Approximately how many FMD virions are needed to infect an animal?

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Multiple Choice

Approximately how many FMD virions are needed to infect an animal?

FMDV is extraordinarily infectious, so only a very small number of viral particles is needed to start an infection. In studies of susceptible animals, roughly ten virions can be enough to establish infection via typical exposure routes, reflecting the virus’s efficient entry and rapid replication at mucosal surfaces. This is why FMD spreads so readily in herds and why biosecurity measures aim to prevent even tiny exposures. One virion is generally unlikely to establish infection in an animal because of innate defenses and barriers, while a much larger inoculum than ten is not necessary for infection given the virus’s high infectivity. The key concept here is the infectious dose—the small inoculum capable of initiating infection in a host.

FMDV is extraordinarily infectious, so only a very small number of viral particles is needed to start an infection. In studies of susceptible animals, roughly ten virions can be enough to establish infection via typical exposure routes, reflecting the virus’s efficient entry and rapid replication at mucosal surfaces. This is why FMD spreads so readily in herds and why biosecurity measures aim to prevent even tiny exposures.

One virion is generally unlikely to establish infection in an animal because of innate defenses and barriers, while a much larger inoculum than ten is not necessary for infection given the virus’s high infectivity. The key concept here is the infectious dose—the small inoculum capable of initiating infection in a host.

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