Micro 50: Rhabdoviruses, Filoviruses, and Bornaviruses

Clinical Deep Dives · Feb 25, 2026 · 34m

Episode Description

This episode examines three morphologically distinctive families of enveloped negative-sense RNA viruses. Drawing from Murray’s Chapter 50, it explores how structure and tropism define clinical severity.

The first focus is rhabdoviruses, particularly rabies virus, characterised by its bullet-shaped virion. Rabies uniquely travels along peripheral nerves to the central nervous system, producing fatal encephalitis if untreated. The slow axonal transport provides a window for post-exposure prophylaxis - a rare example where timing can prevent near-certain mortality.

Next are…