DELTAVIRUS Meaning and
Definition
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Deltavirus is a noun in virology that refers to a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the family Deltaviridae, genus Deltavirus. It is classified as a small circular virus and is specifically known to infect humans. The word "delta" in its name refers to the triangular shape of the viral genome, while "virus" indicates its nature as a pathogenic agent.
Deltavirus is primarily associated with causing hepatitis D, also known as delta hepatitis. Hepatitis D occurs either as a co-infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or as a superinfection in individuals already infected with HBV. This means that deltavirus cannot replicate without the presence of HBV. It has a high propensity to cause chronic infections and progress to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma, posing a significant health risk.
The transmission of deltavirus occurs mainly through parenteral routes, such as exposure to infected blood and other body fluids or by sharing contaminated needles. Sexual transmission and perinatal transmission from infected mothers to their infants are also possible routes of infection.
In terms of structure, deltavirus possesses a viral envelope derived from the host cells it infects. Its genome contains a single-stranded RNA that is circular in nature, making it distinctive from other hepatitis viruses. The delta antigen, a protein produced by deltavirus, has crucial roles in viral replication and pathogenesis.
Overall, deltavirus is a specialized and unique RNA virus that specifically infects humans and is a significant cause of liver disease worldwide.
Common Misspellings for DELTAVIRUS
- seltavirus
- xeltavirus
- celtavirus
- feltavirus
- reltavirus
- eeltavirus
- dwltavirus
- dsltavirus
- ddltavirus
- drltavirus
- d4ltavirus
- d3ltavirus
- dektavirus
- deptavirus
- deotavirus
- delravirus
- delfavirus
- delgavirus
- delyavirus
- del6avirus
Etymology of DELTAVIRUS
The term "Deltavirus" is derived from the Greek letter "delta" (Δ) and the word "virus".
The Greek letter "delta", symbolized as Δ, has a triangular shape, resembling an equilateral triangle, and represents the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet. It is believed that the name "Deltavirus" was chosen due to the characteristic shape of the virus, which appears like a small triangle or delta under an electron microscope.
The word "virus" originates from Latin and originally referred to any harmful or poisonous substance. However, it later became associated specifically with infectious agents. The term "virus" is now commonly used to describe a submicroscopic particle that infects living organisms, specifically causing various diseases.
Combining the Greek letter "delta" with the word "virus", the name "Deltavirus" implies a virus that has a triangular or delta-like shape.
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