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WHAT THE HECK IS A VIRUS?. The Form, Reproduction, and Genetics of Viruses. Viral Shapes. More Viral Forms. Flu Viruses. HIV. Soybean Viruses. Phage Viruses. Emerging Viruses. Neuron Capacity Overload Virus. Similar in shape to the bacteriophages, such as T-2.
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WHAT THE HECK IS A VIRUS? The Form, Reproduction, and Genetics of Viruses
More Viral Forms Flu Viruses HIV Soybean Viruses Phage Viruses
Emerging Viruses • Neuron Capacity Overload Virus Similar in shape to the bacteriophages, such as T-2 The virus was discovered in 1988 by German Scientist Oskar P. Sundenkamne at the University of Bonn, Germany. Dr. Sundenkamne is well known for his research in neurology, particularly for his discovery of acetyl-pepstatin binding membranes in 1986. His interest in the Neuron Capacity Overload Virus was piqued when he noticed its tendencies to attack certain types of brain cells, a phenomenon unusual to viruses.
Other Kinds of Viruses What a relief, doc! For a second there I thought you said my *computer* had the virus!
Structure of the T-2 Phage The Capsid Is an iscosahedron: a 20-sided shape
Cycle of An Enveloped Virus By coating itself with cell membrane, the virus avoids detection by the victim’s immune system.
Emerging Viruses Ebola Virus (filovirus family) Hantavirus http://www.stanford.edu/group/virus/viruslist.htmlhttp://www.virology.net/Big_Virology/BVDiseaseList.html
Other “Weird” Infectious Agents • Viroids • Prions
VIROIDS • Viroids are smaller than viruses • Naked, circular RNA. • Affect plants Master List of Viroids
PRIONS • Infectious proteins • Cause Degenerative Brain Disease • BSE “mad cow disease, Creutzfeld-Jacob disease, scrapie, and Kuru
Do All Scientists Agree? • No – Not all scientists believe that Prions are the cause of BSE or nvCJD • A slow-acting virus may be the cause • No treatment exists National Institute of Health – “Research In The News” A.S.M Microbe File Story – All About Prions NOVA: Do Prions Exist? Conflicting Viewpoints. Click here for the Leicester Microbiology Dept. for a detailed overview of Prions and Prion disorders
For More Information… • Center For Disease Control (CDC), Washinton, D.C. • World Health Organization (WHO) • Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report • National Library of Medicine (Page for vaccination and immunization info.) • National Institute of Health (Home Page) • National Immunization Program (Adult) • National Immunization Program (Child)