Caliciviruses

Caliciviruses are a group of viruses that belong to the family Caliciviridae. These viruses can cause a variety of diseases in animals and humans, including intestinal infections and respiratory diseases. Some types of caliciviruses can also cause respiratory and digestive diseases in animals.

Caliciviruses are round in shape and range in size from 27 to 40 nm in diameter. Their genome consists of single-stranded RNA, which contains information for the synthesis of proteins necessary for the virus to replicate and infect new cells. More than 30 species of caliciviruses are known and can infect a variety of animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, pigs, cows, foxes, seals and other animals.

One of the best known caliciviruses is the calicivirus, which causes acute gastroenteritis in humans. This virus is transmitted through contact with infected people or through food and water contaminated with calicivirus. Symptoms of the disease include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain. Most people recover on their own within a few days, but some patients may experience complications such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

In animals, caliciviruses can cause a variety of illnesses, including an intestinal infection in cats known as cat runny and a respiratory illness in rabbits known as rabbit viral hemorrhagic nasal syndrome.

Caliciviruses are common viruses, and many do not pose a serious threat to animal or human health. However, some species can cause serious illness, so it is important to maintain hygiene and take precautions such as regular hand washing and storing food separately to prevent transmission. If you or your pet develop symptoms of infection, contact your doctor or veterinarian for advice and treatment.