What are Flaviviruses?

Aug. 18, 2024

A recent study has now identified a protein named importin-7 (IPO7), as a carrier that transports flavivirus core protein through the nuclear membrane and into the nucleus.

About Flaviviruses:

Flavivirus is any virus belonging to the family Flaviviridae.
Flaviviruses have enveloped and spherical virions (virus particles) that are between 40 and 60 nanometers in diameter.
The flavivirus genome consists of nonsegmented single-stranded positive-sense RNA (ribonucleic acid).
Flaviviruses, when introduced into the human body, cause diseases, including neuroinfections, that can lead to serious metabolic consequences and even death.
Among the most dangerous and deadly members of the Flavivirus Family are Yellow Fever virus, Dengue virus, Zika virus, West Nile virus, Japanese Encephalitis virus, Tick-Borne Encephalitis virus, Kyasanur Forest virus, Alkhurma virus, and Omsk virus.
Aedes mosquitoes are the main vectors of many Flaviviruses and are primarily responsible for the spread of viral outbreaks of Dengue, Zika, and Yellow Fever.
Mosquitoes are not the only carriers, however. Ticks and other flying insects can also transmit these and other Flaviviruses from person to person and from animals to people.
Hepatitis C, the only non-vector-borne member of the Flavivirus family, is transmitted exclusively through direct blood-to-blood contact between humans.