Library · Microorganism
Measles virus
Make it clearer
The measles virus belongs to the genus Morbillivirus within the paramyxovirus group. It stores its information in one strand of negative-sense RNA. This means that an infected cell must first copy that RNA into a form it can read.
The virus begins by replicating in the respiratory tract. It can then reach nearby lymphatic tissues and spread through the body, causing a systemic infection. This is the microorganism that causes measles, not a complete description of the disease.
In brief
The measles virus is a paramyxovirus in the genus Morbillivirus. Its genetic material is negative-sense single-stranded RNA, meaning it carries one strand of RNA that must first be copied into a form the infected cell can use.
After replicating in the respiratory tract, the virus can move into regional lymphatic tissues and then cause a systemic infection, meaning it spreads through the body. This overview describes the microorganism and its general path, not the full clinical picture of measles.
Sources (1)
- Centers for Disease Control and PreventionChapter 13: Measles
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated