Picornavirus

Picornavirus is one of the most common and studied types of viruses belonging to the group of small RNA viruses. It gets its name from the Greek word picro, which means small, reflecting the size of this virus.

Picornaviruses are round in shape and small in size - about 30 nm in diameter. These viruses contain a single-stranded RNA genome that codes for proteins needed to assemble virus particles and replicate in infected cells.

These viruses cause various diseases in humans and animals, including colds, hepatitis A, polio, and others. Coxsackieviruses and rhinoviruses are also members of the picornavirus group, and they often cause respiratory illnesses and colds.

Picornaviruses are spread through contact with infected people or animals and through contaminated food and water. Symptoms of infection vary depending on the type of picornavirus, but may include fever, sore throat, runny nose, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain and others.

Treatment for picornavirus infection usually involves relieving symptoms, such as pain and fever, and treating complications if they occur. Prevention includes good hygiene, vaccination, and avoiding contact with infected people and animals, as well as contaminated food and water.

Overall, picornavirus is an important pathogen, and its study is leading to the development of new treatments and prevention methods that help reduce morbidity and mortality from this virus.



Picornavirus: Small but Significant

Picornavirus is a member of a group of small RNA viruses. The name of this virus comes from the Latin word "picus", which translates to "small", reflecting their characteristic of being one of the smallest viruses known. They belong to one of the most common and clinically significant viral groups, including Coxsackieviruses, polioviruses and rhinoviruses.

Picornaviruses belong to the family Picornaviridae, which includes several genera such as Enterovirus, Hepatovirus, Rhinovirus and Cardiovirus. These viruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that contains all the necessary information for them to reproduce and infect cells. They have an extremely high ability to mutate, which makes them evolutionarily flexible and able to overcome the body's immune defense.

Picornaviruses cause a wide range of diseases in humans and animals. Coxsackie viruses and polio viruses, for example, belong to the group of enteroviruses and can cause acute respiratory infections, meningitis, polio and other serious diseases. Rhinoviruses, in turn, cause colds in the upper respiratory tract, such as runny nose, cough and sore throat.

One of the characteristics of picornaviruses is their high infectivity. They are transmitted through the fecal-oral route, contact with infected respiratory secretions, or physical contact with infected individuals. Some picornaviruses, such as polio viruses, can also be transmitted through contaminated drinking water and food.

Picornaviruses have attracted much attention from the scientific and medical communities. Studying these viruses helps improve our knowledge of the mechanisms of viral infection, the development of the immune response, and the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs. For example, the development of vaccines against the polio virus has significantly reduced the incidence of disease and led to the near eradication of polio in many countries.

In general, picornaviruses are a group of viruses that, although small in size, have a significant impact on public health. Their ability to cause various diseases and their widespread distribution make them the subject of intense research. Understanding the mechanisms of their infection and developing effective methods of prevention and treatment play an important role in protecting public health.

However, despite significant advances in the study and control of picornaviruses, they remain a challenge for the medical community. Some picornaviruses continue to cause epidemics and pandemics, and their constant changes and the emergence of new strains require constant monitoring and a flexible approach to counteraction.

In conclusion, picornaviruses, a group of small RNA viruses, are diseases that have a significant impact on our health. Their small size does not reflect their potential danger and ability to cause various diseases. Through vaccine research and development efforts, we can continue to combat these viruses and protect public health from their impact.



Picornanavirus or Poliovirus?

**Polioviruses** are RNA viruses belonging to the picornaviridae family. Polioviruses are widespread throughout the world and cause damage to the central nervous system in people of all ages, with the most severe consequences occurring in infants and children. Viruses are recorded in the form of diseases - polio infections and infantile paralysis. Severe forms of the disease caused by polio are often called epidemic infantile paralysis.

The main types of Polia virus: **1. poliovirus 1 (type I)**. It is the most pathogenic of the polioviruses and caused a polio epidemic that reportedly ended in 1970. To this day, type I virus is the most widespread and causes more than half of polio cases. Type I viruses have a wide geographic distribution.

Occurs in adults or children who are immune to this type of virus. The disease is mild with minor damage to the central nervous system. The causative agent of the disease can be transmitted from