The Atlanta Equine Clinic The Atlanta Equine Clinic The Atlanta Equine Clinic

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT ON-LINE CONSULTATION EVENTS & SEMINARS NEWSLETTER
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS CLIENT EDUCATION LIBRARY VETERINARY MEDICINE NEWS CASES OF INTERESTRELATED WEB LINKS
PHARMACY
HOME



 

 

Bring Life to Your Land

 

 

Vaccinayte Against Disease

 

Back to Library

TOGAVIRIDAE

TogaViridae

TOGAviruses are named for their thick lipid coat. They are generally spread by insects (primarily mosquitos), and have therefore been grouped within the Arbovirus (Arthropod-borne Virus) classification. It should be noted, however, that not all Togaviruses are spread in this way.

The Togavirus genome is linear, single-stranded, positive sense RNA that is 10,000-12,000 nucleotides long. The 5'-terminus carries a methylated nucleotide cap and the 3'-terminus has a polyadenylated tail, therefore resembling cellular mRNA. The virus is enveloped and forms spherical particles (65-70 nm diameter), the capsid within is icosahedral, constructed of 240 monomers, having a triangulation number of 4. The receptors for binding are unknown, however the tropism is varied and it is known that the glycoprotein spikes act as attachment proteins.

After virus attachment and entry into the cell, gene expression and replication takes place within the cytoplasm. As previously mentioned, the vector for Togaviridae is primarily the mosquito, where replication of the virus occurs.

There are 3 genera in the Togavirus group:

ALPHAVIRUS

Some Alphavirus species produce a severe equine encephalitis that has a mortality rate of up to 90% in horses and 10% in humans.

Subgroup I

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). This disease is mosquito-borne and has been reported from eastern Canada to South America. Infection can cause severe illness with high mortality/ morbidity and residual neurological damage.

Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE). This is also mosquito-borne and exists in western Canada, USA, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. Birds function as the intermediate host; mammals are dead-end hosts in most cases. WEE infection tends to be milder but more common than EEE infection. It does not produce clinical manifestations in most mammals, but can cause illness in humans and horses, the latter of which may be severely affected.

Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE). This species of Alphavirus is found mostly in South America but has recently spread to Texas and Florida (via mosquitoes).Sindbis Virus. Like most other Togaviruses, Sindbis Virus is spread by mosquitoes but does not tend to result in clinical disease in most mammals (including humans). This species is commonly used in research.

Learn More

Subgroup II

Semliki Forest Virus (SFV). This species produces mild infection and is only used as a model for research studies.

RUBIVIRUS

Rubella virus, also known as German measles, is the only member of the Rubivirus group. Unlike the Alphaviral species, Rubella has no arthropod vector.

ARTERIVIRUS

This genus causes Equine Arteritis Virus. It also has no arthropod vector.

 

If you have any questions regarding TOGA Viruses please call our office at (678) 867-2577. We look forward to serving you!
 
THE ATLANTA EQUINE CLINIC: 1665 Ward Road, Hoschton, Georgia 30548 - ph. 678-867-2577

home | schedule an appointment | on-line consultations | events & seminars | questions & answers | client library | veterinary news | case of the month | related web links | clinic pharmacy | AEC clothing | classified ads