Rubulavirinae

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Rubulavirinae
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:	Mononegavirales
Family:	Paramyxoviridae

Rubulavirinae is a subfamily of viruses within the family Paramyxoviridae, which is part of the order Mononegavirales. This subfamily includes several genera of viruses that are known to infect humans and other animals, causing a range of diseases. The most well-known members of this subfamily are the mumps virus and the human parainfluenza viruses.

Virology

Rubulavirinae are enveloped viruses with a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA genome. The genome is typically linear and non-segmented, approximately 15,000 to 19,000 nucleotides in length. The virions are pleomorphic, often spherical, with a diameter of 150-300 nm.

The viral envelope contains two main glycoproteins: the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein, which facilitates attachment to host cells, and the fusion (F) protein, which mediates the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane. The matrix (M) protein lies beneath the envelope and provides structural integrity to the virion.

Pathogenesis

Rubulavirinae viruses are primarily transmitted via respiratory droplets. Upon entering the host, they typically infect epithelial cells of the respiratory tract. The infection can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild respiratory illness to more severe conditions such as croup, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia.

The mumps virus, a member of this subfamily, is known for causing mumps, a disease characterized by swelling of the parotid glands, fever, and malaise. Complications can include orchitis, oophoritis, meningitis, and encephalitis.

Genera

The subfamily Rubulavirinae includes several genera:

• Orthorubulavirus: This genus includes the mumps virus and several human parainfluenza viruses.
• Pararubulavirus: This genus includes viruses that primarily infect animals, such as the porcine rubulavirus.
• Avulavirus: Although primarily associated with avian hosts, some members can infect mammals.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of infections caused by Rubulavirinae viruses is typically based on clinical presentation, serological tests, and molecular techniques such as RT-PCR. Vaccination is available for some viruses in this subfamily, notably the mumps virus, which is part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.

Treatment is generally supportive, focusing on relieving symptoms. Antiviral drugs are not commonly used for these infections, although research is ongoing to develop specific antiviral therapies.

Epidemiology

Rubulavirinae viruses are distributed worldwide, with varying prevalence depending on the specific virus and region. Mumps, for example, was once a common childhood disease but has become less prevalent in countries with widespread vaccination programs.

Also see

• Paramyxoviridae
• Mononegavirales
• Mumps
• Human parainfluenza viruses

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