Journal of Antivirals & Antiretrovirals
Open Access

A Brief Note on Viruses and their Mode of Contamination

Priyanka Sharma^{* *}Correspondence: Dr. Priyanka Sharma, Department of Virology, Buffalo University, New York, United States, Email:

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Description

Viruses are biological entities that can only live and reproduce in the presence of a host, which is a living organism such as a human, an animal, or a plant. These are microscopic particles that can be found almost anywhere on the planet. They can occasionally cause disease and are found in animals, plants, and other living organisms. Some viruses cause illness, for example: By the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19.

A virus may also affect one organism in one way but not another. This explains why a virus that infects a cat may not infect a human. Viruses come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are made up of genetic material, such as DNA or RNA, surrounded by a protein coat. The envelope coat is a separate coat that is worn with some coats. This can be spiky and helps them attach to and enter host cells. Viruses are microscopic entities with a genetic material core, either DNA or RNA. The core is protected by a capsid, a protein-based protective coat. The envelope is a spiky covering that surrounds the capsid. These spikes are proteins that allow viruses to bind to host cells and enter them. They can multiply there if the conditions are favorable.

There is some disagreement about whether viruses meet the criteria for living organisms Trusted Source. They can grow and reproduce, but they do not produce adenosine triphosphate, which is required for many processes in living cells. Viruses are classified by scientists based on a variety of factors, including their shape and size, which can be rod-shaped, nearly spherical, or other shapes. The type of nucleic acid in their bodies that contains their genetic information, whether or not they have a host-derived protective lipid envelope. The influenza virus and HIV are two viruses that have envelopes.

Mode of contamination

A virus exists solely to reproduce itself. Particles spread to new cells and hosts when it reproduces. The characteristics of a virus influence its ability to spread. Viruses spread via

Touch: If a person has the SARS-CoV-2 virus on their hands and touches their nose, mouth, or eyes, the virus can enter the body and cause COVID-19.

Respiratory droplets: Respiratory droplets can contain viruses. These are produced by a person when they speak, cough, or sneeze. Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 are two viruses that can spread in this manner.

Direct contact: Some viruses can be spread through direct contact with a virus-infected person. Human Papillomavirus (HPV), for example, can be passed from person to person through direct skin contact. The Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis (mono), can be transmitted through saliva, such as when kissing. HIV, for example, can be transmitted from one person to another through the exchange of sperm or blood.

Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes spread the Zika virus from person to person.

Around childbirth: A mother infected with the herpes virus cytomegalovirus can pass the virus on to her unborn child.

Conclusion

Some viruses can remain active on an object for an extended period of time. If a person with the virus touches an item, the next person who touches the same object can pick up the virus. A fomite is a type of object.

Some Viruses are completely harmless, while others can cause a variety of diseases ranging from the common cold to Ebola. Seeking protection from potentially dangerous viruses, such as vaccinations, can help prevent serious illness.