MGY378H1 Lecture : Lecture Notes.docx
19 Dec 2012
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Document Summary
Viruses: (1) multiply only in living cells. (2) are obligate parasites: are metabolically inert outside the host. (3) rely on host metabolic processes for reproduction. Viruses exist for all known life forms. The average healthy individual harbours between 8-12 different mammalian virsuses at any one time. The concept of viromics, i. e. viral genomics is becoming more pervasive in the study of virology. It can vary based on geographic location, but there are many persistent viral infections to human beings as a species. New viral pathogens emerge, as we are constantly exposed to new pathogens and viruses as the environment changes. Steps in the emergence of host-switching viruses: exposure infection spread adaptation. Fitness valley: a blockade to viral survivorship to prevent infection from one individual to another. The shallower the fitness valley, the easier the transmission of virus from donor to recipient.
