Rhabdoviridae

Rabies is a neurological killer that has evolved a fool-proof technique of transmission, and it cleverly evades the species barrier to present a potent threat to mammalian life. While the simplicity of the virus ensures its transmission, it also contributes to its weakness: its monoclonal antigenicity means that a single vaccination covers all strains of the disease. Though rabies is considered endemic in parts of the developed and undeveloped world, vaccination schemes have rendered the disease controllable to a satisfactory degree. Nonetheless, infection is still largely fatal and the disease should not be taken lightly.


Morphology

  • Large, enveloped, negative-sense RNA virus
  • Bullet-shaped with short glycoprotein spikes

Types and Subtypes

Two Genera:

  1. Lyssaviruses: 7 genotypes
    1. Genotype 1 is classical rabies
    2. Genotypes 2-7 more limited in distribution
    3. Genotype 4 infects insectivorous bats
  2. Vesiculoviruses are all exotic to the UK:
    1. Vesicular Stomatitis Virus
    2. Ephemeral Fever
    3. Fish Rhabdoviruses, such as viral hemorrhagic syndrome and infectious haematopoetic necrosis virus

Pages in category "Rhabdoviridae"

The following 4 pages are in this category, out of 4 total.