ARENAVIRIDAE facts
The arenaviridae family is one of 22 human viral families. Viruses belonging to this family have single stranded RNA genomes which are dipartite, having one small segment (which codes for NP, GP1 and GP2 proteins) and one large segment (which codes for L and Z proteins). The virus genomes are negative, meaning that they are noninfectious and are either linear or circular with hydrogen-bonded ends. They are neither capped nor polyadenylated.
Arenaviruses have a helical capsid and are enveloped and are pleomorphic in shape. Their signature electromicrographic appearance reflects the name of the family, finding its root in the latin word arenosus, meaning sandy. The sandy appearance is due to the encapsidated ribosomes on the viral surface. Additionally, glycoprotein spikes stud the viral envelope, acquired from the host during budding.
Arenavirus genomes display ambisense, meaning both the RNA genome and its complement contain coding information.
Several proteins associated with arenaviruses are:
L protein – a polymerase
Z protein – a zinc binding protein with undetermined funtion, possibly regulatory
GPC protein – a polyprotein precursor of GP1 and GP2
GP1 protein – a tropogen glycoprotein
GP2 protein – a fusion protein glycoprotein
NP protein – a nucleocapsid protein
The 18 known arenaviruses are all transmitted by rodents or bats, but seven can cause severe diseases in humans, most of which result in hemorrhagic fevers. These viruses (and the diseases they are linked to) are: