1. Reovirus refers to "respiratory enteric orphan virus." "Respiratory enteric" refers to viral tropism for respiratory and intestinal cells. "Orphan" refers to the fact that some viruses have no disease associations.
2. Viruses in the Reoviridae family can be transmitted fecal-orally (though CTFV is an ARBO virus).
3. Two subfamilies exist. Sedoreovirinae, containing the genera Orbivirus and Rotavirus, and Sprinareovirinae, containing the genera Coltivirus (CTFV) and Orthoreovirus.
4. Reoviruses are double-stranded RNA viruses that infect vertebrates, insects, plants, and fungi. They have linear genomes that contain 10 - 12 segments. They are not enveloped, and their capsids (which have 2-3 layers) are icosahedral shaped.
5. Reoviruses are believed to be the only dsRNA viruses that can infect humans.
6. Rotavirus and Colorado Tick Fever Virus are the most pathogenic viruses in humans. Rotavirus causes severe gastrointestinal disease, especially in children. Colorado Tick Fever Virus is an ARBO virus that causes neurological disease in humans.
7. In mouse models, RNAse L has been identified as a key component in identifying and destroying dsRNa.
8. No targeted antiviral treatments are currently available against Reoviruses. Diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration, which can sometimes be treated with IV fluids or Oral Rehydration Therapy.
9. There are two licensed vaccines against rotavirus in the U.S. Rotateq - 3 doses at 2, 4, and 6 months of age - and Rotarix - 2 doses at 2 and 4 months of age. Both vaccines are administered orally.
10. The virus enters target cells via the "JAM-A" protein and integrin proteins. Binding triggers clathrin-mediated endocytosis.