What does smallpox do to cells?
This is called the primary or first viremia (virus in the blood). The Variola virus then invades more macrophages and the cells that cover the inside surfaces of the blood vessels (endothelial cells) in the liver, spleen, lymph nodes and bone marrow.
What type of cell is smallpox?
Smallpox is a double-stranded, 135- to 375-kilobase (kb) DNA virus that replicates in the cytoplasm of the host cell and forms B-type inclusion bodies (Guarnieri bodies). This is in contrast to herpes viruses, which replicate in the nucleus. The orthopoxviruses are among the largest and most complex of all viruses.
Is smallpox a bacteria or virus?
Before smallpox was eradicated, it was a serious infectious disease caused by the variola virus. It was contagious—meaning, it spread from one person to another. People who had smallpox had a fever and a distinctive, progressive skin rash.
What is smallpox made of?
Smallpox is caused by the variola virus, a DNA virus of the genus Orthopoxvirus. Humans are the only known reservoir for this virus. It is transmitted from person to person, and natural infection occurs by inhalation of respiratory droplets or contact with infected material on mucous membranes.
How does smallpox work in the body?
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.
How does smallpox impact the body?
Smallpox can cause a severe rash over the whole body that can leave scars. Other symptoms include high fever and severe headache or body aches. Death occurs in about 30 percent of infected people. Some survivors may suffer blindness.
What is the pathogenicity of smallpox?
Smallpox is classified as a Class 2 pathogen due to the strong response of host cells in the setting of normal host immune responses and the more severe damage in host cells with a weaker immune response such as in children and pregnant women [5] [6].
Is rabies DNA or RNA?
Rabies is an RNA virus. The genome encodes 5 proteins designated as N, P, M, G, and L. The order and relative size of the genes in the genome are shown in the figure below.
Is smallpox a respiratory virus?
The smallpox virus spreads directly from person to person and is acquired by breathing air contaminated with droplets of moisture breathed or coughed out by an infected person. Contact with clothing or bed linens used by an infected person can also spread the disease.
Why is smallpox called smallpox?
Smallpox is an acute contagious disease caused by the variola virus. It gets its name from the Latin word for “spotted,” referring to the raised, pustular bumps that break out over the face and body of those affected. Historically the virus killed around 30 percent of people who caught it.