Arenavirus

Arenaviruses are a family of viruses known for causing severe viral hemorrhagic fevers, such as Lassa fever and Argentine hemorrhagic fever. These viruses typically have rodent reservoirs, with human infections occurring through direct contact with infected animal excreta or via person-to-person transmission. Arenaviruses are enveloped, with a single-stranded RNA genome, and use the host's cellular machinery to replicate. As a target for therapeutic intervention, arenaviruses present significant challenges due to their ability to evade the immune system and the lack of effective vaccines for many strains. Research focuses on developing antiviral drugs that inhibit viral replication and entry, as well as vaccines to induce protective immunity, crucial for controlling outbreaks and reducing mortality.