Arterivirus Infection is a medical term used to refer to a viral infection caused by arteriviruses. The spelling of this word can be broken down into its individual phonetic components. "Arteri" is pronounced as "ɑrˈtɛri" which refers to the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart. "Virus" is pronounced as "ˈvaɪrəs" which is any infectious agent that typically consists of a nucleic acid molecule in a protein coat. This disease is found in various animal species and humans are also susceptible to it.
Arterivirus infection is a term used to describe a viral infection caused by the family of viruses called arteriviruses. Arteriviruses are RNA viruses that primarily infect mammals, including pigs, horses, and rodents. These viruses are known to cause various respiratory, reproductive, and systemic diseases in their respective hosts.
In pigs, arterivirus infection is commonly associated with a highly contagious and economically important disease called porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). PRRS is characterized by reproductive failure in pregnant sows, respiratory distress in growing pigs, and an increased susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections. Similarly, in horses, arterivirus infection can lead to equine arteritis, which is characterized by respiratory symptoms, fever, and abortion in pregnant mares.
Arterivirus infections can be transmitted through various routes, including direct contact between infected and susceptible animals, as well as through contaminated airborne particles. The severity of the infection can vary depending on the strain of virus, host species, and individual host factors.
Diagnosis of arterivirus infection often involves molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect viral genetic material in blood or tissue samples, as well as serological tests to detect antibodies produced by the host against the virus. Treatment options for arterivirus infections are limited, and management strategies primarily focus on preventing the spread of infection and minimizing its impact through vaccination, biosecurity measures, and proper hygiene practices.
The word "Arterivirus" is derived from the Latin word "arteria", meaning artery, and the Greek suffix "-virus", meaning poison or slimy fluid.
The term "infection" is derived from the Latin word "infectus", which means to influence, taint, or stain. It is further derived from the prefix "in-", which means "in" or "into", and the verb "facere", meaning to do or make.
Therefore, the etymology of the term "Arterivirus infection" indicates that it refers to an infection caused by a specific group of viruses called Arterivirus. These viruses are known for causing diseases that primarily affect the arteries.