What is the structure of the norovirus?

What is the structure of the norovirus?

Virion Structure and Environmental Stability. Norovirus virion is nonenveloped and approximately 27 nm in diameter. Each virion is composed of 90 dimers of VP1 arranged on a T=3 icosahedral symmetry with a cup-shaped morphology under electron microscopy (Chen et al., 2004, Dolin et al., 1982, Prasad et al., 1999).

What is the shape of norovirus?

Hard to crack: molecules need to penetrate into the interior of the viruses to destroy them. Norovirus is a nonenveloped virus having the shape of an icosahedral capsid (spherical shape), belonging to the Caliciviridae family.

What is the mechanism of norovirus?

The mechanism of norovirus dissemination is unknown but at least the murine noroviruses infect dendritic cells (DCs), a cell type known to actively migrate from tissues to draining lymph nodes. Thus, it is possible that noroviruses utilize DC infection to facilitate their extraintestinal spread.

Is norovirus DNA or RNA?

Noroviruses belong to the family Caliciviridae. They are a group of non-enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses that primarily cause acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and/or intestines).

What are the virulence factors of norovirus?

Virulence factors include the binding to several histo-blood group antigens (complex carbohydrate structures expressed on many cell types, including gastrointestinal epithelial cells; three distinct antigens exist: A, B, and O).

What are the physical characteristics of a norovirus?

Norovirus infection is characterized by nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in some cases, loss of taste. A person usually develops symptoms of gastroenteritis 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. General lethargy, weakness, muscle aches, headaches, and low-grade fevers may occur.

What is the best way to prevent norovirus?

1. 5 Tips to Prevent Norovirus From Spreading.
2. Practice proper hand hygiene.
3. Wash fruits and vegetables and cook seafood thoroughly.
4. When you are sick, do not prepare food or care for others.
5. Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
6. Wash laundry thoroughly.