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Biology 11 - Virus Presentation
1) Common name/scientific name of the virus
Rabies
2) Structure/image of your virus. Label parts (ie. capsid, antigens) and include explanations
Envelope (membrane) encloses the nucleus and provides compartmentalization
Matrix protein: organizes and maintains virion structure
Ribonucleoprotein: is often involved in cellular processes
Glycoprotein: supports cells, produces secretion and mucus in the gastrointestinal tract
3) Infection and Treatment
How does it infect the organism?
Rabies infects the organism from the saliva and bite of an animal infected with this virus. Any
little cut or scratch can be exposed to rabies when in contact with wild animals such as mice,
skunks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and other small rodents.
What types of organism(s) does it infect? Who are the host species?
The virus’s host species can include any human and animal that came in contact with the
saliva of a rabies infected wild animal.
Which/what cells, organs or body systems does it affect?
The virus, rabies, affects the central nervous system, the brain and spinal cord.
What are the signs/symptoms of infection? (Be specific, as many symptoms are common to
other viral infections)
Typical manifestations of rabies include headaches, fever and weakness. Some
manifestations in animals include sickness, violence, dizziness and other signs of paralysis.
What (if any) or how is the virus transmitted (ie. via vector)?
The virus, rabies, is usually transmitted through the saliva and bite of infected animals. Dogs
are often the main vector.
How (if any) is this virus transmission prevented? (Be specific, as many preventions are
common to other viral infections)
Some ways to prevent the transmission of rabies is by regular vaccinations of pets and getting
pre-immunized, avoiding direct contact with wild or unfamiliar animals.
What is the incubation period (time from exposure to illness)? How long are the infectious
period?
The infectious period for rabies in humans include three to eight weeks. The infectious period
in dogs can be as long as six months.
Are there any permanent damage or death that might occur due to infection with this virus?
Permanent damages from rabies can include permanent brain damage, since it attacks the
nervous central system. Nevertheless, rabies almost always ends in death by the time the
manifestation occurs.
What are the treatment or cures (if any)?
Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for this virus. Some treatments for humans
include rabies vaccines. As for animals exposed to rabies, they must be euthanized. “This is to
avoid unnecessary suffering in the animal and to prevent further transmission of the disease
to humans and other animals.”(Rabies and Your Dog)
Who (if any) are more susceptible to this virus? (ie. young, certain geography or careers)Why
some people get it and others stay healthy?
“All warm-blooded animals, including humans, are susceptible to rabies infection” (Rabies).
Anyone with wildlife careers or spending a lot of time in a wildlife natural setting can be
exposed to rabies directly from a wildlife animal or from their pets.
4) Other information:
History: When did the virus first occur? How does it survive throughout history?
In the 16th century, an Italian physician Girolamo Fracastoro discovered that rabies was a
fatal disease affecting humans as well as animals, calling it "an incurable wound”. However, it
was Louis Pasteur a French biologist that created the first vaccine in 1885.
Geography: Where in the world is it most common, most lethal, include statistics (ie. number
of cases in Canada versus world, mortality rates)
More than 95% of human deaths from this disease occur in Asia and Africa. It is most
common in underdeveloped or developing countries, where vaccines are not easily accessible
“between 10 and 30 cases of human rabies are laboratory confirmed in South Africa every
year.” (Rabies Still Kills in South Africa)
Other interesting facts?
Rabies got its name from the Latin word meaning “rage” because rabies infected animals act
very angry.
One person every 9 minutes dies from this disease. (Get the Facts)
5) Bibliography/Citation in MLA format (include images)
Image: http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/transmission/virus.html
Stregowski, Jenna. "Rabies and Your Dog." About Home. Web. 30 Nov. 2015.
"Rabies." Encyclopedia Britannica. 22 Oct. 2014. Web. 30 Nov. 2015.
Newman, Jenni. "Rabies Still Kills in South Africa - but It Doesn't Have to." BizCommunity. 23
Sept. 2008. Web. 30 Nov. 2015.
"Get the Facts." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 18 Aug. 2009. Web. 1 Dec. 2015.