At what specific sites within the body can the poliomyelitis virus multiply? What is the usual outcome of an infection?
Virus refers to the infectious agent that replicates (or multiples) in the host cells. It comprises the genetic material that is surrounded by the protein coat.
It does not contain replication enzymes and uses the host cell for reproduction. To initiate the infection in the host cell, the virus must bind to the cell surface receptor in the host cell and deliver its genetic material to the cell.
Poliovirus refers to the RNA virus that belongs to the family Picornaviridae. It causes poliomyelitis by destroying the motor cells, which results in muscle weakness and paralysis. The poliovirus enters the body through the mouth or respiratory system (nose) and multiplies in the oropharynx (throat) and lining of the intestinal tract. Then the virus enters the bloodstream and moves to the central nervous system, where it replicates and kills the motor neuron cells. The motor neurons control the muscle involved in the movement (arms and legs), respiration, circulation, and swallowing. Hence, the destruction of motor neurons causes loss of coordination, which results in paralysis and even death.
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