Virus structures constrain transmission modes.

ABSTRACT: Here we investigate links between the structures of viruses and routes of transmission. Viruses show a wide range of different structures, and the transmission of viruses between vertebrate hosts can take place through many different routes. We compiled a database of 243 virus-host combinations and report a statistical analysis that documents the associations between structures and routes of transmission-for example, viruses that are transmitted by the faecal-oral mode of infection are rarely enclosed in a lipid envelope.

SUBMITTER: Bushman FD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6814542 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature