Medical Important Viruses

An infectious agent composed of a genome (RNA or DNA, but not both) and a protein coat (capsid) that protects the genome.

A complete, infectious virus particle that includes the genome, capsid, and sometimes an envelope.

The process by which a virus replicates within a host cell. This is a mandatory intracellular event.

A protein shell that surrounds and protects the viral genome.

A lipid bilayer membrane that surrounds some viruses, helping them bind to host cells.

The ability of a virus to cause disease in a host.

Groups of closely related viruses that share similar characteristics, such as genome type, replication strategy, capsid symmetry, and presence/absence of an envelope.

The size of a virus particle, typically measured in nanometers.

The classification of viruses within a family based on factors like host range, serological reactions, amino acid sequences of viral proteins, and nucleic acid homology.

The genetic material of a virus, which can be either RNA or DNA, and can be single-stranded (ss) or double-stranded (ds).

A single-stranded RNA virus whose genome can be directly translated into proteins by the host ribosomes.

A single-stranded RNA virus whose genome is complementary to mRNA and must be transcribed into mRNA before protein synthesis.

The protein shell that surrounds the viral genome, protecting it and facilitating delivery into the host cell.

A capsid shape characterized by a long, cylindrical structure, often found in viruses like paramyxoviruses.

A capsid shape characterized by a spherical structure with 20 triangular faces, often seen in viruses like adenoviruses.

Subunits of the capsid, made of multiple protein molecules, that assemble to form the capsid.

A family of viruses that are naked and icosahedral, with a double-stranded linear DNA genome. They are known for causing respiratory infections, including pharyngitis.

A family of viruses with unusual DNA structure. They have a double-shelled structure with an icosahedral capsid covered by an envelope.

A large family of enveloped viruses with an icosahedral nucleocapsid and double-stranded linear DNA. Known for their ability to cause latent infections.

A family of large, brick-shaped viruses with a complex capsid symmetry and an envelope. They are known for causing skin lesions, like smallpox.

A diverse group of viruses that contain RNA as their genetic material. They include both naked and enveloped viruses, with various shapes and sizes.

The smallest RNA viruses, with single-stranded, linear RNA within a naked icosahedral capsid. They are common causes of various infections.

A family of naked viruses with an icosahedral capsid, single-stranded, linear RNA. They are responsible for various gastrointestinal infections.

These viruses are known for their ability to cause latent infections. They remain dormant in the host cell until the right conditions trigger their reactivation.

Naked viruses with two icosahedral capsid coats and 10 segments of double-stranded linear RNA.

Enveloped viruses with an icosahedral capsid and single-stranded, linear, nonsegmented, positive-polarity RNA.

Enveloped viruses with an icosahedral capsid and single-stranded, linear, nonsegmented, positive-polarity RNA. They are divided into alphaviruses and rubiviruses.

Enveloped viruses with an icosahedral capsid and two identical strands of single-stranded, linear, positive-polarity RNA. They are known for 'reverse transcription' of RNA into DNA.

Enveloped viruses with a helical nucleocapsid and eight segments of linear, single-stranded, negative-polarity RNA. They have an affinity for mucins.

Enveloped viruses with a helical nucleocapsid and single-stranded, linear, nonsegmented, negative-polarity RNA. They are not associated with orthomyxoviruses.

A virus that causes diarrhea, mainly in infants.

A virus that causes hepatitis, a liver infection.

Bullet-shaped viruses with a helical nucleocapsid and a single-stranded, linear, nonsegmented, negative-polarity RNA. The term "rhabdo" refers to the bullet shape.

Enveloped viruses with a helical nucleocapsid and single-stranded, linear, nonsegmented, negative-polarity RNA. They are long filaments with a thread-like appearance.

Enveloped viruses with a helical nucleocapsid and a single-stranded, linear, nonsegmented, positive-polarity RNA. They have a prominent halo of spikes protruding from the envelope.

A respiratory illness that emerged in China in 2002. It was characterized by atypical pneumonia and a high fatality rate.

A severe respiratory illness that emerged in the Middle East in 2012. Similar to SARS, it is caused by a coronavirus and can be fatal.

A respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus that emerged in 2020. It is highly contagious and can cause severe symptoms, including pneumonia and respiratory failure.

The natural reservoir for a virus, where it exists in nature and is not causing disease.

The viral strain that causes COVID-19, a highly contagious respiratory illness.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may also experience aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea.

Around 1 out of every 6 people (16%) who gets COVID-19 experiences more severe symptoms. They may develop difficulty breathing and require hospital care. Older individuals and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk.

A period of time between exposure to a virus and the onset of symptoms. In COVID-19, it can range from 1 to 14 days, but typically lasts 6 days.

A disease outbreak that spreads rapidly worldwide. Pandemics typically occur when a new virus emerges that humans have little to no immunity to. COVID-19 is an example of a recent pandemic.

A global health authority that monitors and investigates public health threats worldwide. WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020.