Reoviridae

Definition

Reoviridae is a family of double-stranded RNA viruses that are known to infect a wide range of hosts, including animals, plants, and fungi. This family is characterized by its unique icosahedral structure, non-enveloped virions, and segmented genome, which allows for genetic reassortment. These features play a significant role in the classification of animal viruses and their characteristics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Reoviridae viruses are known for their ability to cause diseases in both humans and animals, with rotavirus being a major cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children.
2. The segmented nature of the Reoviridae genome enables genetic reassortment, which can lead to new strains emerging and complicating vaccine development.
3. Reoviridae are non-enveloped viruses, which generally makes them more resistant to environmental factors compared to enveloped viruses.
4. These viruses replicate in the cytoplasm of host cells and use their dsRNA as a template for transcription and replication.
5. The classification of Reoviridae includes several genera such as Rotavirus, Orbivirus, and Cypovirus, each associated with specific hosts and diseases.

Review Questions

• How does the segmented genome of Reoviridae contribute to its evolutionary adaptability?
  • The segmented genome of Reoviridae allows for genetic reassortment when two different strains infect the same host cell. This process can create new viral variants with altered properties, making it easier for the virus to adapt to changing environments or evade host immune responses. This ability to generate diversity enhances the virus's potential to spread and cause outbreaks.
• Discuss the implications of Reoviridae's non-enveloped structure on its stability and transmission compared to enveloped viruses.
  • The non-enveloped structure of Reoviridae contributes significantly to its stability in various environments, allowing it to survive longer outside host organisms. This resilience can facilitate transmission through contaminated surfaces or food, particularly in the case of rotavirus. In contrast, enveloped viruses tend to be more fragile and susceptible to environmental stressors, which may limit their transmission potential.
• Evaluate the public health challenges posed by Reoviridae viruses like rotavirus and their impact on vaccine development efforts.
  • Reoviridae viruses such as rotavirus pose significant public health challenges due to their high transmission rates and potential to cause severe disease, especially in children. Despite effective vaccines being developed, ongoing issues such as strain variability due to genetic reassortment complicate efforts. This variability requires continuous monitoring and potential updates to vaccination strategies to ensure effectiveness against emerging strains, presenting challenges for global health initiatives.

Related terms

Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA): A type of RNA molecule consisting of two strands that are complementary to each other, commonly found in certain viruses including members of the Reoviridae family.

Icosahedral:

A type of virus structure characterized by a symmetrical shape made up of 20 equilateral triangular faces, which provides stability to the viral particles.

Segmented genome: A viral genome that is divided into separate segments, allowing for genetic reassortment during co-infection and contributing to the evolution of the virus.