Virology

Virus Structure

• A virus consists of a protein coat (capsid) surrounding a core of genetic material (DNA or RNA).

Types of Viruses

• There are two main groups of viruses based on their genetic material: DNA viruses and RNA viruses.

Viral Envelope

• The viral envelope is a lipid bilayer derived from the host cell membrane, and it contains viral glycoproteins.

Size of Viruses

• The size of a virus is typically measured in nanometers (nm).

Shapes of Viruses

• Viruses can have various shapes, including helical, icosahedral, complex, and enveloped shapes.

Latency

• During latency, virus multiplication is inactive.

Smallpox Vaccine

• The vaccine for Variola (smallpox) was created from the Cowpox virus.

Cytopathic Effect (CPE)

• The Cytopathic Effect (CPE) is used to characterize infection by observing the changes in host cells in a laboratory culture.

Herpes Simplex-1

• Herpes simplex-1 induces lesions on the face and mouth.
• Herpes simplex-1 is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.
• Herpes simplex-1 infections are characterized by vesicular lesions.
• Latency location for HSV-1 is in the trigeminal ganglia.

Herpes Simplex-2

• Herpes simplex-2 causes lesions in the genital and anal areas.

Complications

• Herpes simplex infection leads to severe complications in immunocompromised individuals, such as HIV patients and organ transplant recipients.

Varicella Zoster

• Varicella zoster is the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) sero-prevalence in the world amounts to around 80-100%.