Influenza viruses belong to the family Orthomyxoviridae. There are 3 types of influenza viruses: A, B & C. Influenza A and B are known to cause disease in humans, as well as other mammals and have been studied extensively. Influenza C infects only man, and is not known to cause disease. Little is known about Influenza C.
The Influenza virus is a single-stranded RNA virus. Its genome consists of 8 segments (7 in Influenza C). Most Influenza virus particles are spherical or ovoid, about 80-120nm in diameter. The outer surface of the particle is a lipid envelope which contains two types of glycoproteins: hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA).
Influenza particle
What is the purpose of the HA? answer The HA spikes of the influenza particle facilitate entry into the host cell by binding to surface proteins of the host cell.
For more information about influenza virus click here (BEWARE!!! This link will take you to an internet site not associated with this module. USE THE BACK BUTTON TO RETURN!!!)
back