arenaviridae

• What type of viruses are Arenaviridae?

  Enveloped, negative-sense RNA viruses
• What is the genome structure of Arenaviridae?

  Bisegmented ambisense ssRNA
• What are the sizes of the segments in Arenaviridae's genome?

  Large ~7.5 kb and Small ~3.5 kb
• Which key genes are found in the L segment of Arenaviridae?

  L (RdRp) and Z
• Which key genes are found in the S segment of Arenaviridae?

  NP and GPC (precursor of GP1/GP2)
• What are the two groups of Arenaviridae viruses?

  Old World and New World arenaviruses
• What diseases do Arenaviridae viruses cause in humans?

  Hemorrhagic fevers and neurological disease
• What is the mortality rate of Lassa fever?

  ~1–15%
• What is the primary reservoir for Lassa virus?

  Mastomys rats
• How is Lassa virus transmitted?

  Via rodent reservoirs or person-to-person contact
• What are common symptoms of Lassa and other arenaviral fevers?

  Fever, hemorrhage, multi-organ involvement
• What does LCMV cause in humans?

  Aseptic meningitis and congenital infections
• What is the laboratory containment level required for Arenaviridae culture?

  High-containment (BSL-4)
• What is a common diagnostic method for Arenaviridae infections?

  Reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR)
• When does IgM appear in serology for Arenaviridae infections?

  ≈4–7 days after onset
• What is the gold standard for diagnosing Arenaviridae infections?

  Virus isolation (cell culture)
• What is the role of ribavirin in treating Lassa fever?

  Significantly reduces mortality
• What supportive care is critical for Lassa fever patients?

  Fluids, electrolytes, transfusions
• What is the only widely used vaccine for Arenaviridae?

  Live-attenuated Junín vaccine in Argentina
• What are the CDC/WHO recommendations for preventing Arenaviridae infections?

  Strict barrier nursing and isolation
• What is a key prevention strategy against rodent-borne Arenaviridae?

  Rodent control and avoiding contact
• What is post-exposure prophylaxis for Arenaviridae infections?

  Ribavirin for high-risk exposures
• How should patients with Arenaviridae infections be isolated?

  In negative-pressure isolation
• What disinfectants are effective against Arenaviruses?

  Bleach and detergent
• What is important for surveillance in endemic areas of Arenaviridae?

  Contact tracing
• What are the major human pathogens in the Arenaviridae family?

  • Lassa virus (Lassa fever)
  • Junín virus (Argentine hemorrhagic fever)
  • LCMV (lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus)
  • Other New World HF viruses (Machupo, Guanarito, Sabia)
• What are the key features of Arenaviridae morphology?

  • Pleomorphic and roughly spherical
  • Size: 50–300 nm (avg ~110 × 130 nm)
  • Enveloped virions with glycoprotein spikes
  • Flexible, circularized helical RNP
• What are the common diagnostic methods for Arenaviridae infections?

  • Reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR)
  • Antigen-capture ELISA
  • Serology (IgM/IgG ELISA)
  • Virus isolation (cell culture)
• What are the treatment and prevention strategies for Arenaviridae infections?

  Treatment:

  • Early IV ribavirin
  • Supportive care (fluids, electrolytes, transfusions)

  
  

  Prevention:

  • Strict barrier nursing
  • Rodent control
  • Post-exposure prophylaxis with ribavirin