Coronaviruses
| Categorization | |
|---|---|
| Genome: RNA Virus, Positive ssRNA Virus | Structure: Enveloped Virus, Helical Virus |
| Overview |
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- Coronaviruses are a family of related viruses which cause respiratory infections. One serotype of the virus associated with more serious infections is termed SARS-Coronavirus (SARS-CoV).
| Transmission |
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- Transmission of coronaviruses is not completely understood but likely occurs via infectious respiratory droplets and secretions.
| Pathogenesis |
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- Most Coronaviruses replicate in and damage the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, specifically the nasopharynx, thus causing the syndrome of the common cold. The SARS-CoV strain is able to bind and replicate in other tissues, including the lower respiratory tract, and can spread viremically, thus causing a more serious clinical syndrome. Interestingly, the expanded tropism of SARS-CoV appears to be due to its capacity to bind the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 Receptor.
| Clinical Consequences |
|---|
- Overview
- Most Coronaviruses cause upper respiratory infections resulting in the syndrome of the common cold; however, the SARS-CoV strain can cause the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
- Common Cold Syndrome
- This self-limited syndrome is well-known to all individuals and manifests as a febrile illness with attendant headache, pharyngitis, coryza, and Cough.
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
- SARS begins with a syndrome similar but more intense than the common cold. However, soon there after, patients display dyspnea which can progress to ARDS and respiratory failure.