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Introduction on Viruses Publisher



Momtazmanesh S1, 2 ; Rezaei N1, 2, 3
Authors

Source: Encyclopedia of Infection and Immunity Published:2022


Abstract

Viruses are very small infectious particles without a cellular structure lacking the ability to reproduce independently. Viruses are comprised of protein packages containing genomic material, which can be either deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA). Viruses have existed since the beginning of life and are critical in evolution. Viruses contain an extremely diverse group of infectious agents. This article provides an introduction to viruses by describing hypotheses explaining their origin, viral structure, classification, replication cycle, disease patterns, and modes of transmission. Notably, prions and viroids are among other non-living infectious organisms. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.