Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV)

Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a mosquito-borne, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Alphavirus genus and Togaviridae family. Its genome is approximately 12 kb long and encodes nonstructural proteins (nsP1-nsP4) involved in replication and mRNA capping, as well as structural proteins (Capsid, E1, E2, E3, and 6K) that form the viral particle. VEEV utilizes LDLRAD3 as its primary cellular receptor for entry. It is transmitted by mosquitoes and affects equids and small mammals, with humans as incidental hosts. Infection can cause flu-like symptoms or severe neurological complications. Epizootic strains (IAB, IC) are highly virulent, while enzootic strains (ID/IE) are typically less severe.