• Sloth Fever - Oropouche virus disease

  • By: Quiet. Please
  • Podcast

Sloth Fever - Oropouche virus disease

By: Quiet. Please
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  • Summary

  • Sloth Fever" is a gripping podcast that explores the mysterious and dangerous world of tropical diseases, with a focus on the Oropouche virus, also known as Sloth Fever. Each episode delves into the science, history, and real-life impact of this little-known but highly infectious disease, which is transmitted by biting midges and mosquitoes in the jungles of Central and South America. With expert interviews, dramatic storytelling, and a deep dive into the ecological and human factors that contribute to the spread of Sloth Fever, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in virology, epidemiology, and the unseen dangers lurking in tropical environments. Tune in to uncover the secrets of a virus that few know about but many should.
    Copyright 2024 Quiet. Please
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Episodes
  • Oropouche Virus: A Comprehensive Review of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Public Health Implications

    Oropouche Virus: A Comprehensive Review of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Public Health Implications
    Aug 27 2024
    Oropouche virus (OROV), a member of the Peribunyaviridae family, is an emerging arbovirus of significant public health concern in South and Central America. Colloquially known as "Sloth Fever," OROV infection causes a febrile illness in humans with symptoms similar to other tropical diseases, complicating diagnosis and potentially leading to underreporting. This comprehensive review examines the current state of knowledge regarding OROV, including its virology, transmission cycles, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic challenges, and potential control strategies. The review also explores the ecological and anthropogenic factors influencing OROV's emergence and spread, as well as the virus's potential for urban adaptation. By synthesizing the latest research and identifying knowledge gaps, this article aims to provide a foundation for future studies and public health interventions targeting OROV.First isolated in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955, Oropouche virus has since emerged as a significant cause of arboviral disease in the Amazon region and beyond. The virus's ability to utilize both sylvatic and urban transmission cycles, coupled with the expansion of human activities into endemic areas, has raised concerns about its potential for widespread outbreaks. Despite its impact, OROV remains understudied compared to other arboviruses such as dengue or Zika, highlighting the need for increased research attention and public health preparedness.Oropouche virus is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the genus Orthobunyavirus within the Peribunyaviridae family. The OROV genome consists of three segments: large (L), medium (M), and small (S). The L segment encodes the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, the M segment encodes the surface glycoproteins (Gn and Gc) and a nonstructural protein (NSm), and the S segment encodes the nucleocapsid protein (N) and a nonstructural protein (NSs) in overlapping reading frames.Recent phylogenetic analyses have identified four distinct genotypes of OROV (I, II, III, and IV), with genotype I being the most widely distributed. Understanding the genetic diversity of OROV is crucial for developing effective diagnostic tools and potential vaccines, as well as for tracking the virus's evolution and spread.OROV maintains complex transmission cycles involving both sylvatic and urban environments. In sylvatic cycles, the virus circulates among forest-dwelling animals, with evidence suggesting that sloths, non-human primates, and birds may serve as reservoir hosts. The primary vector in sylvatic transmission is believed to be the midge Culicoides paraensis, colloquially known as "no-see-ums" due to their small size.The urban transmission cycle, which is responsible for human outbreaks, primarily involves C. paraensis as well. However, recent studies have implicated the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus as a potential secondary vector in urban settings. This adaptation to a common urban mosquito species raises concerns about OROV's potential for sustained human-to-human transmission in densely populated areas.The ability of OROV to utilize multiple vectors and adapt to urban environments presents significant challenges for vector control strategies and highlights the need for integrated approaches to disease management.Since its discovery, OROV has been responsible for numerous outbreaks across South and Central America. Brazil has reported the majority of cases, with significant outbreaks occurring in the states of Pará, Amazonas, and Acre. Other countries reporting OROV activity include Peru, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, and more recently, Ecuador.Estimating the true incidence of OROV infection is challenging due to similarities with other arboviral diseases and limited surveillance in many endemic areas. Some studies suggest that OROV may be responsible for up to 30% of febrile illnesses in some regions during outbreak periods. The virus exhibits a seasonal pattern, with most cases occurring during the rainy season when vector populations are at their peak.Seroprevalence studies in endemic areas have shown antibody rates ranging from 15% to 60%, indicating widespread exposure to the virus. However, these figures may underestimate the true extent of OROV circulation due to cross-reactivity with other closely related viruses.Clinical Manifestations and PathogenesisOROV infection in humans typically results in an acute febrile illness lasting 3-7 days. Common symptoms include:Sudden onset of high fever (38-39°C)Severe headache, often described as incapacitatingMyalgia and arthralgiaDizziness and photophobiaNausea and vomitingSkin rash (in some cases)While most infections are self-limiting, some patients may experience a biphasic illness with recurrence of symptoms after a brief asymptomatic period. Severe complications are rare but have been reported, including meningitis and meningoencephalitis.The pathogenesis of OROV infection remains poorly understood. ...
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    10 mins
Science
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