Rna Virus Classification
RNA virus classification refers to any species of virus that uses RNA rather then DNA as the functioning genetic material. Then International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses uses the Baltimore system to group all relevant viruses into Group 3, Group 4, or Group 5. While the classification included a large number of virus species, the most known are influenza, hepatitis C, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS. All RNA viruses can be separated into single and double-stranded varieties. The single-stranded viruses are further broken down into negative-sense and positive-sense groups depending on the polarity of the RNA. The double-stranded viruses are more numerous than the single-celled variety and include the viruses that are potentially dangerous to host systems. Rotaviruses are included into this classification and are known to cause bluetongue virus in farm animals and gastroenteritis in youths. All RNA type viruses have the ability to mutate at extremely high rates because there is no proof-reading of DNA polymerases. The Baltimore system of classification differentiates between the different types of RNA viral sources by examination of the replication process.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, is one of the most dangerous RNA virus types that attack humans. Caused by a coronavirus, SARS came close to a pandemic situation between November of 2002 and July of 2003. Infections began in China’s Guangdong province and quickly spread to a total of 37 countries worldwide. After the rapid infection became under control and the death totals calculated, it was estimated that SARS was responsible for 774 fatalities and 8,096 clinically confirmed cases. A vaccine was developed to combat the infection and there have been no reported cases since 2004. However, the World Health Organization has chosen not to consider the virus as being eradicated as it may return to human populations again. The vaccine was created by Chinese researchers and has been proven to produce effective antibodies in high numbers of patients. Sufferers of SARS who have recovered are at risk for major depressive disorder or the following physical conditions that have been linked to exposure to SARS: osteoporosis, femoral necrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis. The worldwide spread of the disease had other noticeable effects besides the health aspect. Tourism in Toronto and Chinese restaurant patronage in the United States were significantly lowered in response to the virus.
While the number of viruses labelled as RNA type are many, only a few are considered potentially life-threatening to humans. SARS, influenza, and hepatitis C are the most publicly known, but other variations include the Ebola, Mumps, Measles, Rubella, and Polio viruses. Further research of RNA virus classification will help scientists better understand these threats and the best treatments that can be used in response.