Bornavirus

Bornavirus is a genus of viruses in the family Bornaviridae, order Mononegavirales. The name "Bornavirus" is derived from the town of Borna in Germany, where the virus was first discovered. Bornaviruses are unique among viruses due to their ability to establish persistent infections in the nuclei of host cells.

History

The first known case of Bornavirus infection was in horses in the town of Borna, Germany, in the late 19th century. The virus was named after the town where the first cases were identified.

Structure and Genome

Bornaviruses are enveloped, non-segmented, negative-strand RNA viruses. The Bornavirus genome is approximately 9 kilobases in length and encodes six proteins. These include the nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), glycoprotein (G), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L), and the X protein.

Transmission and Disease

Bornaviruses are known to cause a variety of diseases in animals, including encephalitis in horses and sheep. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids. In humans, Bornavirus infection has been associated with psychiatric disorders, although the link is still under investigation.

Research and Treatment

Research into Bornaviruses has increased in recent years due to their potential link to human disease. Currently, there is no specific treatment for Bornavirus infection. Management of the disease involves supportive care and treatment of symptoms.

See Also

• Virus
• Encephalitis
• Psychiatric disorders