Paramyxoviruses are large viruses with a single strand of RNA and an envelope that includes many human and animal pathogens. They replicate by fusing with a host cell membrane and using the cell’s machinery to reproduce. The Paramyxoviridae family is divided into two subfamilies, including the pneumovirinae subfamily, which contains respiratory syncytial virus, and the paramyxovirinae subfamily, which includes measles, mumps, and parainfluenza viruses.
A paramyxovirus is one of many viruses in the Paramyxoviridae family. This family consists of large viruses with a single strand of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and an envelope. The family contains many human and animal pathogens. Examples of paramyxoviruses include measles, mumps, respiratory syncytial virus, and distemper.
Parameters for inclusion in the paramyxovirus group include the size of the virus, the presence of an envelope, and a negative-sense single-stranded RNA genome. Paramyxoviruses range in size from 150 nanometers to 200 nanometers in diameter. Their shell is made up of molecules containing both fats and proteins known as lipoproteins. The nucleocapsid of viruses, which is the internal structure that contains the genetic material, is helical in shape and has a protein shell.
A paramyxovirus replicates by fusing with a host cell membrane and using the cell’s machinery to reproduce. Paramyxoviruses, unlike other enveloped viruses, have two molecules – glycoproteins – which they use to attach themselves to the cell membrane and enter the cell. The genetic sequence of the paramyxovirus consists of antisense RNA. This RNA is a backward code for proteins, so the paramyxovirus uses its own RNA polymerase enzyme to transcribe RNA in the positive sense, or RNA that is not backwards. The positive sense RNA can then be used to make proteins that help a virus particle replicate properly.
The Paramyxoviridae family is divided into two subfamilies. These are the paramyxovirinae subfamily and the pneumovirinae subfamily. The subfamilies are divided according to the organization of the genome, the morphological criteria and the characteristics and activities of the proteins. The pneumovirinae subfamily contains respiratory syncytial virus, which is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections worldwide. The virus also causes pneumonia in newborns.
The measles virus is a member of the genus morbillivirus, which is part of the subfamily Paramyxovirinae. Measles is a human infection that is spread by inhaling particles with the disease, causing fever, rash, cough and runny nose. Complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, or encephalitis can occur, and measles can occasionally be fatal. The paramyxovirinae subfamily also contains mumps virus and parainfluenza viruses.
Paramyxoviruses were originally classified as belonging to the family Orthomyxoviridae. This was a result of the similarities in glycoprotein activity in both groups. Orthomyxoviridae have different protein expression, genome organization, and replication strategies, so the families were separated, with the paramyxovirus name retaining some of the historical association between the two groups.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
