Andrew Saker

Humans are the only known host organism that are able to carry the 'Measles Virus. The Pathogen is known as Rubeola. (Not Rubella; as that is in relation to the German Measles.)

Characteristics: - Characteristics: -It is approximately 100 nm to 200 nm in width. -Contains an internal nucleocapsid core that’s supposedly nm in diameter consisting of a single-stranded, non-segmented RNA genome. -Rubeola contains envelope membrane proteins: Only two of which are important in disease development and pathogenesis; primarily the fusion protein (F protein - which is responsible for the fusion of the virus into the host cell membrane & viral penetration) and the haemagglutinin protein (H protein - which is responsible for adsorption of virus to cells.) -A third protein known as the matrix protein (M protein - lines the inner surface of the Rubeola, and is an estimated 34 kDa in size. -The three remaining structural proteins are complexed to the virus' genome, which comprises approximately nucleotides. Image supplied by: m

Life Cycle: 1. Life Cycle: 1. Virus attaches to host cell. 2. Plasma membrane surrounds the virus and an endosomal vesicle forms. 3. The envelope of the virus fuses with the membrane and the vesicle. 4. The virus is released into the host's cytoplasm 5. Viral nucleic acid separates from its capsid 6. Nucleic acid enters host nucleus and replicates 7. Transcription into mRNA 8. Host ER directed by mRNA to synthesize glycoproteins and capsid proteins plus proteins of the viral envelope. 9. Vesicles transport glycoproteins to plasma membrane of cell. 10. New viruses assemble and are released from host cell after being enveloped by host's modified plasma membrane.

Life Cycle Stage Identification: - Life Cycle Stage Identification: - The virus has an incubation period of around 14 days. -Its contagious properties last for around 2 to 4 days before the rash appears and then 2 to 5 days after the rash appears. -The measles virus runs its course for around 2 weeks – containing now issues. -During this period, the virus tends to kill cells in the body by joining together the cell membranes of the adjoining cells. -The virus also replicates in a number of tissues, including those of the immune system and the nervous system, then the virus replicates and then spreads to other lymph nodes of the body and also the spleen.

Method of Transmission: The most common form of transmission for the measles is through he respiratory system. Method of Transmission: The most common form of transmission for the measles is through he respiratory system. Human beings are the only known species that are susceptible to the measles pathogenic virus. The virus is mainly carried through inhalation and airborne particles It is typically spread by airborne particles such as respiratory droplets coming from nasal or oral cavities of an infected individual.

Measles Rash; Image Provided By: m/measles_rubeola/article. htm Koplik Spots; Image Provided By: m/viruses/measles.htm Symptoms: The most prominent symptom for the Red Measles would be the well-known red rashes that are visible once the infection of the virus is present. However some other signs present can be; - Coughing - Excess of liquid from the nasal - Slight conjunctivitis inflammation - Rashes appear on skin, around the hairline, and pursue downward across the body - Koplik’s Spots; oral spots that appear in the mouth

Long-Term Effects on Host: Long-Term Effects on Host: - One of the positive outcomes of having had the measles, is that the host can never have them again - Approximately 1 in every 1,000 cases of measles results in additional nervous system complications - If the host is photosensitive, then limb stiffness can occur, alongside severe headaches, muscle weakness and seizures -In some severe cases, death is a very real effect of Measles. Image provided by: spensary.com/

Treatment, Prevention and Vaccination: Treatment, Prevention and Vaccination: -It is recommended that at Months a child is vaccinated against the Measles with an MMR injection. -The Schwarz vaccine is used as well and is recommended that it is administered to every child between twelve and fifteen months of age. -The vaccine results in the development of detectable specific antibodies to microorganisms in the blood serum as a result of infection or immunisation in patients, providing them the capacity to fight off infections from this virus, and a booster shot is recommended to guarantee lifelong insusceptibility. Image provided by: cdc-recommends-measles- vaccine-for-kids-travelling- abroad/8204/

Geographical Aspects: Geographical Aspects: Vaccination, however, is difficult to ensure for every child in countries that are poor, especially when this virus is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable childhood mortality. Due to this, a vaccination campaign was started by several partners (including the American Red Cross and World Health Organization) in order to increase awareness regarding the simple avoidance of this disease. Globally, measles-related deaths decreased 60% between 1999 and 2005, a death decrease in six years. Consequently, increasing awareness can help to eradicate global infections altogether. (PUT IN OTHER SLIDE) Since the year 2000, cases of the Measles Deaths have dramatically decreased, from 750,000 cases in 2000 to 197,000 in 2007 [World Health Organisation, 2007]

Bibliography Websites: f_the_Rubella_Virus f_the_Rubella_Virus f_the_Rubella_Virus