Lyssavirus

Lyssavirus is a genus of viruses in the family Rhabdoviridae, order Mononegavirales. Viruses in the genus Lyssavirus are responsible for the disease rabies, which is a significant cause of mortality in humans and animals worldwide.

Taxonomy

The genus Lyssavirus consists of 16 species. These include:

• Rabies lyssavirus
• Aravan lyssavirus
• Australian bat lyssavirus
• Bokeloh bat lyssavirus
• Duvenhage lyssavirus
• European bat lyssavirus 1
• European bat lyssavirus 2
• Gannoruwa bat lyssavirus
• Ikoma lyssavirus
• Irkut lyssavirus
• Khujand lyssavirus
• Kotalahti bat lyssavirus
• Lagos bat lyssavirus
• Mokola lyssavirus
• Shimoni bat lyssavirus
• West Caucasian bat lyssavirus

Transmission

Lyssaviruses are primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. The virus is present in the saliva of the infected animal and is introduced into the new host through the bite wound.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a Lyssavirus infection can vary, but they typically include fever, headache, fatigue, and discomfort or pain at the site of the bite. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation, difficulty swallowing, and fear of water.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention of Lyssavirus infections primarily involves avoiding contact with animals that may be infected, particularly wild animals. In the event of a bite from a potentially infected animal, immediate medical attention is necessary. Treatment typically involves a series of vaccinations to prevent the virus from causing disease.

See Also

• Rabies
• Rhabdoviridae
• Mononegavirales

Lyssavirus Resources
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