Arboviruses

Definition

Arboviruses are a group of viruses transmitted by arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks. They can cause significant infections in the nervous system, leading to conditions like encephalitis or meningitis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arboviruses include notable pathogens such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, and dengue virus.
2. The term 'arbovirus' is an acronym for arthropod-borne virus.
3. Arboviral infections can lead to severe neurological complications, including inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and spinal cord (myelitis).
4. Diagnosis often involves serological tests or PCR to detect viral RNA in blood or cerebrospinal fluid.
5. Control and prevention rely heavily on managing vector populations and personal protective measures against insect bites.

Review Questions

• What are the primary vectors responsible for transmitting arboviruses?
• Name three diseases caused by arboviruses that affect the nervous system.
• What are common diagnostic methods used to identify arboviral infections?

Related terms

Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain often caused by viral infections.

Vector Control: Methods used to eliminate or manage populations of disease-carrying insects.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): A laboratory technique used to amplify DNA sequences for diagnosis of infectious diseases.