Medical Important Viruses Overview

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

A type of viral genome that can be directly translated into proteins.

A type of viral genome that is complementary to messenger RNA and cannot be directly translated.

The protein shell that encloses the viral genome.

A type of capsid structure that resembles a long, coiled rod or cylinder.

A type of capsid structure that is spherical and symmetrical with 20 sides.

Smaller subassemblies that form an icosahedral capsid.

The complex of protomers (protein units) and nucleic acid in a helical capsid.

A virus is a tiny infectious particle made up of two main parts: its genetic material (either RNA or DNA) and a protective protein coat called a capsid. They are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they need a living host cell to multiply.

A virion is the complete, infectious form of a virus particle. It consists of the viral genome encased in a protective capsid and sometimes an outer envelope.

The capsid is a protein shell that encloses and protects the viral genome. It's like a protective case around the virus's DNA or RNA.

Some viruses have an additional outer layer called an envelope. This is a lipid membrane that surrounds the capsid and helps the virus enter and exit host cells.

Viruses are remarkably diverse. They are classified into different groups based on their genetic material (DNA or RNA), replication strategies, capsid symmetry (helical or icosahedral), and presence or absence of an envelope.

Viruses are much smaller than the cells they infect. They can pass through filters designed to trap bacteria, which helps scientists identify them.

A virus's ability to cause disease (pathogenicity) depends on many factors, including its structure, replication strategy, and interaction with the host. Even closely related viruses can cause different diseases.

Viruses depend on living cells to multiply. They can't replicate on their own and need to hijack a host cell's machinery to make more copies of themselves.

These viruses are distinguished by their unique double-stranded DNA structure, which is not completely circular, and their ability to cause infections that can become latent.

A family of viruses known for causing respiratory infections, including the common cold, SARS, and COVID-19.

A severe respiratory illness caused by a type of coronavirus, distinguished by an atypical pneumonia.

These viruses are characterized by their large size, brick-like shape, and complex capsid symmetry. They are known for causing skin lesions or "pocks," as their name suggests.

A type of coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.

These viruses are small and have a naked icosahedral capsid. Their genetic material is single-stranded, linear, nonsegmented, positive-polarity RNA. They cause infections that can be caused by either enteroviruses or rhinoviruses.

A respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, characterized by fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

This family of viruses includes the smallest RNA viruses, with a naked icosahedral capsid. Their genome is single-stranded, linear, nonsegmented, positive-polarity RNA.

These viruses are naked and have an icosahedral capsid. They have single-stranded, linear, nonsegmented, positive-polarity RNA.

A severe respiratory illness caused by a different type of coronavirus, emerging in 2012.

A family of bullet-shaped viruses with a helical nucleocapsid and single-stranded RNA.

These viruses have an icosahedral nucleocapsid covered by an envelope, a double-stranded circle DNA with a unique structure. They are known for causing latent infections.

These viruses are known for their naked icosahedral structure and double-stranded linear DNA. They are responsible for various infections, including pharyngitis and respiratory illnesses. Some types can cause sarcomas in animals, but not in humans.

A family of long, filamentous viruses with a helical nucleocapsid and single-stranded RNA.

The type of RNA found in coronaviruses, which is directly translated into proteins.

These viruses are characterized by their large size, envelope with an unusual appearance, and complex capsid symmetry. They are known for causing skin lesions or "pocks."

Viruses can be classified based on their genome type (DNA or RNA) and their structure (presence or absence of an envelope).

These viruses possess a DNA genome surrounded by a membrane-like envelope.

These viruses lack an envelope and their DNA genome is protected only by a protein coat called a capsid.

These viruses have an RNA genome enclosed within an envelope.

These viruses lack an envelope and their RNA genome is enclosed only by a capsid.

Some viruses have a segmented genome where their genetic material is split into multiple pieces.

A genome that requires an intermediate step of transcription to be translated into proteins.

A respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus, first discovered in Saudi Arabia in 2012, with camels being the suspected source of transmission.

An infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus, first identified in Wuhan, China in 2019, and declared a pandemic in 2020.

The virus that causes COVID-19. It is a type of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus.

The time between exposure to a virus and the onset of symptoms. In the case of COVID-19, it can range from 1 to 14 days.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and a dry cough. Other symptoms may include aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, or diarrhea.

In around 16% of cases, COVID-19 can lead to serious illness with difficulty breathing. Individuals at higher risk of severe complications include elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions.

People with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention to receive proper care and treatment.

While person-to-person transmission can occur, the primary mode of transmission from animals to humans is through close contact with camels.