Saotaviruses

Saotaviruses are a genus of viruses within the family Picornaviridae, which also includes the rhinoviruses and enteroviruses. They are small, non-enveloped viruses with a single-stranded RNA genome. Saotaviruses are named after the Saotome virus, the type species of the genus, which was first isolated from a patient with acute respiratory illness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Saotaviruses are known to cause a variety of respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses in humans. They are transmitted through respiratory droplets and close contact, and can also be spread through contaminated surfaces. The incubation period for saotavirus infections can range from a few days to a week, and symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, and gastrointestinal upset.

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for saotavirus infections, and management is primarily supportive. Vaccines against saotaviruses are not yet available. Research is ongoing to better understand the molecular biology of saotaviruses and to develop effective therapeutic and preventive measures.