Seoul virus
Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
Hantavirus Infections
Hantaan virus
Hantavirus
Rodent Diseases
Korea
Republic of Korea
Rats, Long-Evans
Hemorrhagic Fevers, Viral
Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean
Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo
Bone Marrow Diseases
Dyskeratosis Congenita
Serological study of hantavirus in man in the Autonomous Community of Madrid, Spain. (1/27)
Data relating to hantavirus infection in Spain are scarce and limited to rural areas. The aim of this work was to study the seroprevalence of hantavirus infection in the Autonomous Community of Madrid (ACM), a region containing both rural and urban populations in different ecological settings. Sera from 3852 individuals (1849 male, 2003 female) were screened by indirect inmunofluorescence, with Vero E6 cells infected with Puumala, Hantaan and Seoul viruses as antigens. Screen-positive results were confirmed by Western blot with recombinant Seoul virus nucleocapsid protein as antigen. Antibodies against hantavirus were detected in 12 sera (0.31%). No statistical differences were found according to sex and age. The highest prevalence was found in the southeastern area, significantly higher than the central and north-western areas. The most frequent serological pattern was reactivity against all three viruses used (33.3% of all positive sera). Therefore, this study confirms the presence of hantavirus infection in the ACM, including for the first time an urban area of Spain, but with the highest prevalence in a rural area. Serological evidence suggests that there is more than one circulating serotype. (+info)Use of vesicular stomatitis virus pseudotypes bearing hantaan or seoul virus envelope proteins in a rapid and safe neutralization test. (2/27)
A vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) pseudotype bearing hantavirus envelope glycoproteins was produced and used in a neutralization test as a substitute for native hantavirus. The recombinant VSV, in which the enveloped protein gene (G) was replaced by the green fluorescent protein gene and complemented with G protein expressed in trans (VSVDeltaG*G), was kindly provided by M. A. Whitt. 293T cells were transfected with plasmids for the expression of envelope glycoproteins (G1 and G2) of HTNV or SEOV and were then infected with VSVDeltaG*G. Pseudotype VSV with the Hantaan (VSVDeltaG*-HTN) or Seoul (VSVDeltaG*-SEO) envelope glycoproteins were harvested from the culture supernatant. The number of infectious units (IU) of the pseudotype VSVs ranged from 10(5) to 10(6)/ml. The infectivity of VSVDeltaG*-HTN and VSVDeltaG*-SEO was neutralized with monoclonal antibodies, immune rabbit sera, and sera from patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, and the neutralizing titers were similar to those obtained with native hantaviruses. These results show that VSVDeltaG*-HTN and -SEO can be used as a rapid, specific, and safe neutralization test for detecting hantavirus-neutralizing antibodies as an effective substitute for the use of native hantaviruses. Furthermore, the IU of VSVDeltaG*-HTN and -SEO did not decrease by more than 10-fold when stored at 4 degrees C for up to 30 days. The stability of the pseudotype viruses allows distribution of the material to remote areas by using conventional cooling boxes for use as a diagnostic reagent. (+info)Wounding: the primary mode of Seoul virus transmission among male Norway rats. (3/27)
In rodent populations, males are more likely to be infected with hantaviruses and to engage in aggression than are females. To assess the relationship between aggression and Seoul virus infection, Norway rats were trapped in Baltimore, Maryland and wounding, infection status, and steroid hormone concentrations were examined. Older males and males with high-grade wounds were more likely to have IgG antibody to Seoul, to shed virus in saliva, urine, and feces, and to have viral RNA in organs than either juveniles or adult males with less severe wounds. In contrast, neither age nor wounding predicted virus shedding among females. Although viral antigen was not identified in the brain, viral protein was detected in the gonads and adrenal glands of adult males. Males with more severe wounds had higher testosterone concentrations than males with no or low-grade wounds. Because wounding, testosterone, and virus shedding are associated among males, aggression may be the primary mode of Seoul virus transmission among male, but not female, Norway rats. (+info)Social status does not predict responses to Seoul virus infection or reproductive success among male Norway rats. (4/27)
Trade-offs exist among life history strategies that are used to increase survival and reproduction; such that, males that engage in more competitive behaviors may be more susceptible to infection. Hantaviruses are transmitted horizontally between rodents through the passage of virus in saliva during wounding and male rodents are more likely to be infected with hantaviruses than females. To determine whether a trade-off exists between dominance and susceptibility to Seoul virus infection, male Long Evans rats were group housed (3/cage) with a female rat and aggressive and subordinate behaviors were monitored during a 10 day group housing condition. After behavioral testing, males were individually housed, inoculated with Seoul virus, and blood, saliva, and fecal samples were collected. Dominant males initiated more aggressive encounters than subordinate males. Dominant and subordinate males, however, had similar steroid hormone concentrations, anti-Seoul virus IgG responses, and weight gain over the course of infection. A similar proportion of dominant and subordinate males shed virus in saliva and feces during infection. Using microsatellite DNA markers paternity was assigned to pups derived during the group housing period. In contrast to our initial hypothesis, dominant and subordinate males sired a similar percentage of pups. Taken together, host social status may not predict reproductive success or susceptibility to hantaviruses in rodent reservoir populations. (+info)Envelope glycoproteins of hantavirus can mediate cell-cell fusion independently. (5/27)
Hantaviruses (HTVs) are enveloped viruses and can induce low PH-dependent cell fusion. In this report we molecularly cloned viral glycoproteins (GPs) cDNA and nucleocapsid (NP) cDNA of two strains of Hantaan virus and one strain of Seoul virus and expressed in Vero E6 cells under control of a CMV promoter. The examinations of viral gene expressions were carried out by IFA and immune-precipitation. After treatment with low PH (PH 5.8) medium the syncytium were observed in the cells transfected with the GPs clones while in the cells transfected with the NP clones we did not find this phenomenon. Furthermore cotransfection of the NP and GPs did not enhance fusion activity. Treatment with anti-GP monoclonal antibodies could inhibit fusion activity whereas the antibodies against NP could not. These results indicated that GPs can mediate cell-cell fusion independently. (+info)Elevated testosterone and reduced 5-HIAA concentrations are associated with wounding and hantavirus infection in male Norway rats. (6/27)
Among rodents that carry hantaviruses, males are more likely to engage in aggression and to be infected than females. One mode of hantavirus transmission is via the passage of virus in saliva during wounding. The extent to which hantaviruses cause physiological changes in their rodent host that increase aggression and, therefore, virus transmission has not been fully documented. To assess whether steroid hormones and neurotransmitters contribute to the correlation between aggression and Seoul virus infection, Norway rats were trapped in Baltimore, Maryland and wounding, infection status, steroid hormones, and concentrations of neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenol acetic acid (DOPAC), serotonin (5-HT), and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) in select brain regions were examined. Older males and males with high-grade wounds were more likely to have anti-Seoul virus IgG and viral RNA in organs than either juveniles or adult males with less severe wounds. Wounded males had higher circulating testosterone, lower hypothalamic 5-HIAA, and lower NE in the amygdala than males with no wounds. Infected males had higher concentrations of testosterone, corticosterone, NE in the hypothalamus, and DOPAC in the amygdala than uninfected males, regardless of wounding status. In the present study, wounded males that were infected with Seoul virus had elevated testosterone and reduced 5-HIAA concentrations, suggesting that these neuroendocrine mechanisms may contribute to aggression and the likelihood of transmission of hantavirus in natural populations of male Norway rats. (+info)Regulatory T cells enhance persistence of the zoonotic pathogen Seoul virus in its reservoir host. (7/27)
Hantaviruses are zoonotic pathogens that maintain a persistent infection in their reservoir hosts, yet the mechanisms mediating persistence remain unknown. Regulatory T cell responses cause persistent infection by suppressing proinflammatory and effector T cell activity; hantaviruses may exploit these responses to cause persistence. To test this hypothesis, male Norway rats were inoculated with Seoul virus and regulatory T cells were monitored during infection. Increased numbers of CD4(+)CD25(+)Forkhead box P3(+) T cells and expression of Forkhead box P3 and TGF-beta were observed in the lungs of male rats during persistent Seoul virus infection. To determine whether regulatory T cells modulate Seoul virus persistence, regulatory T cells were inactivated in male rats by using an anti-rat CD25 monoclonal antibody (NDS-63). Inactivation of regulatory T cells reduced the amount of Seoul virus RNA present in the lungs and the proportion of animals shedding viral RNA in saliva. Because regulatory T cells suppress proinflammatory-induced pathogenesis, pathologic observations in the lungs were evaluated during infection. Subclinical acute multifocal areas of hemorrhage and edema were noted in the lungs during infection; inactivation of regulatory T cells reduced the amount of pathologic foci. Expression of TNF was suppressed during the persistent phase of infection; inactivation of regulatory T cells eliminated the suppression of TNF. Taken together, these data suggest that regulatory T cells mediate Seoul virus persistence, possibly through elevated transcription and synthesis of TGF-beta and suppression of TNF. These data provide evidence of regulatory T cell involvement in the persistence of a zoonotic pathogen in its natural reservoir host. (+info)Sex differences in the recognition of and innate antiviral responses to Seoul virus in Norway rats. (8/27)
Among rodents that carry hantaviruses, more males are infected than females. Male rats also have elevated copies of Seoul virus RNA and reduced transcription of immune-related genes in the lungs than females. To further characterize sex differences in antiviral defenses and whether these differences are mediated by gonadal hormones, we examined viral RNA in the lungs, virus shedding in saliva, and antiviral defenses among male and female rats that were intact, gonadectomized neonatally, or gonadectomized in adulthood. Following inoculation with Seoul virus, high amounts viral RNA persisted longer in lungs from intact males than intact females. Removal of the gonads in males reduced the amount of viral RNA to levels comparable with intact females at 40 days post-inoculation (p.i.). Intact males shed more virus in saliva than intact females 15 days p.i.; removal of the gonads during either the neonatal period or in adulthood increased virus shedding in females and decreased virus shedding in males. Induction of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs; Tlr7 and Rig-I), expression of antiviral genes (Myd88, Visa, Jun, Irf7, Ifnbeta, Ifnar1, Jak2, Stat3, and Mx2), and production of Mx protein was elevated in the lungs of intact females compared with intact males. Gonadectomy had more robust effects on the induction of PRRs than on downstream IFNbeta or Mx2 expression. Putative androgen and estrogen response elements are present in the promoters of several of these antiviral genes, suggesting the propensity for sex steroids to directly affect dimorphic antiviral responses against Seoul virus infection. (+info)Seoul virus is a type of hantavirus that can cause a severe and sometimes fatal disease in humans called hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). It is primarily carried by the brown or Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and is transmitted to humans through contact with infected rat urine, droppings, or saliva.
The virus can also be spread through aerosolized particles of rat excreta, making it possible for the virus to infect people who come into contact with contaminated dust or airborne particles. In addition, Seoul virus can be transmitted through the bite of an infected rat or by consuming food or water contaminated with rat urine or feces.
The symptoms of Seoul virus infection typically appear within 1-2 weeks after exposure and can include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, the virus can cause damage to the blood vessels, leading to bleeding disorders, low blood pressure, and acute kidney failure.
Seoul virus is found worldwide, but it is most commonly reported in Asia. People who work in rat-infested environments, such as sewers, warehouses, and farms, are at increased risk of exposure to the virus. There is no specific treatment for Seoul virus infection, but supportive care, such as fluid replacement and management of complications, can improve outcomes. Prevention measures include avoiding contact with rats and their excreta, using personal protective equipment when working in rat-infested areas, and practicing good hygiene.
Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) is a group of clinically similar diseases caused by several distinct but related orthohantaviruses. The viruses are primarily transmitted to humans through inhalation of aerosols contaminated with excreta of infected rodents.
The clinical presentation of HFRS includes four phases: febrile, hypotensive, oliguric (decreased urine output), and polyuric (increased urine output). The febrile phase is characterized by fever, headache, myalgia, and abdominal pain. In the hypotensive phase, patients may experience a sudden drop in blood pressure, shock, and acute kidney injury leading to oliguria. The oliguric phase can last for days to weeks, followed by a polyuric phase where urine output increases significantly.
Additional symptoms of HFRS may include nausea, vomiting, conjunctival injection (redness), photophobia (sensitivity to light), and petechial rash (small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin). In severe cases, HFRS can lead to acute renal failure, hypovolemic shock, and even death.
The severity of HFRS varies depending on the specific virus causing the infection. The most severe form of HFRS is caused by the Hantaaan virus, which has a mortality rate of up to 15%. Other viruses that can cause HFRS include Dobrava-Belgrade, Seoul, and Puumala viruses, with lower mortality rates ranging from less than 1% to about 5%.
Prevention measures for HFRS include reducing exposure to rodents and their excreta through proper food storage, waste disposal, and rodent control. Vaccines are available in some countries to prevent HFRS caused by specific viruses.
Hantavirus infections are a group of viral diseases caused by rodent-borne hantaviruses. These viruses are primarily transmitted to humans through the inhalation of aerosolized urine, droppings, or saliva from infected rodents, particularly the deer mouse, white-tailed mouse, and rice rat in North America.
There are several different types of hantavirus infections, including Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). HPS is more common in the Americas, while HFRS is more prevalent in Europe and Asia.
Symptoms of hantavirus infections can vary depending on the specific type of infection but may include fever, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, and coughing. In severe cases, hantavirus infections can lead to respiratory failure, shock, and even death.
Preventive measures include avoiding contact with rodents, sealing entry points to prevent their entry into homes or buildings, and using appropriate personal protective equipment when cleaning areas where rodents may have been present. Currently, there is no specific treatment for hantavirus infections, but early recognition and supportive care can improve outcomes.
Hantaan virus (HTNV) is a species of the genus Orthohantavirus, which causes hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in humans. This enveloped, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents or their excreta, particularly the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) in Asia. The virus was initially isolated in 1976 from the Hantaan River area in Korea.
HTNV infection leads to a spectrum of clinical manifestations in HFRS, ranging from mild to severe forms. The symptoms often include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and blurred vision. In severe cases, it can cause acute renal failure, hypotension, and hemorrhagic complications. The incubation period for HTNV infection typically ranges from 7 to 42 days.
Prevention strategies include avoiding contact with rodents, reducing rodent populations in living areas, using personal protective equipment when handling potentially infected materials, and ensuring proper food storage and waste disposal practices. No specific antiviral treatment is available for HFRS caused by HTNV; however, supportive care, such as fluid replacement and hemodialysis, can help manage severe symptoms and improve outcomes.
Hantavirus is an etiologic agent for several clinical syndromes, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). It's a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the family Bunyaviridae, genus Orthohantavirus.
These viruses are primarily transmitted to humans by inhalation of aerosolized excreta from infected rodents. The symptoms can range from flu-like illness to severe respiratory distress and renal failure, depending upon the specific hantavirus species. There are no known treatments for HFRS, but early recognition and supportive care can significantly improve outcomes. Ribavirin has been used in some cases of HPS with apparent benefit, although its general efficacy is not well-established
(References: CDC, NIH, WHO)
'Murinae' is not a medical term. It is a taxonomic classification used in biology, specifically for a subfamily of rodents that includes mice, rats, and several related species. The term 'Murinae' comes from the family Muridae, which is the largest family of mammals, containing over 700 species.
The misconception might arise because medical professionals sometimes use common names for various animals or organisms in their diagnoses, treatments, or research. However, it is essential to clarify that 'Murinae' is a scientific classification and not a medical term.
Rodent-borne diseases are infectious diseases transmitted to humans (and other animals) by rodents, their parasites or by contact with rodent urine, feces, or saliva. These diseases can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Some examples of rodent-borne diseases include Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, Leptospirosis, Salmonellosis, Rat-bite fever, and Plague. It's important to note that rodents can also cause allergic reactions in some people through their dander, urine, or saliva. Proper sanitation, rodent control measures, and protective equipment when handling rodents can help prevent the spread of these diseases.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Korea" is not a medical term. It refers to a region in East Asia that is divided into two distinct sovereign states: North Korea (officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea) and South Korea (officially the Republic of Korea).
If you're looking for medical terms, I'd be happy to help. Could you please provide more context?
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Republic of Korea" is a geopolitical term referring to a country located in East Asia, also known as South Korea. It does not have a specific medical definition. The term refers to the political, social, and cultural aspects of the country, rather than medical conditions or health-related concepts. If you have any questions related to medical definitions or health, I'd be happy to try to help answer those!
Antibodies, viral are proteins produced by the immune system in response to an infection with a virus. These antibodies are capable of recognizing and binding to specific antigens on the surface of the virus, which helps to neutralize or destroy the virus and prevent its replication. Once produced, these antibodies can provide immunity against future infections with the same virus.
Viral antibodies are typically composed of four polypeptide chains - two heavy chains and two light chains - that are held together by disulfide bonds. The binding site for the antigen is located at the tip of the Y-shaped structure, formed by the variable regions of the heavy and light chains.
There are five classes of antibodies in humans: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM. Each class has a different function and is distributed differently throughout the body. For example, IgG is the most common type of antibody found in the bloodstream and provides long-term immunity against viruses, while IgA is found primarily in mucous membranes and helps to protect against respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.
In addition to their role in the immune response, viral antibodies can also be used as diagnostic tools to detect the presence of a specific virus in a patient's blood or other bodily fluids.
"Long-Evans" is a strain of laboratory rats commonly used in scientific research. They are named after their developers, the scientists Long and Evans. This strain is albino, with a brownish-black hood over their eyes and ears, and they have an agouti (salt-and-pepper) color on their backs. They are often used as a model organism due to their size, ease of handling, and genetic similarity to humans. However, I couldn't find any specific medical definition related to "Long-Evans rats" as they are not a medical condition or disease.
A viral RNA (ribonucleic acid) is the genetic material found in certain types of viruses, as opposed to viruses that contain DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). These viruses are known as RNA viruses. The RNA can be single-stranded or double-stranded and can exist as several different forms, such as positive-sense, negative-sense, or ambisense RNA. Upon infecting a host cell, the viral RNA uses the host's cellular machinery to translate the genetic information into proteins, leading to the production of new virus particles and the continuation of the viral life cycle. Examples of human diseases caused by RNA viruses include influenza, COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), hepatitis C, and polio.
**Hemorrhagic fevers, viral** are a group of severe, potentially fatal illnesses caused by viruses that affect the body's ability to regulate its blood vessels and clotting abilities. These viruses belong to several different families including *Filoviridae* (e.g., Ebola, Marburg), *Arenaviridae* (e.g., Lassa, Machupo), *Bunyaviridae* (e.g., Hantavirus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus) and *Flaviviridae* (e.g., Dengue, Yellow Fever).
The initial symptoms are non-specific and include sudden onset of fever, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pains, headache, and vomiting. As the disease progresses, it may lead to capillary leakage, internal and external bleeding, and multi-organ failure resulting in shock and death in severe cases.
The transmission of these viruses can occur through various means depending on the specific virus. For example, some are transmitted via contact with infected animals or their urine/feces (e.g., Hantavirus), others through insect vectors like ticks (Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever) or mosquitoes (Dengue, Yellow Fever), and yet others through direct contact with infected body fluids (Ebola, Marburg).
There are no specific treatments for most viral hemorrhagic fevers. However, some experimental antiviral drugs have shown promise in treating certain types of the disease. Supportive care, such as maintaining blood pressure, replacing lost fluids and electrolytes, and managing pain, is critical to improving outcomes. Prevention measures include avoiding areas where the viruses are common, using personal protective equipment when caring for infected individuals or handling potentially contaminated materials, and controlling insect vectors.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO).
Crimean hemorrhagic fever (CHF) is a tick-borne disease caused by the virus named Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). It is a severe and often fatal illness. The disease is characterized by sudden onset of high fever, muscle pain, severe headache, soreness in the eyes, fatigue, and dizziness. After two to four days, there may be evidence of hemorrhage (bleeding) from the mouth, gums, nose, or other sites. The virus is primarily transmitted to people from ticks that feed on domestic animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. It can also be transmitted through contact with infected animal blood or tissues during and after slaughtering. Human-to-human transmission can occur resulting from close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected persons. Healthcare workers are at risk if they are not wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. There is no specific treatment for CHF yet, but early supportive care and symptomatic treatment improve survival rates.
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a viral disease transmitted to humans through tick bites or contact with infected animal blood or tissues during and after slaughter. The virus belongs to the Nairovirus genus in the Bunyaviridae family. The disease was first identified in Crimea in 1944 and later in the Congo in 1956, hence the name Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.
The CCHF virus causes severe illness with a case fatality rate of up to 40% in hospitalized patients. The symptoms include sudden onset of fever, muscle pain, headache, dizziness, neck pain and stiffness, back pain, sore eyes, and sensitivity to light. After a few days, patients may develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bleeding from the mouth, nose, gums, and private parts.
There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for CCHF, but early supportive care with oral or intravenous fluids, analgesics, and antipyretics can significantly reduce mortality. Ribavirin has been used in the treatment of severe cases, but its efficacy is not fully proven. Preventive measures include avoiding tick bites, using protective clothing and gloves while handling animals or their tissues, and practicing good hygiene and food safety.
Bone marrow diseases, also known as hematologic disorders, are conditions that affect the production and function of blood cells in the bone marrow. The bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside bones where all blood cells are produced. There are various types of bone marrow diseases, including:
1. Leukemia: A cancer of the blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow. Leukemia causes the body to produce large numbers of abnormal white blood cells, which can crowd out healthy blood cells and impair their function.
2. Lymphoma: A cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Lymphoma can affect the bone marrow and cause an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.
3. Multiple myeloma: A cancer of the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. Multiple myeloma causes an overproduction of abnormal plasma cells, which can lead to bone pain, fractures, and other complications.
4. Aplastic anemia: A condition in which the bone marrow does not produce enough new blood cells. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and an increased risk of infection.
5. Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): A group of disorders in which the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells. MDS can lead to anemia, infections, and bleeding.
6. Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs): A group of disorders in which the bone marrow produces too many abnormal white or red blood cells, or platelets. MPNs can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, itching, and an increased risk of blood clots.
Treatment for bone marrow diseases depends on the specific condition and its severity. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation, or targeted therapies that target specific genetic mutations.
A syndrome, in medical terms, is a set of symptoms that collectively indicate or characterize a disease, disorder, or underlying pathological process. It's essentially a collection of signs and/or symptoms that frequently occur together and can suggest a particular cause or condition, even though the exact physiological mechanisms might not be fully understood.
For example, Down syndrome is characterized by specific physical features, cognitive delays, and other developmental issues resulting from an extra copy of chromosome 21. Similarly, metabolic syndromes like diabetes mellitus type 2 involve a group of risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels that collectively increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
It's important to note that a syndrome is not a specific diagnosis; rather, it's a pattern of symptoms that can help guide further diagnostic evaluation and management.
Dyskeratosis congenita is a rare genetic disorder that affects the bone marrow's ability to produce blood cells and can also affect other parts of the body, such as the skin, nails, and mucous membranes. It is characterized by the triad of abnormal skin pigmentation, nail dystrophy, and leukoplakia (white patches) in the mouth. People with dyskeratosis congenita are also at an increased risk of developing bone marrow failure, cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis. The disorder is caused by mutations in genes involved in the maintenance of telomeres, which are the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that shorten as cells divide. These mutations can lead to premature shortening of telomeres and cellular aging, resulting in the symptoms of dyskeratosis congenita.