virus

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to viral taxonomy, pathogenesis, and mechanisms of infection.

Taxonomy

The classification of organisms into categories based on shared characteristics.

Orthomyxoviridae

A family of viruses that includes the influenza viruses.

Antigenic Variation

Changes in the antigens of a virus that allow it to evade the host immune response.

Antigenic Drift

Minor changes in the virus that lead to new strains within the same subtype.

Antigenic Shift

Major changes that occur when two different strains of a virus combine to form a new strain.

Hemagglutinin

A surface protein on influenza viruses that aids in the virus's ability to infect host cells.

Neuraminidase

An enzyme on the influenza virus that facilitates the release of new virions from host cells.

Reservoir

The natural habitat where a pathogen lives and multiplies.

M protein

A matrix protein that provides structural support and protects the viral RNA.

Positive sense ssRNA

Single-stranded RNA that can be directly translated into proteins by the host.

Negative sense ssRNA

Single-stranded RNA that must be converted to positive sense before proteins can be made.

Epidemic

A sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in a population.

Pandemic

An outbreak of a disease that occurs on a global scale.

Supportive care

Treatment that helps relieve symptoms but does not cure the disease.

Vaccination

The administration of a vaccine to stimulate an individual's immune system against a specific pathogen.

Reassortment

The process by which two or more viruses exchange genetic material, usually during co-infection of a host cell.

Viral Load

The amount of virus present in a unit of blood or plasma.

Nucleocapsid

The protein shell that encases the viral genome.

Species: HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the virus that causes AIDS.

Genome Organization

The arrangement and structure of genetic material within a virus.

Pathogenesis

The process by which a disease develops and progresses.

Serological Test

A test used to detect antibodies or antigens in a sample, often used for diagnosis.