Virology

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.

Papovaviruses – Overview

Published on April 14, 2024 • Written by BNO Team

Human Papillomaviruses Classification On the basis of DNA homology, tissue tropism, and relationship with oncogenesis, the HPVs have been categorised into 16 groups (A–P), encompassing at least 70 kinds, containing a total of at least 100 types. Human infections caused by papovaviruses Papillomavirus Polyomavirus Morphology of Human papillomaviruses Human papillomaviruses have the following characteristics: Viral … Read more

Parvovirus – Definition, Classification, Morphology, Diagnosis

Published on April 14, 2024 • Written by BNO Team

What is Parvovirus? Classification of Parvovirus Parvovirus B19 Parvovirus B19, or B19 virus, is the causal agent of erythema infectiosum (“fifth disease”; it was fifth of the six identified exanthematous disorders of childhood), a minor viral sickness of children, as well as polyarthralgia–arthritis syndrome in immunocompetent adults. Morphology of Parvovirus B19 B19 viruses manifest the … Read more

Structure and Genome of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) with diagram

Published on April 14, 2024 • Written by BNO Team

Coronaviruses are a type of virus that can cause illness, ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Coronaviruses are so named because they have a crown-like appearance when viewed under a microscope. They are primarily transmitted from person to person … Read more

The progression of SARS-CoV-2 infection throughout the respiratory system

Published on April 14, 2024 • Written by BNO Team

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes the disease COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). It is a highly infectious disease that can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets or close contact. The virus was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has since spread to become a global pandemic. Symptoms of COVID-19 can … Read more

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19): Transmission, pathogenesis, replication

Published on April 14, 2024 • Written by BNO Team

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. COVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory illness that can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets or close contact. The virus was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has since spread to become a global pandemic. Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to … Read more

Human Astrovirus – An Overview

Published on April 14, 2024 • Written by BNO Team

Astrovirus is a type of virus that can cause gastroenteritis (also known as stomach flu) in humans. The virus is highly contagious and is primarily spread through close contact with infected individuals or through contaminated food or water. Symptoms of astrovirus infection may include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. Most people recover from an … Read more

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus – An Overview

Published on April 14, 2024 • Written by BNO Team

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans by ticks. It is a highly infectious and severe disease that can be fatal in up to 50% of cases. The virus is found in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Europe. CCHF is caused by a virus in … Read more

Lassa Virus – An Overview

Published on April 14, 2024 • Written by BNO Team

Lassa virus is an RNA virus that is spread to humans through contact with the urine or feces of an infected Mastomys rat. It is a type of virus known as an arenavirus, and it is endemic in West Africa. The virus is named after the town of Lassa, in Borno State, Nigeria, where it … Read more

Dengue and Dengue Virus – Overview

Last Updated August 18, 2024 • 0 revisions • Written by BNO Team

Through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus), dengue viruses are transmitted to people. These mosquitoes can transmit other viruses including Zika and chikungunya. 4 billion people, or close to half of the world’s population, reside in dengue-risk zones. In risky locations, dengue is frequently the main cause of … Read more

Hepatitis C virus – Structure, Replications, Pathogenesis, Genome Structure

Published on April 14, 2024 • Written by BNO Team

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation, sometimes leading to serious liver damage. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread through contaminated blood, and it can be acute or chronic. Acute hepatitis C is a short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the virus. Chronic … Read more