Definition

Noun 1. A type of virus: A reovirus is any member of a specific group (genus) of RNA viruses. These viruses are not transmitted by arthropods (like mosquitoes or ticks) and are known to infect the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems of various animals, including humans. A well-known example within this group is the rotavirus, which causes severe enteritis (inflammation of the intestines), particularly in infants.

Usage and Examples

• Scientific/Medical Context: The term is used primarily in virology, medicine, and public health.
  • The pediatrician explained that the infant's severe diarrhea was likely caused by a reovirus, such as rotavirus.
  • Researchers are studying the structure of the reovirus to understand how it invades host cells.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The name "reovirus" is derived from "Respiratory Enteric Orphan" virus. "Orphan" originally indicated that these viruses were not associated with any known disease at the time of their discovery.
• Reoviruses have a double-stranded RNA genome and a non-enveloped, icosahedral capsid structure.

Variants and Related Words

• Rotavirus (n): A specific and clinically significant type of reovirus that is a major cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children worldwide.
  • Vaccination has significantly reduced hospitalizations due to rotavirus.

Synonyms and Related Terms

• Virus (n): A general term for a microscopic infectious agent that replicates inside living cells.
• Enteric virus (n): A virus that infects the gastrointestinal tract. (Rotavirus is a type of enteric virus).
• Pathogen (n): A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.

Noun

1. any of a group of non-arboviruses including the rotavirus causing infant enteritis