Togavirus An Introduction
Togavirus
Until recently, togaviruses were classified
in the same family as the flaviviruses. Modern molecular
techniques allowed virologists to separate the two families based
on gene expression. Togaviruses are divided into two genera:
Alphaviruses (18 members) and Rubivirus (1 member, Rubella).
The Alphaviruses are arthropod-borne, and Rubella virus, which
causes Rubella or "German Measles" is transmitted by
the respiratory route.
The Togavirus genome is:
Positive sense
Single Stranded
RNA
Infectious
10-12 KB in length (medium size)
Monopartite
The Togavirus capsid is:
Icosahedral
Enveloped
T = 3
Composed of subunits of one protein