Ebolavirus infections but no outbreak
Ebolavirus infections are feared because of the high fatality rate observed during outbreaks, from 25-90%. But there is evidence that far less serious Ebolavirus infections may occur in the absence of outbreaks.
Basic virology
Defective viral genomes and severe influenza
The virulence of a virus – its capacity to cause disease – is determined by both viral and host factors. Even among healthy individuals, infection with a particular virus may have different outcomes ranging from benign to lethal. The study of influenza viruses that cause mild or fatal outcomes reveals that defective viral genomes play …
A breath of fresh influenza virus
Influenza virus may be transmitted among humans in three ways: by direct contact with infected individuals; by contact with contaminated objects (called fomites, such as toys, doorknobs); and by inhalation of virus-laden aerosols. A recent study suggests that normal tidal breathing plays a substantial role in aerosol transmission.
A human rhinovirus in chimpanzees
An outbreak of respiratory disease in Ugandan chimpanzees provides insight into how virus infection can shape the genome and lead to differences in the cell receptor gene that regulate susceptibility to infection.
HPV vaccines do not encourage risky sexual behavior
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines save lives by preventing lethal cervical and anogenital cancers. If Henrietta Lacks had received an HPV vaccine, she would not have succumbed to cervical cancer. Yet not enough young men and women receive the vaccine. An obstacle to more widespread adoption of the HPV vaccine is that some parents …
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Metabolic manipulations in virus-infected cells
The large quantities of viral macromolecules and virus particles that are produced in an infected cell impose heavy demands on the host. Synthesis of the building blocks of a virus particle – nucleotides, amino acids, and sometimes fatty acids – requires energy, typically in the form of ATP. Synthesis of viral proteins and genomes, and …