PARAPOXVIRUSES Meaning and
Definition
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Parapoxviruses are a group of DNA viruses that infect various mammals, including both humans and animals. They belong to the family Poxviridae and are characterized by their ability to cause skin lesions or papules on the infected host. These viruses are generally species-specific, meaning that each parapoxvirus is typically associated with a particular mammalian species.
The most well-known parapoxvirus is Orf virus, which primarily affects sheep and goats. Orf virus infections in humans usually occur after direct contact with infected animals, their tissues, or contaminated environments. The virus enters the body through small breaks in the skin, resulting in the formation of painful, raised lesions that gradually evolve into papules or pustules. In healthy individuals, the lesions typically resolve without medical intervention, although they may take several weeks to heal completely.
Another notable parapoxvirus is Sealpox virus, which affects marine mammals such as seals and sea lions. In seals, the infection causes skin lesions and is known to occasionally spread to humans who come into contact with infected animals. In humans, the infection manifests as skin ulcers that can be transmitted through direct contact with the lesions or contaminated material.
Parapoxviruses are of veterinary and medical importance due to their ability to cause disease in both humans and animals. Understanding the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of parapoxvirus infections is crucial for effective management and prevention, particularly among individuals at higher risk of exposure, such as animal handlers or veterinarians.
Common Misspellings for PARAPOXVIRUSES
- oarapoxviruses
- larapoxviruses
- -arapoxviruses
- 0arapoxviruses
- pzrapoxviruses
- psrapoxviruses
- pwrapoxviruses
- pqrapoxviruses
- paeapoxviruses
- padapoxviruses
- pafapoxviruses
- patapoxviruses
- pa5apoxviruses
- pa4apoxviruses
- parzpoxviruses
- parspoxviruses
- parwpoxviruses
- parqpoxviruses
- paraooxviruses
- paraloxviruses
Etymology of PARAPOXVIRUSES
The word "Parapoxviruses" is derived from the combination of two terms: "Para-" and "poxviruses".
1. "Para-" comes from the Greek prefix "pará" (παρά), which means "beside" or "alongside". In the context of medical terminology, "Para-" indicates something similar or related.
2. "Poxviruses" refers to a family of viruses known as Poxviridae, which are characterized by their large, double-stranded DNA genomes and their ability to cause skin lesions and pox-like diseases.
Combining these two terms, "Parapoxviruses" refers to a related group of viruses that are similar to the poxviruses but have distinct genetic and phenotypic characteristics. They are known for causing diseases in animals and occasionally in humans, such as orf virus infections in sheep and goats.
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