Microbiology · MU Plovdiv

39. Retroviridae – the causative agent of AIDS (HIV). Rhabdoviridae – the causative agent of rabies. Adenoviridae. Poxviridae – the causative agent of smallpox.

Inside: 31 sections · 21 labelled pictures · 6 tables · 60 flashcards · 13 min

Topic 39 of 41 in the MU Plovdiv syllabus for Microbiology (Dental Medicine, Year 3). The free AceMed note covers it in 26 sections, about 1,454 words (13 min of reading), with 60 flashcards.

In this note

  1. Family Rhabdoviridae – Rabies Virus
  2. I. General Characteristics
  3. II. Structure and Genome
  4. III. Pathogenesis
  5. IV. Virulence Factors
  6. V. Clinical Features
  7. VI. Diagnosis
  8. VII. Treatment
  9. VIII. Prevention and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
  10. Family Retroviridae – HIV-1 and HIV-2
  11. III. Replication Cycle (Key to Pathogenesis)
  12. IV. Pathogenesis
  13. VI. Differences Between HIV-1 and HIV-2
  14. VII. Diagnosis
  15. VIII. Treatment
  16. IX. Prevention
  17. Family Adenoviridae | Genus Papillomavirus | Genus Polyomavirus
  18. I. Family Adenoviridae
  19. II. Genus Papillomavirus
  20. III. Genus Polyomavirus
  21. Family Poxviridae – Variola Virus (Smallpox Virus)
  22. II. Structure and Replication
  23. IV. Clinical Features – Smallpox (Variola major)
  24. V. Diagnosis
  25. VI. Prevention and Eradication
  26. VII. Immune Evasion

I. General Characteristics

  • Rabies virus belongs to the Family Rhabdoviridae, Genus Lyssavirus.
  • Enveloped, bullet-shaped virus with negative-sense, single-stranded RNA genome.
  • Helical nucleocapsid enclosed in a lipid envelope.
  • Genome codes for 5 proteins: N, P, M, G, L.
  • Replicates in the cytoplasm of host neurons.
  • Zoonotic virus, primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mammals, especially dogs, bats, raccoons, and foxes.

II. Structure and Genome

  • Bullet shape is due to helical symmetry + envelope.

III. Pathogenesis

  • Entry via animal bite → virus infects muscle tissue at the site.
  • Binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) at the neuromuscular junction.
  • Enters peripheral nerves via endocytosis → undergoes retrograde axonal transport to CNS.
  • Replicates in the dorsal root ganglia → spreads to brain (especially hippocampus, cerebellum, brainstem).
  • Later spreads anterogradely to salivary glands, skin, eyes, and other tissues.
  • Progression is irreversible once CNS symptoms begin.

IV. Virulence Factors

  • Glycoprotein G:
  • Critical for cell entry and neuroinvasion.
  • Induces formation of neutralizing antibodies (basis for vaccine).
  • Immune evasion:
  • Limited antigen presentation during incubation period due to restricted replication in peripheral tissues.
  • Avoids immune detection until CNS is involved.

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