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.
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
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 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
Hepatitis A is a liver inflammation brought on by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Primarily, the virus is transmitted when an uninfected (and unvaccinated) individual consumes food or water contaminated with the faeces of an infected individual. The disease is strongly linked to unclean water or food, inadequate sanitation, poor personal hygiene, and oral-anogenital contact. … Read more
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation, sometimes leading to serious liver damage. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. This can occur through sexual contact, sharing needles, or from an infected mother to her baby at birth. Symptoms … Read more
Hepatitis D, commonly referred to as “delta hepatitis,” is a viral infection of the liver (HDV). Hepatitis D is only transmitted to individuals who are simultaneously infected with the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis D is transmitted when blood or other body fluids from an infected individual enter the body of an uninfected person. Hepatitis D … Read more
Rabies is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain in humans and other mammals. It is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually through a bite. The virus attacks the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as fever, muscle spasms, and hallucinations. If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal. It … Read more
What is monkeypox virus? Classification of Monkeypox Virus Morphology of Monkeypox Virus/Structure of Monkeypox Virus Genome Structure of Monkeypox Virus Genome Structure Replication Cycle of Monkeypox Virus The cycle of replication for poxviruses is different from that of other DNA viruses, is carried out in the cytoplasm within the cell that hosts them. Poxviruses infiltrate … Read more
The most common cause for human disease is viral infections. Millions are still dying from viral infections, including hepatitis and human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV).
Norovirus, an RNA-based virus belonging to the family Caliciviridae is an enteric pathogen that can cause significant morbidity and mortality in health medical and communities.
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