Respirovirus

Respirovirus is a genus of viruses in the family Paramyxoviridae, order Mononegavirales. Mammals, including humans, serve as natural hosts. Diseases associated with this genus include: measles, mumps, and parainfluenza. The genus contains four species.

Taxonomy

The genus Respirovirus is part of the family Paramyxoviridae, which is itself part of the order Mononegavirales. The family Paramyxoviridae also includes the genera Morbillivirus, Henipavirus, and Rubulavirus, among others. The genus Respirovirus contains four species: Human respirovirus 1, Human respirovirus 3, Bovine respirovirus, and Murine respirovirus.

Structure and Genome

Respiroviruses are enveloped, with spherical to pleomorphic geometries. The diameter is around 150 nm. Genomes are linear and non-segmented, around 15kb in length.

The genome codes for six proteins: the nucleoprotein (N), the phosphoprotein (P), the matrix protein (M), the fusion protein (F), the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN), and the large protein (L), which is the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.

Replication

Respirovirus replication is cytoplasmic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by attachment of the virus to host receptors, which mediates endocytosis. Replication follows the negative stranded RNA virus replication model. Negative stranded RNA virus transcription, using polymerase stuttering is the method of transcription. The virus exits the host cell by budding, and tubule-guided viral movement. Humans and cattle serve as the natural host.

Clinical

Respiroviruses are responsible for a range of respiratory diseases in humans and animals. In humans, Human respirovirus 1 and Human respirovirus 3 can cause upper and lower respiratory tract infections, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. In cattle, Bovine respirovirus can cause bovine respiratory disease complex.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention of respirovirus infection is primarily through vaccination. Vaccines are available for some species of Respirovirus, including Human respirovirus 3. Treatment of respirovirus infection is primarily supportive, including hydration and management of symptoms.

See Also

• Paramyxoviridae
• Mononegavirales
• Virus classification