Category: Viruses

Exploring Retroviruses: Nature’s Intriguing Genetic Hackers

Introduction: Retroviruses constitute a unique family of RNA viruses known for their ability to reverse transcribe their RNA genome into DNA, which then integrates into the host cell’s genome. This distinctive feature distinguishes them from other viruses and has significant implications for their replication cycle, pathogenesis, and potential therapeutic applications. Discovered in the mid-20th century,…
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Orthomyxoviridae: The Viral Family Behind Influenza

Introduction: Orthomyxoviridae is a family of enveloped RNA viruses known for their ability to cause significant respiratory illnesses in humans and animals. These viruses are responsible for seasonal influenza outbreaks and have also been associated with occasional pandemics throughout history. The Orthomyxoviridae family comprises several genera, including Influenzavirus A, Influenzavirus B, Influenzavirus C, and Thogotovirus,…
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Adenoviruses: Understanding a Common Yet Complex Virus

Introduction: Adenoviruses are a group of common viruses that can infect the lining of your eyes, airways, lungs, intestines, urinary tract, and nervous system. These viruses are known for causing a variety of illnesses, ranging from mild respiratory infections to more severe conditions such as pneumonia, gastroenteritis, and conjunctivitis. Discovered in the 1950s, adenoviruses have…
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Understanding Norovirus: The Stomach Bug

Introduction: Norovirus, a highly contagious virus, is one of the leading causes of acute gastroenteritis globally. Affecting millions of people each year, it is notorious for its rapid transmission and ability to cause outbreaks in various settings, including schools, cruise ships, healthcare facilities, and restaurants. Norovirus is characterized by its robustness and resistance to common…
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The Varicellovirus: Insights into a Viral Master of Stealth and Symptomatology

Introduction: Varicellovirus is a genus within the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae of the Herpesviridae family, encompassing a group of viruses that infect various vertebrate hosts, including humans and animals. The genus Varicellovirus is notable for containing several important pathogens responsible for causing significant human and veterinary diseases. Origins and Characteristics of Varicellovirus: The origins and characteristics of…
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Unveiling the Enigmatic Alphaherpesvirinae: Masters of Stealth and Survival

Introduction: Alphaherpesvirinae is a subfamily of the Herpesviridae family, encompassing a group of highly contagious viruses that infect a wide range of vertebrate species, including humans and animals. These viruses are characterized by their ability to establish latent infections in sensory neurons, leading to recurrent or persistent disease manifestations. Alphaherpesviruses are responsible for several important…
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Exploring the Fascinating World of Circoviridae: Tiny Viruses with Big Impact

Introduction: Circoviridea is a family of small, non-enveloped, circular single-stranded DNA viruses that infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts including mammals, birds, and fish. These viruses are known for their remarkable genetic diversity and their ability to cause a variety of diseases in their respective hosts. First discovered in the late 20th century, Circoviridae…
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 – All You Need To Know

Coronavirus belongs to the family of viruses that causes acute respiratory illness and the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome(SARS) and middle east respiratory syndrome(MERS). In December 2019, a new type of coronavirus was identified which originated from Wuhan, China. This virus is named as novel coronavirus-2019. They consist of a core of genetic material…
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