subdivision in a classification system.
The suffix "-viruses" is added to "alpha" to specify that the term pertains to a group of viruses. The suffix "-viruses" is derived from the Latin word "virus", which originally referred to a poisonous substance but evolved to represent a pathogenic agent, particularly one that infects living organisms.
Therefore, the word "Alphaviruses" describes a group or category of viruses that belongs to the alpha classification in virology.
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