Alphaherpesvirinae

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Alphaherpesvirinae[edit]

Alphaherpesvirinae is a subfamily of viruses within the family Herpesviridae. This subfamily is characterized by its ability to establish latent infections primarily in the neurons of the host. Members of this subfamily are known for their rapid replication cycle and their ability to cause a wide range of diseases in humans and animals.

Characteristics[edit]

Alphaherpesvirinae viruses are double-stranded DNA viruses with a linear genome. They have an icosahedral capsid surrounded by a lipid envelope. The genome of alphaherpesviruses is relatively large, typically ranging from 120 to 240 kilobase pairs.

These viruses are known for their ability to establish latency in the nervous system, particularly in the sensory ganglia. During latency, the viral genome persists in a non-replicating form, and the virus can reactivate under certain conditions, leading to recurrent infections.

Genera[edit]

The subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae includes several genera, each containing viruses that infect different hosts:

Pathogenesis[edit]

Alphaherpesvirinae viruses are capable of causing both acute and latent infections. During the acute phase, the virus replicates rapidly, leading to cell lysis and the characteristic symptoms of the infection. For example, HSV-1 can cause cold sores, while VZV can cause chickenpox.

After the acute infection, the virus can enter a latent phase, particularly in the sensory neurons. During latency, the viral genome is maintained in the host cell nucleus without producing infectious virus particles. Reactivation of the virus can occur due to various triggers, such as stress or immunosuppression, leading to recurrent disease.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Alphaherpesvirinae viruses are significant human pathogens. HSV-1 and HSV-2 are common causes of oral and genital lesions, respectively. VZV is responsible for chickenpox in children and shingles in adults. These viruses can also cause more severe diseases, such as herpes encephalitis and neonatal herpes.

In veterinary medicine, alphaherpesviruses are important pathogens in livestock and poultry, causing diseases that can lead to economic losses.

Related pages[edit]


Herpesviridae
Herpesviridae virion
Herpesviridae virion
Taxonomy
Kingdom Virus
Order Herpesvirales
Family Herpesviridae
Genera
Notable Species
Related Topics

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