parvoihin

Parvoihin is the Finnish term used to refer to parvoviruses, a family of small DNA viruses in Parvoviridae that infect vertebrates and, in some lineages, invertebrates. Members are non-enveloped, icosahedral virions with linear single-stranded DNA genomes typically around 4 to 6 kilobases in length. The replication cycle occurs in the nucleus of host cells and often requires the host cell to be dividing, limiting infection to rapidly dividing tissues such as bone marrow and intestinal crypts. Some parvoviruses, such as adeno-associated viruses (AAV), are dependoparvoviruses that require a helper virus to replicate.

Parvoviridae is divided into subfamilies, with Parvovirinae containing viruses that infect vertebrates (including humans and domestic animals) and Densovirinae that infect invertebrates. Within Parvovirinae, notable examples include human parvovirus B19, canine parvovirus (CPV), and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are also in Parvovirinae and are used as gene therapy vectors.

Transmission varies by virus but commonly occurs via respiratory secretions or the fecal-oral route; some can be transmitted vertically or via blood. Pathogenic effects range from mild to severe, depending on virus and host status. In humans, parvovirus B19 can cause erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) in children and, in at-risk individuals, aplastic crises. CPV and FPV cause severe gastroenteritis and can be fatal in young animals; myocarditis can occur in puppies with CPV infection.

Diagnosis relies on PCR, serology, and antigen detection. Treatment is usually supportive; vaccination exists for veterinary parvoviruses (CPV, FPV) but not for human B19. Prevention includes hygiene, vaccination of companion animals, and isolation during outbreaks.

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