Parvoviridae

Definition

Parvoviridae is a family of small, non-enveloped viruses that are known for their single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) genome. These viruses primarily infect animals and are characterized by their ability to replicate in rapidly dividing cells, making them particularly pathogenic in young or immunocompromised hosts. Understanding Parvoviridae is crucial for recognizing their role in animal virology and distinguishing their unique features from other virus families.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Parvoviridae viruses are among the smallest known viruses, typically ranging from 18 to 26 nanometers in diameter.
2. The ssDNA genome of Parvoviridae is relatively simple, often containing only two or three open reading frames (ORFs), which encode the necessary proteins for replication and capsid formation.
3. These viruses are highly resistant to environmental factors, such as heat and detergents, contributing to their survival outside a host.
4. Parvoviruses tend to target rapidly dividing cells, which is why they can cause severe disease in young animals and fetuses where cell division is high.
5. Infections caused by Parvoviridae can lead to a variety of diseases depending on the host species, including myocarditis in dogs and aplastic anemia in humans.

Review Questions

• What are the key characteristics that distinguish Parvoviridae from other families of animal viruses?
  • Parvoviridae is distinguished by its small size, non-enveloped structure, and single-stranded DNA genome. Unlike many other viral families that may have larger and more complex genomes or be enveloped, parvoviruses have a relatively simple genetic structure with fewer genes. Their ability to replicate only in actively dividing cells also sets them apart, as they often cause disease in young or immunocompromised hosts where cell division is heightened.
• Discuss how the structure of Parvoviridae influences its pathogenicity in animal hosts.
  • The structure of Parvoviridae, being non-enveloped and having a small ssDNA genome, allows it to be highly stable in the environment and resistant to many disinfectants. This stability increases the likelihood of transmission among hosts. Furthermore, their targeting of rapidly dividing cells means that these viruses can cause significant damage to tissues such as the intestinal lining or bone marrow. This leads to severe clinical manifestations, especially in juvenile or immunocompromised animals where cellular turnover is essential for health.
• Evaluate the implications of studying Parvoviridae for advancements in medical science, particularly in relation to gene therapy.
  • Studying Parvoviridae has significant implications for advancements in medical science, especially regarding gene therapy. The Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV), a member of the Parvoviridae family, has shown promise as a vector for delivering therapeutic genes into human cells due to its ability to integrate into the host genome without causing disease. Understanding the biology of Parvoviridae enables researchers to optimize these vectors for improved efficacy and safety in clinical applications. Additionally, insights gained from studying these viruses can lead to better treatments and preventive measures for diseases caused by other members of the virus family.

Related terms

Canine Parvovirus: A member of the Parvoviridae family, this virus specifically infects dogs and is known for causing severe gastrointestinal disease and high mortality rates in unvaccinated puppies.

Adeno-Associated Virus: A type of parvovirus that requires a helper virus for replication, it has been studied for its potential use in gene therapy due to its ability to deliver genetic material into host cells.

DNA Virus:

A group of viruses that contain DNA as their genetic material, which can be either single-stranded or double-stranded, contrasting with RNA viruses.