Wiktionary
n. Any of several RNA viruses, of the genus ''Arenavirus'', most of which cause severe diseases transmitted by rodents
WordNet
n. animal viruses belonging to the family Arenaviridae
Wikipedia
An arenavirus is a virus which is a member of the family Arenaviridae. These viruses infect rodents and occasionally humans; arenaviruses have also been discovered which infect snakes. At least eight arenaviruses are known to cause human disease. The diseases derived from arenaviruses range in severity. Aseptic meningitis, a severe human disease that causes inflammation covering the brain and spinal cord, can arise from the Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. Hemorrhagic fever syndromes are derived from infections such as Guanarito virus (GTOV), Junin virus (JUNV), Lassa virus (LASV), Lujo virus (LUJV), Machupo virus (MACV), Sabia virus (SABV), or Whitewater Arroyo virus (WWAV). Arenaviruses are divided into two groups: the Old World and the New World viruses. The differences between these groups are distinguished geographically and genetically. Because of the epidemiological association with rodents, some arenaviruses and bunyaviruses are designated as roboviruses.
Usage examples of "arenavirus".
It would be very difficult to obtain a strain of Ebola, but it would be easier to obtain strains of arenaviruses from rodents in their natural habitat.
They are the filoviruses, which include Ebola and Marburg hemorrhagic fevers, and the arenaviruses, which include Lassa and South American hemorrhagic fevers.
The arenaviruses are a much larger family than the filoviruses, and their natural hosts are known: rodents.
Once again, we know a lot more about arenaviruses than we do about filoviruses.
The arenaviruses are passed from generation to generation through the rodents that carry them.
Unlike Ebola, though, there have been reports of airborne transmission of two of the arenaviruses, so wearing protective clothing, especially an N95 respirator mask, is essential when around infected patients or patients suspected of having the infection.
For Junin, considered the main bioterror threat among the arenaviruses, an immune serum has been used to treat some cases.