Sapelovirus

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colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: rgb(250,250,190)" | Sapelovirus
colspan=2 style="min-width:15em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(250,250,190)" | Virus classification

Sapelovirus is a genus of viruses in the family Picornaviridae. This genus includes several species that are known to infect mammals, including humans and pigs. The most well-known species within this genus is Sapelovirus A, which is associated with infections in swine.

Virology

Sapeloviruses are small, non-enveloped viruses with a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome. The genome is approximately 7.5 kb in length and encodes a single polyprotein that is processed into structural and non-structural proteins. The capsid of sapeloviruses is icosahedral, composed of 60 copies each of four structural proteins: VP1, VP2, VP3, and VP4.

Genome Organization

The genome of sapeloviruses is organized into a single open reading frame (ORF) flanked by untranslated regions (UTRs) at the 5' and 3' ends. The 5' UTR contains a type I internal ribosome entry site (IRES) that facilitates translation initiation. The polyprotein is cleaved by viral proteases into functional proteins, including the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) necessary for viral replication.

Pathogenesis

Sapeloviruses are primarily enteric viruses, meaning they infect the gastrointestinal tract. In pigs, Sapelovirus A can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, although many infections are subclinical. The virus is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, and outbreaks are often associated with poor sanitation and overcrowding.

In humans, sapeloviruses have been detected in stool samples, but their role in human disease is not well understood. Some studies suggest a potential association with gastroenteritis, but more research is needed to clarify their pathogenicity in humans.

Epidemiology

Sapeloviruses are distributed worldwide, with infections reported in various countries. In swine, the virus is endemic in many regions, and serological surveys indicate a high prevalence of antibodies in pig populations. Human infections are less well-documented, but the presence of sapeloviruses in human stool samples suggests they may be more common than currently recognized.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of sapelovirus infection is typically achieved through molecular methods, such as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which can detect viral RNA in stool samples. Serological assays to detect antibodies against sapeloviruses are also used in research settings.

Prevention and Control

Preventing sapelovirus infections in swine involves good husbandry practices, including maintaining proper sanitation and biosecurity measures to reduce fecal-oral transmission. There are currently no vaccines available for sapeloviruses, so control relies on management practices.

Research Directions

Ongoing research aims to better understand the molecular biology of sapeloviruses, their role in disease, and potential zoonotic transmission to humans. Studies are also exploring the development of vaccines and antiviral therapies.

Also see

• Picornaviridae
• Enterovirus
• Viral gastroenteritis
• Zoonosis