Morbillivirus is a genus ofviruses in the orderMononegavirales, in the familyParamyxoviridae.[1][2] Humans, dogs, cats, cattle, seals, and cetaceans serve as natural hosts. This genus contains 10 species, one of which is extinct. Diseases in humans associated with viruses classified in this genus includemeasles; in animals, they include acute febrile respiratory tract infection andCanine distemper.[3] In 2013, a wave of increased death among theCommon bottlenose dolphin population was attributed to morbillivirus.[4]
Schematic diagram of aMorbillivirus virion (cross section)
Morbillivirions areenveloped, with spherical geometries. Their diameter is around 150 nm. Genomes are linear, around 15–16 kb in length. The genome codes for eight proteins.[2][3]
Viral replication is cytoplasmic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by virus attaching to host cell. Replication follows the negative-stranded RNA virus replication model. Negative-stranded RNA virus transcription, usingpolymerase stuttering, through co-transcriptional RNA editing is the method of transcription. Translation takes place byleaky scanning. The virus exits the host cell by budding.Humans, cattle, dogs, cats, and cetaceans serve as the natural hosts. Infection from this virus takes place in five stages: incubation, prodromal, mucosal, diarrheic, and convalescent.[6][7] Transmission routes are respiratory.[2][3][8][9][10] Morbillivirus are sensitive to high temperatures, sunlight, extreme pH levels, and any chemical that can destroy its outer envelope.[11]
^Haas, L.; Barrett, T. (12 January 1996). "Rinderpest and Other Animal Morbillivirus Infections: Comparative Aspects and Recent Developments".Journal of Veterinary Medicine, Series B.43 (1–10):411–420.doi:10.1111/j.1439-0450.1996.tb00333.x.PMID8885706.
^Barrett, T.; Rossiter, P. B. (1 January 1999), Margniorosch, Karl; Murphy, Frederick A.; Shatkin, Aaron J. (eds.),Rinderpest: The Disease and Its Impact on Humans and Animals, Advances in Virus Research, vol. 53, Academic Press, pp. 89–110,doi:10.1016/s0065-3527(08)60344-9,ISBN978-0-12-039853-9,PMID10582096
