Unit 4 Flashcards
(154 cards)
What is the name of the virus that causes mononucleosis?
EBV - Epstein-Barr Virus
Epstein-Barr Virus is part of what virus family?
The herpesvirus family
What 4 layers make up the EBV virus?
- nucleoprotein core 2. polyhedral capsis 3. tegument
4. envelope
What is the nucleoprotein core of EBV made up of?
DNA genome and proteins to fold it.
What is tegument?
It is the space between the capsid and envelope in EBV which contains 10-20 regulatory proteins
What are some examples of regulatory proteins?
Transcription factors and enzymes
What is unique about the envelope of the EBV virus?
in is roughly 150nm in diameter and contains up to 10 different spaces
What characteristics make up the genome of the EBV virus?
- linear dsDNA - up to 150 different proteins
2. not dependent on host cells for any DNA replication and has many proteins which regulate host cell activities
What is the reservoir for mononucleosis (EBV)?
- humans during infection: incubation through convalescence
- carriers who recover from mono produce virus periodically for life.
What are the 2 routes of transmission for mono?
- direct contact - saliva
2. fomites - saliva
What are the 2 primary types of cells infected by EBV?
- epithelial cells of nasopharynx and salivary glands
2. B lymphocytes
What are the three possible outcomes for EBV once it enters a host cell’s nucleus?
- can remain linear
- can become an episome (circular)
- can splice into chromosome
What are the 4 possible results of EBV infection?
- latent
- virus replication = lytic
- host cell replication with expression of some viral genes = mono
- host cell replication w/o expressing viral antigens = cancer
Where is the name “mononucleosis” derived from?
It is because mononuclear (lymphocytes) are proliferating
What are the outcomes of a lytic infection of EBV?
new viruses are being made and all viral genes are being expressed -> infectious. The symptoms here are roughly equivalent to that of a cold.
What happens to the nucleus of a host cell infected with EBV?
It becomes dimpled
What is occuring in an EBV infection resulting in mono?
no new viruses are being made, and only a few of the viral proteins are being expressed. The virus triggers infected B lymphocyte proliferation and random IgM antibodies are secreted by these infected B lymphocytes. Both B cells and CTL’s can attack infected B cells
How is it that EBV causes cancer?
Because the virus in this circumstance causes proliferation of the infected cells however no viral proteins are being expressed, so there is nothing to stop the proliferation
What are the two types of cancer that can occur as a result of EBV?
- B - cell lymphoma
2. nasopharyngeal carcinoma
What would put a person at risk for lymphoma?
A weakened immune system
Why are EBV infections in young children usually asymptomatic?
Because of the speed and intensity of their immune system
Why are 15-25 year old people most at risk for developing mononucleosis?
Because of their lifestyle which produces both weakened immune system and close proximities which promote transmission
What is the incubation period for mono?
4-7 weeks
Why is it that a person who has recovered from mono is likely a carrier for life?
Because if they have a latent form of the virus in their cells it can periodically become lytic with very little symptoms for the rest of their life.