DNA Viruses: Poxviruses and Adenoviruses

DNA Viruses: Poxviruses and Adenoviruses

DNA Viruses: Poxviruses and Adenoviruses

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Poxviruses - Big Bricks of DNA

  • Largest & most complex DNA viruses; brick-shaped morphology.
  • Unique: Replicate entirely in cytoplasm (own DNA-dependent RNA polymerase).
  • Envelope acquired from host Golgi or ER.
  • Clinical spectrum: skin lesions (pustules, nodules).

Poxvirus virion structure electron micrographs

  • Key Members:
    • Variola virus (Smallpox) - eradicated.
    • Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) - benign skin nodules.
    • Vaccinia virus - smallpox vaccine, gene therapy vector.
    • Monkeypox virus - emerging zoonosis.
    • Orf virus - zoonotic, affects sheep/goats, causes skin lesions in humans.

⭐ Poxviruses are the only DNA viruses that replicate exclusively in the cytoplasm, possessing all necessary enzymes, including their own DNA-dependent RNA polymerase and DNA polymerase.

📌 Mnemonic: Pox in a Box (brick-shaped) & Cytoplasm (replication site).

Poxviruses - Smallpox & Molluscum Mayhem

  • General:
    • Largest, brick-shaped, dsDNA, enveloped viruses.
    • Replicate in cytoplasm (unique for DNA viruses). 📌 Pox in a BoX, in cytoBOXplasm.
    • Inclusions: Guarnieri bodies (Variola, Vaccinia).
  • Smallpox (Variola virus):
    • Eradicated globally (WHO 1980).
    • Transmission: Respiratory droplets, contact.
    • Clinical: Synchronous, centrifugal rash (macule → papule → vesicle → pustule → scab).
    • Vaccinia virus for vaccine (live attenuated).
  • Molluscum Contagiosum (MCV):
    • Benign skin infection.
    • Transmission: Direct contact, fomites, autoinoculation.
    • Clinical: Pearly, dome-shaped, umbilicated papules. Molluscum Contagiosum: Umbilicated Papules
    • Inclusions: Henderson-Paterson bodies.
    • Severe in immunocompromised (e.g., HIV).

⭐ Poxviruses are the only DNA viruses replicating entirely in the cytoplasm, using their own DNA-dependent RNA polymerase.

Adenoviruses - Adeno's Agile Attack

Adenovirus virion structure and internal components

  • Structure: Naked (non-enveloped), icosahedral capsid, linear dsDNA genome. Fibers at vertices for attachment.
  • Replication: In nucleus. Uses host RNA polymerase, its own DNA polymerase.
    • Early genes (E1A, E1B): regulate viral/host genes, block apoptosis (E1B-p53, E1A-Rb).
    • Late genes: structural proteins.
  • Transmission: Aerosol, fecal-oral, fomites, direct contact.
  • Common Syndromes:
    • Pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF)
    • Acute Respiratory Disease (ARD) (📌 Military recruits: Serotypes 4, 7)
    • Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis (EKC)
    • Gastroenteritis (Types 40, 41)
    • Hemorrhagic cystitis

⭐ Adenovirus serotypes 4 and 7 are notorious for causing acute respiratory disease (ARD) outbreaks in military recruits; a live oral vaccine is available for these types.

Adenoviruses - Adeno's Ailment Array

  • Naked icosahedral dsDNA viruses.
  • 57 serotypes known; species A-G.
  • Transmission: Aerosol, fecal-oral, fomites, direct contact (conjunctiva).
  • Clinical Syndromes:
    • Pharyngitis, fever (esp. children).
    • Acute Respiratory Disease (ARD) in military recruits (serotypes 4, 7).
    • Pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF) - swimming pool conjunctivitis (serotypes 3, 7).
    • Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) - shipyard eye (serotypes 8, 19, 37).
    • Hemorrhagic cystitis (children, esp. boys; serotypes 11, 21).
    • Gastroenteritis & intussusception (serotypes 40, 41).
    • Myocarditis, pneumonia in immunocompromised.
  • Diagnosis: PCR, viral culture, serology.
  • 📌 Mnemonic: "ADE"no = Acute febrile pharyngitis, DNA virus, EKC.

Adenovirus electron micrographs showing capsid structure

⭐ Adenoviruses are known for their characteristic basophilic intranuclear inclusions (smudge cells or Cowdry type B inclusions) in infected cells, which are a key histological finding, particularly in respiratory or urinary tract infections and in immunocompromised patients where they can cause disseminated disease. Live oral vaccine for serotypes 4 and 7 used in military recruits to prevent ARD (Acute Respiratory Disease).

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Poxviruses: Largest DNA viruses (brick-shaped); unique cytoplasmic replication; Guarnieri bodies (intracytoplasmic).
  • Molluscum contagiosum (Poxvirus): Characteristic pearly, umbilicated skin lesions.
  • Smallpox (Variola) eradicated; Vaccinia virus used for its vaccine.
  • Adenoviruses: Naked icosahedral DNA viruses; cause pharyngoconjunctival fever, hemorrhagic cystitis, epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.
  • Adenovirus serotypes 40 & 41 are key causes of infantile diarrhea.
  • Adenoviruses show basophilic intranuclear inclusions; used as gene therapy vectors.

Practice Questions: DNA Viruses: Poxviruses and Adenoviruses

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Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a:

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Flashcards: DNA Viruses: Poxviruses and Adenoviruses

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Adenovirus types _____ and 41 cause diarrhea

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Adenovirus types _____ and 41 cause diarrhea

40

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