Virology

What is Virology?

Virology is the study of viruses, its agents, virus taxonomy and its potential to cause disease. It also includes virus cultivation and genetics.

First virus was discovered in early 20th century. Dmitry Ivanovsky a scientist in early 1982, through an experiment, used filters to prove that sap from a diseased tobacco plant remains infected despite being filtered. Further, Martinus Beijerinck named the ‘filtered yet infectious substance’ a ‘virus’ and this instance was considered to be the beginning of virology. Viruses are sub-cellular micro, agents that need a host cell to survive and multiply. 

Research shows that in developed countries viral infections are more common a cause of acute conditions which does not necessarily require hospitalization, whereas, in developing countries, viral diseases are the most common cause of mortality or disability in children and a few percentages of adults. There are regular outbursts of viral diseases like ebola, swine flu, hantavirus, HIV, etc. Antibiotics are so far the most effective and commonly used treatment for many bacterial and viral infections.

Virology can be categorized into medical virology and research virology, the two are usually independent but do overlap at times. Medical virologists are doctors and are mostly focused on the transmission and impact of viruses on the human body.

Virology, as a branch of Microbiology, deals with the study of viruses. Virus is immediately related to human diseases including influenza, cold, Dengue, AIDS, etc. Thus, Research Virologists study microorganisms that often and

frequently duplicate, manifesting in the quick spread of viruses. There work is to study the spread of viral diseases and ways to prevent it. Usually, they also assist in vaccine research for the same.

A bachelor's degree will surely get you a job as a research assistant or laboratory assistant but to acquire an advanced position you require a master's or Ph.D. in Virology.

Read more:

• What do Virologist do?
• What are the entry requirements skills to become Virologist?
• Eligibility criteria for MS & PhD in Virology?
• Top colleges to study Virology 2019 ?