Rhinoviruses belong to the family Picornaviridae, small nonenveloped viruses (diameter 15–30 nm) containing a single-stranded RNA genome (about 7 kbp).
How small is the rhinovirus?
The three species of rhinovirus (A, B, and C) include around 160 recognized types of human rhinovirus that differ according to their surface proteins (serotypes). They are lytic in nature and are among the smallest viruses, with diameters of about 30 nanometers.
What is the size of the common cold?
Rhinoviruses, which cause common cold, belong to the Picornaviridae family, small non-enveloped viruses (diameter 15-30 nm) containing a single-stranded RNA genome (about 7 kb).
What is the shape of rhinovirus?
Rhinoviruses contain all their genetic information on a single strand of RNA (a molecule related to DNA). The researchers found that all the virus RNA strands feature a cloverleaf-like shape at one end.
What type of virus is a rhinovirus?
Rhinovirus is a single-stranded RNA virus in thePicornaviridae family. More than 100 serotypes of rhinovirus exist. It is transmitted through large-particle aerosols that do not directly invade the mucosa, but rather cause an acute inflammatory reaction.
How big is a rhinovirus in millimeters?
Rhinovirus is one of the smallest types of virus, with a diameter of around 30 nanometers. Most other viruses such as vaccinia or smallpox are around ten times this size, with diameters of about 300 nanometers.
Is rhinovirus serious?
Rhinovirus is more likely to cause severe lung infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, only in babies and children who were born premature or have heart disease or asthma. Rhinovirus infections are often life-threatening among high-risk people with cancer.
How big is an influenza virus?
Influenza A virus belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family, and produces virions of around 80–120 nm in diameter that contain an RNA genome of approximately 13.5 kb in size.
How does rhinovirus infect the body?
The route of entry for rhinovirus is via the upper respiratory tract. The virus generally gets into the nasal passage through inhalation of particles or touching of the nose with a contaminated hand. Whithin the next 10-15 minutes, it is transported to the back of the throat.