Viruses challenge our usual way of life. Dead or alive, they differ in functionality and, even without the ability to "reproduce", they can be called more developed than people. With every open virus, we realize that we still have a lot to learn. Here are the most mysterious and unusual viruses known to science.
1
Black Widow Virus
Several years ago, scientists were able to detect a virus, inside which is located the poison gene, which the black widow spider “wields”. This virus is called WO, and it hunts for bacteria (wolbachia) in arthropods. It kills by making holes in cell membranes.
Researchers believe that a break through the cell walls is provided by the poisonous genes of the black widow, which are also not affected by the immune system of the carrier of the infection. This is the first detection of animal genes in viruses that attack bacteria.
In general, theft of genes in viruses is quite natural. But WO, of course, exceeded all scientists' expectations, stealing for itself the “superweapon” of one of the most poisonous creatures on the planet. By the way, the WO virus is more than half composed of borrowed genes.
2
Infertility virus
A poorly studied viral infection is presumably the culprit of many infertility problems that cannot be explained by doctors. In 25% of cases of female infertility, doctors are not able to determine its cause. This happens in patients under 45 years of age, in one of seventy cases.
A group of scientists from Italy determined that the mysterious virus belonging to a group of herpes viruses was to blame. Its presence in the body makes the immune system work to its fullest. This complicates the process of conception, making it almost impossible. In this case, individual antiviral therapy becomes the cure for infertility.
A group of scientists conducted tests among 30 subjects with unreasonable infertility and 30 women giving birth. In 13 infertile patients, this infection was found, which was given the name HHV-6A. As for women with children, not one of the subjects was a carrier of herpes virus. Surprisingly, scientists discovered this virus more than a quarter of a century ago, and during this time practically did not advance in its study.
3
Surviving virus
Scientists were able to study a virus that can survive even in acid, brought to a boil. This virus enters a microbe called Sulfolobus Islandicus, infecting it in its habitat. The microbe is located in hot springs with acid content, the temperature of which is about 80 degrees Celsius.
The mechanism of the virus was studied through the use of a Titan Krios microscope, which made it possible to determine its resistance to ultraviolet radiation and strong heating. The structure of the genetic material (A-formation) is protected by the virus itself, which allows it to overcome the most severe conditions.
The mechanism of the virus resembles spore bacteria, which are also able to survive in a similar environment. Spore activation can develop anthrax. At the moment, scientists are trying to use an unlocked virus to conduct gene therapy by obtaining a set of DNA.
4
Multicomponent virus
Standard viruses store all the fundamental genes in a single particle of the virus. The viral “ball” is attached to the cell, after which it opens the walls for the introduction of its genetic material into the cell. Virus replication occurs within the host cell. After sufficient propagation of the virus, its particles kill the cell, breaking the walls and infecting the remaining components of the body.
Unlike “classic” viruses, a Guaico Culex infection synthesizes five different parts in a cell. This process is somewhat reminiscent of sexual reproduction, but in our case, the virus is divided into 5 different sexes. Moreover, for the virus to be activated inside the affected cell, at least 4 out of 5 viral parts must be in it.
The virus is named after the region in Trinidad and Tobago, where it was found by scientists belonging to the US Army team. His study was part of an attempt to isolate viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. Despite the fact that doctors deny the possibility of infection with the mammalian virus, cases of its presence in colobuses in Uganda have already been noted.
5
Human endogenous retrovirus
The human genome is almost 10% percent composed of retroviruses. They breed through the placement of their genetic material in the main cell and the control of the replicating mechanism. In some cases, retroviruses infect eggs and sperm. Such viruses are called endogenous, and when found in human cells - HERV. Most endogenous retroviruses are considered non-functional, but a small part of them remains active, infecting cells.
Despite the “millionth” age of the HERV-K viruses, they still retain their ability to replicate. Several years ago, scientists found an instance that did not undergo a mutation that would reduce its functionality. Researchers are not yet sure whether the virus can wake up again.
6
Burbo virus
In 2014, the death of a farmer from Kansas from an unknown infection made doctors worried about a new infection. The man went to the hospital, complaining of diarrhea, general lethargy and nausea. After that, he experienced renal failure and ARI. Doctors decided that it was tick-borne encephalitis, treating it with a standard course. After ten days of treatment, the farmer passed away.
Since similar cases of diseases have not yet been recorded, doctors cannot study its full spectrum. It can be either deadly or just a neglected form of a moderate disease. Ideal prevention and protection will be the use of tight trousers that protect against ticks, as well as insect repellents and frequent medical examinations.
Doctors took blood tests of the deceased and found a new virus in it, which was classified as Thogotovirus. But unlike their counterparts, the new virus infects white blood cells.
7
Giant siberian virus
A group of scientists from France identified a virus with an age of 30 thousand years, which survived in the conditions of Siberian frosts at a depth of 30 meters underground, while retaining its functionality. It is more common giant viruses. Its size allows studies using a standard microscope.
Researchers “hooked” the virus with the help of an amoeba, which was fed as a bait. When the amoeba began to die, scientists discovered that it was infected with this ancient virus. Unlike many viruses attacking the cell, sibericum multiplies in the cytoplasm of the carrier. Despite the fact that the Siberian virus only infected an amoeba, its distant "relative" Marseillesvirus once penetrated the body of a French 11-year-old boy.
Scientists admit that many dangerous viruses can hide underground. Their quick finding can be facilitated by human activities, including well drilling, as well as the search for minerals. Another serious factor affecting the possible spread of ancient viruses is the thawing of permafrost due to climate warming. Who knows what other ancient mysteries are stored (not so) by permafrost?
8
Deep sea virus
Virologists suggest that under the water column, more biomass is stored than anywhere else. California scientists have recently discovered a mysterious virus in the depths of the ocean that infects microscopic organisms living on the seabed. These bacterial organisms feed on methane deposits, which were used in the research process.
The virus selectively targets one of the cells for mutation (this is exactly the approach of the archaea host cell). The purpose of the mutation is to come into contact with the "owner". It is worth noting that a comparison of these viruses with infections found in Norwegian waters revealed great similarities.
By the way, on our site most-beauty.ru there is an interesting article about the most unusual underwater creatures in the world. Here you will find many pictures describing the most amazing animals, which you did not even know about.
9
Mystic paralysis
A few years ago, there was an outbreak of acute flaccid paralysis in children in the United States. Infection with this disease took place against the background of the development of another disease, the cause of which was the infection with the code EV-D68. This poliovirus-related enterovirus has been suspected of being paralyzed. But due to the fact that the virus does not lead to paralysis and occurs only in every fifth case, scientists have suggested that the culprit is the C105 virus.
Previously, it was identified only in Africa (DR Congo) and South America (Peru), and made itself felt through respiratory diseases. Although in DR Congo, some cases of acute flaccid paralysis have been identified. This eliminates the “accusations” of the EV-D68 of involvement in the paralysis outbreak in Virginia. However, none of the patients showed neurological symptoms, which covers the mystery of the origin of the outbreak with even greater darkness.
10
Undiagnosed hemorrhagic fever syndrome
To the many problems of South Sudan, including violence and hunger, was added another - the unexplored virus. Several people died suffering from symptoms similar to the Ebola virus. Nevertheless, despite vomiting, fever and loss of blood, this is not a well-known fever. Scientists find it difficult to give the exact name of the infection, voluminously calling it hemorrhagic fever. A mysterious disease claimed the lives of almost 130 people in 2015 alone.
Doctors cannot come to a common “denominator” because the samples of infected patients contained many viruses that did not explain 10 deaths in Sudan and did not contain the Ebola virus. Prevailing versions of involvement in the deaths of mosquitoes or ticks, however, it can be parasites or bacteria. So far, no evidence of transmission of the disease between people has been found, and 75% of those infected have not reached the age of 20. Unfortunately, due to the Civil War, a correct study of the virus is not yet possible.
Finally
So we introduced you, showing the most unusual viruses in history. Although, of course, such viruses were (and are) much more. And Mankind has more than once met with much more mysterious and dangerous viruses. The editors of most-beauty.ru asks you to write what other unusual viruses you would add to our list.