What does the variola virus do?
The virus starts in the lungs. From there, the virus invades the bloodstream and spreads to the skin, intestines, lungs, kidneys, and brain. The virus activity in the skin cells creates a rash that starts as macules (flat, red lesions). After this, vesicles (raised blisters) form.
What is the cause of variola virus?
Smallpox is caused by infection with the variola virus. The disease is spread through person to person contact, most often from inhalation of droplet nuclei expelled through the back of the throat (oropharynx) of an infected person.
What is black smallpox?
: a highly fatal form of smallpox characterized by cutaneous hemorrhages.
What does variola virus look like?
The variola virus is a large, brick-shaped, double-stranded DNA virus that serologically cross-reacts with other members of the poxvirus family, including ectromelia, cowpox, monkeypox, vaccinia, and camelpox. Unlike other DNA viruses, the variola virus multiplies in the cytoplasm of parasitized host cells.
Is variola major a virus?
Smallpox was an infectious disease caused by one of two virus variants, Variola major and Variola minor. The agent of variola virus (VARV) belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus….Cause.
| Variola virus | |
|---|---|
| Family: | Poxviridae |
| Genus: | Orthopoxvirus |
| Species: | †Variola virus |
What is the difference between a bacteria and a virus?
On a biological level, the main difference is that bacteria are free-living cells that can live inside or outside a body, while viruses are a non-living collection of molecules that need a host to survive.
Can you survive smallpox?
Most people who get smallpox survive. However, a few rare varieties of smallpox are almost always fatal. These more-severe forms most commonly affect pregnant women and people with impaired immune systems. People who recover from smallpox usually have severe scars, especially on the face, arms and legs.
What are 5 symptoms of smallpox?
Signs and Symptoms
- Incubation Period. This stage can last anywhere from 7 to 19 days (although the average length is 10 to 14 days).
- Initial Symptoms. This stage lasts anywhere from 2 to 4 days.
- Early Rash.
- Pustular Rash and Scabs.
- Scabs Fall Off.
- No Scabs.
What type of genome does variola virus have?
Smallpox is caused by the Variola virus, a member of the genus Orthopoxvirus. It’s genome consists of a single, linear double-stranded DNA molecule made up of 186,102 base pairs. There are 10 enzymes that regulate gene expression, as well as about 100 nucleoproteins involved in transcription of the DNA..
What are 3 differences between viruses and bacteria?
Viruses are tinier: the largest of them are smaller than the smallest bacteria. All they have is a protein coat and a core of genetic material, either RNA or DNA. Unlike bacteria, viruses can’t survive without a host. They can only reproduce by attaching themselves to cells.
How do doctors know if it’s viral or bacterial?
Your doctor often can diagnose you through a medical history and physical exam. The doctor may order blood or urine tests or a spinal culture to help pinpoint a viral or bacterial infection.
Is Variola virus a DNA or RNA virus?
Characteristics of variola virus The variola virus is a large, brick-shaped, double-stranded DNA virus that serologically cross-reacts with other members of the poxvirus family, including ectromelia, cowpox, monkeypox, vaccinia, and camelpox.