Viral pathogenesis

See also: Introduction to viruses

Viral pathogenesis is the study of the process and mechanisms by which viruses cause diseases in their target hosts, often at the cellular or molecular level. It is a specialized field of study in virology.[1]

Pathogenesis is a qualitative description of the process by which an initial infection causes disease.[2] Viral disease is the sum of the effects of viral replication on the host and the host's subsequent immune response against the virus.[3] Viruses are able to initiate infection, disperse throughout the body, and replicate due to specific virulence factors.[2]

There are several factors that affect pathogenesis. Some of these factors include virulence characteristics of the virus that is infecting. In order to cause disease, the virus must also overcome several inhibitory effects present in the host. Some of the inhibitory effects include distance, physical barriers and host defenses. These inhibitory effects may differ among individuals due to the inhibitory effects being genetically controlled.

Viral pathogenesis is affected by various factors: (1) transmission, entry and spread within the host, (2) tropism, (3) virus virulence and disease mechanisms, (4) host factors and host defense.[4]

  1. ^ Nathanson N (2016-01-04). Viral pathogenesis. Lippincott-Raven. pp. 2016. ISBN 9780128011744.
  2. ^ a b Albrecht T, Fons M, Boldogh I, Rabson AS (1996-01-01). Baron S (ed.). Medical Microbiology (4th ed.). Galveston (TX): University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. ISBN 0963117211. PMID 21413282.
  3. ^ Racaniello V. "Viral Pathogenesis" (PDF). Retrieved 8 February 2014.
  4. ^ Ryan KJ, Ray CG, eds. (2014). "Chapter 7 Viral Pathogenesis". Sherris Medical Microbiology (6 ed.).