Virology is the scientific study of viruses and virus-like agents, focusing on their structure, classification, evolution, methods of infection, and interaction with host organisms. It encompasses research into the diseases caused by viruses, their transmission, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. As a subfield of microbiology, virology deals with a wide range of viruses, including those that affect humans, animals, plants, and even bacteria (bacteriophages).
Key areas of virology include:
Virus Structure and Classification: Understanding the molecular composition and organization of viruses, such as DNA or RNA viruses, enveloped or non-enveloped, and their shapes (icosahedral, helical, etc.).
Viral Replication: Studying how viruses reproduce by hijacking the cellular machinery of host cells, leading to the production of new viral particles.
Pathogenesis: Exploring how viruses cause diseases, affect the immune system, and interact with host cells.
Epidemiology: Tracking how viruses spread within populations and the factors that contribute to outbreaks and pandemics.
Vaccine and Antiviral Development: Developing preventive and therapeutic measures, including vaccines, antiviral drugs, and immune therapies to combat viral infections.
Virology has gained significant attention due to its role in understanding viruses such as HIV, influenza, coronaviruses (like SARS-CoV-2), and many others that affect global health.
Coronavirus Characteristics of COVID-19 Structure of Coronavirus Genome of Coronavirus Epidemiology of Coronavirus The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The virus was identified for the first time in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and has since spread worldwide, resulting in a pandemic. Here are some essential aspects of the epidemiology of COVID-19: Replication of Coronavirus … Read more
What are foodborne viruses? Foodborne viruses are those that can be contracted by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. They can withstand extremes in temperature and humidity as well as hostile conditions like low pH (acidity). Because of this, they can survive infectively in food and water for much over a month. These viruses … Read more
The predominant clinical manifestation of mumps is parotitis-related salivary gland enlargement. This symptom is so distinctive that the disease was immediately distinguished from other pediatric illnesses that cause skin rashes. In the fifth century B.C., Hippocrates identified measles as a distinct disease. Additionally, he mentioned orchitis as a common complication of mumps. In some cases … Read more
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), also known as Human Herpesvirus 4, is a virus that belongs to the herpesvirus family. It is one of the most common viruses in humans and is estimated to infect over 90% of people worldwide at some point in their lives. EBV is primarily transmitted through contact with infected saliva, such as … Read more
Zika Virus (ZIKV) Characteristics of Zika Virus (ZIKV) Structure of Zika Virus Genome Structure of Zika Virus Zika Virus Replication Viruses cannot replicate until they infect and “reprogram” appropriate host cells to become virus-producing factories. The epidermis and dermis of the host skin contain fibroblast, keratinocytes, and immature dendritic cells where the Zika virus replicates. In … Read more
Respiratory syncytial virus RSV is a member of the family Paramyxoviridae and possesses a continuous, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome. Paramyxoviruses are globally significant to both human and animal populations. This family contains several highly contagious viruses, including the human pathogens measles, mumps, and RSV, and the zoonotic viruses Hendra and Nipah. Human RSV (hRSV) is … Read more
Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus, which means it can be transmitted between animals and humans. Fruit bats, often known as flying foxes, serve as the natural reservoir for NiV. The Nipah virus is also known to infect humans and pigs. NiV infection is related with encephalitis (brain swelling) and can result in mild … Read more
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Structure of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Genome Structure of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Functions of viral proteins Protein Function E1 Viral DNA replication E2 Control of viral transcription, DNA replication, and segregation of viral genomes E4 Favor and support the HPV genome amplification; regulate the expression of late genes; control virus maturation; facilitate the release … Read more
West Nile virus (WNV) is the most prevalent disease transmitted by mosquitoes in the continental United States. It is often transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of West Nile virus arise during the summer and fall mosquito season. There are no vaccinations or drugs to prevent or treat WNV in … Read more
Hepatitis E Virus Taxonomy and Classification of Hepatitis E Virus Structure of Hepatitis E Virus Genome of Hepatitis E Virus Epidemiology of Hepatitis E Virus Transmission of Hepatitis E Virus Genomic Replication Strategy Replication of Hepatitis E Virus/Life cycle of hepatitis E virus (HEV) Pathogenesis of Hepatitis E Virus Clinical Manifestations of Hepatitis E Virus Laboratory Diagnosis of Hepatitis E Virus Hepatitis E virus … Read more
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