Feline calicivirus
1. Classification
a. Higher order taxa
Domain: Viruses; Phylum: Pisuviricota; Class: Pisoniviricetes; Order: Picornavirales; Family: Caliciviridae(NCBI); Genus: Feline calicivirus
2. Description and significance
Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a virus found within the Caliciviridae family, which was first discovered in 1957. It is a highly contagious virus that causes mild to severe respiratory infection, nasal congestion, oral ulcerations, fever, and virulent systemic disease amongst other symptoms in cats (1). FCV is usually detected using nasal swabs and RT-PCR but testing cannot distinguish between the many different strains of the virus (1). There are currently no treatments available and the best option is prevention via a FCV vaccine, which found FCV-suspect cats to be found significantly less often FCV-positive (1).
The study of FCV allows researchers to get insight into the mechanisms in which similar viruses infect human hosts and the ways infection can be prevented. FCV shares similarities in genomic organization, characteristics, and family with the Norwalk virus, a virus that causes acute gastroenteritis in humans (2). FCV is also relatively easy to culture in the lab, thus making it a good model for research on the Norwalk virus and potentially the treatment and prevention of gastroenteritis in human populations afflicted by it (2).
3. Genome structure
Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence?
4. Cell structure
Interesting features of cell structure. Can be combined with “metabolic processes”
5. Metabolic processes
Describe important sources of energy, electrons, and carbon (i.e. trophy) for the organism/organisms you are focusing on, as well as important molecules it/they synthesize(s).
6. Ecology
Habitat; symbiosis; contributions to the environment.
7. Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
8. Current Research
Include information about how this microbe (or related microbes) are currently being studied and for what purpose
9. References
It is required that you add at least five primary research articles (in same format as the sample reference below) that corresponds to the info that you added to this page. [Sample reference] Faller, A., and Schleifer, K. "Modified Oxidase and Benzidine Tests for Separation of Staphylococci from Micrococci". Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 1981. Volume 13. p. 1031-1035.
