The Invisible ABCs

Exploring the World of Microbes...

Letter V

Marburg Virus

Habitat:

 

Marburg virus is an infectious agent.  It reproduces in host cells.  In humans, infection and replication of the virus leads to a life-threatening disease called hemorrhagic fever.

 

Importance:

 

Marburg virus causes a life-threatening disease.  The disease is characterized by the sudden onset of fever, headache, and muscle pain.  Within a week, a rash develops, followed by vomiting, chest and abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The disease can then become increasingly damaging, causing extensive internal bleeding and organ failure. 

 

Classification:

 

Viruses are not living organisms but complex infectious agents that use living cells to replicate.  They are classified based on their shape and their genetic information.  The Marburg virus is long (about 0.8 mm) and very thin and uses RNA as its genetic information.