lyssavirus

9.9

A virus that infects the brain and nerves of mammals, like rabies

noun
/ˈlɪsəˌvaɪrəs/

Specialized

: lyssavirus

We describe evidence, based on genomic sequences obtained from the brain sample of an African civet with clinical signs consistent with rabies, for the existence of a novel lyssavirus designated IKOV (Ikoma lyssavirus).
lyssavirus bat
lyssavirus species
novel lyssavirus

Examples

The presence of numerous lyssaviruses in bat species has led to increasing research efforts toward lyssavirus discovery in bat populations globally.

Academic text (2012)
Results of the fluorescent antibody test and a direct rapid immunohistochemistry test were positive for lyssavirus-specific antigen.

Academic text (2012)
However, lyssavirus surveillance in terrestrial mammals remains limited across most of Africa.

Academic text (2012)
Evidence in support of a novel lyssavirus was obtained from brain samples of an African civet in Tanzania.

Academic text (2012)
Two newly identified lyssaviruses, Shimoni bat virus (SHIBV) and Bokeloh bat lyssavirus, both detected in bats, have not yet been classified.

Academic text (2012)
The role of bats as reservoirs and sources of potential emerging viral infections has been extensively studied with regard to Nipah, Hendra, lyssavirus, and coronaviruses (6, 7, 10).

Academic text (2012)
Surveillance for rabies in bats and other mammals in Tanzania and typing of all lyssavirus-positive samples is necessary to determine the distribution and prevalence of IKOV.

Academic text (2012)
The role of bats as reservoirs and sources of potential emerging viral infections has been extensively studied with regard to lyssavirus.
However, lyssavirus surveillance in terrestrial mammals remains limited across most of Africa.
Evidence in support of a novel lyssavirus was obtained from brain samples of an African civet in Tanzania.

Surface Forms

lyssavirus singular

lyssaviruses plural

Morphology

lyssavirus = lyssa + virus (opaque) = lyssa + virus

Although analyzable as 'lyssa' + 'virus', 'lyssa' is an obscure/technical element (rabies-related) that most learners do not know, so the meaning is not derivable for average learners.

Etymology

Lyssavirus comes from the Greek lyssa, meaning 'madness' or 'rabies', and the word virus, meaning 'poison' or 'germ'. So a lyssavirus is a virus that can cause rabies-like illness in the brain and nerves of mammals.