In this article we will explore the topic of Sindbis virus, which has been the subject of attention and debate in various spheres. Sindbis virus is a concept that has generated interest and controversy due to its impact on today's society. Throughout history, Sindbis virus has played a crucial role in different contexts, and its influence continues to be relevant today. From its origins to its evolution, Sindbis virus has been the object of analysis and reflection by experts and scholars, who have sought to understand its importance and scope in social, cultural and political dynamics. In this sense, it is relevant to comprehensively and critically address the issue of Sindbis virus, in order to offer a broad and enriching perspective that contributes to the knowledge and understanding of this issue.
Sindbis virus | |
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CryoEM model of Sindbis virus. EMDB entry EMD-2374[1] | |
Virus classification ![]() | |
(unranked): | Virus |
Realm: | Riboviria |
Kingdom: | Orthornavirae |
Phylum: | Kitrinoviricota |
Class: | Alsuviricetes |
Order: | Martellivirales |
Family: | Togaviridae |
Genus: | Alphavirus |
Species: | Alphavirus sindbis
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Sindbis virus (SINV) is a member of the Togaviridae family, in the Alphavirus genus. The virus was first isolated in 1952 in Cairo, Egypt.[2] The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes (Culex and Culiseta). SINV is linked to Pogosta disease[3] (Finland), Ockelbo disease (Sweden) and Karelian fever (Russia). In humans, the symptoms include arthralgia, rash and malaise. Sindbis virus is widely and continuously found in insects and vertebrates in Eurasia, Africa, and Oceania. Clinical infection and disease in humans however has almost only been reported from Northern Europe (Finland, Sweden, Russian Karelia), where SINV is endemic and where large outbreaks occur intermittently. Cases are occasionally reported in Australia, China, and South Africa.[4]
SINV is an arbovirus, it is arthropod-borne, and it is maintained in nature by transmission between vertebrate (bird) hosts and invertebrate (mosquito) vectors. Humans are infected with Sindbis virus when bitten by an infected mosquito.
Sindbis viruses are enveloped particles with an icosahedral capsid, with a positive single stranded RNA genome, with an approximate size of 11.7 kb. The RNA has a 5'-cap and 3'-polyadenylated tail, and therefore serves directly as messenger RNA (mRNA) in a host cell. The genome encodes four non-structural proteins, the capsid, and two envelope proteins. This is characteristic of all Togaviruses. Replication is cytoplasmic and rapid. The genomic RNA is partially translated at the 5' end to produce the non-structural proteins which are then involved in genome replication and the production of new genomic RNA and a shorter sub-genomic RNA strand. This sub-genomic strand is translated into the structural proteins. The viruses assemble at the host cell surfaces and acquire their envelope through budding.
A non-coding RNA element has been found to be essential for Sindbis virus genome replication.[5]
Recombination has been demonstrated between RNAs of Sindbis virus.[6][7] The mechanism of recombination appears to be template switching (copy choice) during RNA replication.[6][7]