Lecture 2: Pathogenesis of Viral Material Flashcards
(141 cards)
Pathogenesis:
Pathogenesis is the process by which a disease develops or originates in an individual.
It refers to the sequence of events and mechanisms that lead to the development and progression of a disease from its initial cause or trigger, such as an infection, genetic mutation, environmental factor, or other underlying conditions.
RNA Viruses
Review
RNA viruses are a type of viruses that use RNA (ribonucleic acid) as their genetic material.
Unlike DNA viruses, they need to encode or bring their own RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, an enzyme that’s essential for copying their RNA.
These viruses replicate their genetic material and produce new virus particles in the cell’s cytoplasm, which is outside the cell’s nucleus.
RNA viruses are known for having faster mutation rates compared to DNA viruses, which can make them more adaptable and sometimes harder to treat with vaccines or drugs.
Examples of RNA viruses include the flu virus, HIV, and the common cold virus.
DNA viruses Review
DNA viruses are a type of viruses that have genetic material made of DNA. When they infect a cell, they tend to stick around for a long time, causing what’s called a persistent infection. Most DNA viruses like to work inside the cell’s control center, which is the nucleus, to copy their DNA and reproduce.
These viruses are also smart in the way they turn their genes on and off at specific times to make more viruses without being noticed by the cell’s defenses.
Common examples of DNA viruses include herpes and chickenpox viruses.
Virulence Factors
Things viruses do to make themselves more harmful, like attaching to cells, spreading, and hiding from the body’s defenses.
Essentially, virulence factors help the virus become more effective at causing disease and spreading to new hosts.
Attenuated virus
Weakened versions of viruses with their harmful traits removed, used to make vaccines.
Acquisition
Acquisition often relates to the initial exposure to a pathogen or the process by which a microorganism or virus enters the body, which is a critical step in the development of an infection.
Initiate primary site infection
The beginning or starting of an infection at the initial or primary location in the body where a pathogen enters and establishes itself.
In many cases, the primary site of infection occurs through either the mouth (oral) or the respiratory system, where pathogens are commonly introduced into the body.
How does the body react?
Innate immune reponse will be activated, phagocytes and interferon response
Incubation Period
The time between exposure to a pathogen or disease and the appearance of the first symptoms, during which the pathogen is replicating and the individual is not yet symptomatic.
EX: Testing positive for COVID with no symptoms happens during the incubation period
Secondary Site
Only happens in some cases.
Replication happens at this second site & the adaptive immune response is triggered.
Sometimes, the adaptive immune system is able to clear out the infection.
Other times, this can develop into immunopathology, where the immune system’s activity causes harm to the host’s own tissues and results in symptoms or disease.
How can a viral infection cause immunopathology?
In some cases, the immune system may overreact to a virus, causing excessive inflammation and damage to healthy tissues.
This is often seen in diseases like COVID-19, where a hyperactive immune response can lead to severe lung damage.
& Some viruses trigger autoimmune reactions, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells
Resolution of a virus
After an infection, the outcome can be one of two possibilities: resolution, where the infection is successfully cleared by the immune system, or…
Persistence of a virus
or persistence, where the pathogen remains in the body and the infection continues over time.
HIV initially targets immune response cells and then can target and replicate in lymph nodes. What is this an example of?
Spread to secondary site
Asymptomatic
When an individual is infected but shows no symptoms. In some cases, the infection can even progress to secondary sites in the body without noticeable symptoms.
Prodrome
The initial phase of an illness marked by early, non-specific symptoms such as fever, aches, and chills that precede the characteristic symptoms of the disease.
What is causing the symptoms of prodrome?
Infection:
The presence of a virus, bacteria, or other pathogens in the body can stimulate the immune system and lead to symptoms like fever, aches, and chills.
Immune Response
The body’s defense mechanism against infections. Innate immunity can often resolve infections, but if not, it triggers adaptive immune responses, involving antibodies and specific immune cells.
Convalescence
The period following an illness when symptoms are improving due to tissue repair mechanisms. During this time, the body also develops immunological memory, which provides protection against future infections.
Day 1 of infection:
Acquisition Stage: This is the initial phase where the virus enters the body. It involves the exposure to the pathogen and its entry into the host. The acquisition stage is when the virus gains access to the body.
Disease Course: After the virus gets in, you might start feeling early symptoms like fever, tiredness, and mild aches. This phase happens before you get the full-blown symptoms of the illness.
Day 2 of infection
The virus continues to replicate at the primary site.
Some immune cells arrive at the site of infection.
Host response: The innate immune response intensifies.
Disease course: Still no specific symptoms, but the virus is spreading within the primary site.
Day 3 of infection:
localized inflammation at the primary site.
Immune cells work to contain the infection.
Virus replication continues.
Host response: Innate immunity remains active.
Disease course: Non-specific prodromal symptoms may appear, like mild fever and fatigue.
Day 4 of infection:
The virus continues to replicate at the primary site.
Some viral particles may spread to secondary sites.
Immune response: Adaptive immune responses, involving antibodies and specific immune cells, begin to develop.
Disease course: Prodromal symptoms, such as fever and muscle aches, may intensify. The virus may spread to other tissues.
Day 5: Spread to Secondary Sites:
Virus particles may spread to secondary sites, affecting different tissues.
The adaptive immune response becomes more targeted.
Host response: Adaptive immune responses are in full swing.
Disease course: Specific symptoms related to the affected tissues may become noticeable.