Microbiology
Summary
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a single-stranded, enveloped, helical RNA virus in the Arenaviridae family. While arenaviruses like LCMV are often classified as negative-sense, they possess both positive- and negative-sense RNA sections, making them ambisense viruses. Additionally, LCMV is a segmented virus, with two segments capable of reassortment. The typical visual characteristic of the virus under electron microscopy is a granular or sandy look, corresponding to its name "arena", which originates from the Latin term for sand.
The primary host of the virus is rodents, which transmit the virus to humans. LCMV often leads to asymptomatic or mild, febrile illnesses, but more severe manifestations, such as meningitis or meningoencephalitis, can occur. Regarding its destruction, the virus can be inactivated via heating, exposure to low pH, irradiation, and the application of detergents.
Lesson Outline
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FAQs
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a member of Arenaviridae that is transmitted through rodents. The infection usually occurs when humans are exposed to saliva, urine, or feces of infected rodents, most commonly the house mouse.
Arenaviruses are unique because they are categorized as ambisense viruses, meaning they possess both positive-sense and negative-sense RNA. This is a special feature of this virus that allows it to manipulate the process by which proteins are produced from genetic information.
Arenaviruses have a genome consisting of two RNA segments. These two segments are referred to as the large (L) segment and the small (S) segment. Each segment encodes multiple genes that contribute to various aspects of the virus's replication, transcription, and interaction with host cells.
LCMV can cause febrile meningoencephalitis, a serious illness characterized by fever, headache, neurological issues, and inflammation of the meninges and brain. However, many infected individuals can also have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms. It's important to identify the symptoms early for timely treatment.
