mesonivirus

Mesonivirus is a genus of viruses in the family Picornaviridae, order Picornavirales. It is a small, non-enveloped virus with a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genome. Mesoniviruses are named after the Greek word "mesos," meaning middle, reflecting their intermediate size between the smaller picornaviruses and the larger coronaviruses.

The genus Mesonivirus includes several species, the most well-known being the Enterovirus A71, which is responsible for hand, foot, and mouth disease in humans. Other notable members include the Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMC) and the Coxsackievirus A16, which can cause various illnesses in humans and animals.

Mesoniviruses have a simple structure, consisting of a single strand of RNA enclosed in a protein shell. They replicate in the cytoplasm of their host cells and can infect a wide range of hosts, including humans, animals, and plants. The viruses are transmitted through various routes, such as fecal-oral transmission, respiratory droplets, and direct contact.

The clinical symptoms of mesonivirus infections vary depending on the specific virus and the host. For example, Enterovirus A71 can cause a mild, self-limiting illness with symptoms such as fever, rash, and mouth ulcers, while EMC can lead to more severe symptoms like encephalitis and myocarditis.

Mesoniviruses have been studied for their potential as vaccine targets and for their role in emerging infectious diseases. Research is ongoing to better understand their biology, pathogenesis, and potential for therapeutic intervention.