Unit 3010: Virology Fundamentals

1. Introduction to Virology

• Definition and scope of virology
• Historical overview and significance in microbiology
• General characteristics of viruses
• Importance of studying viruses in medicine and biology

2. Viral Structure and Classification

2.1 Viral Structure

• Capsid: types (helical, icosahedral, complex)
• Viral envelope: composition and functions
• Genetic material: DNA vs RNA, single vs double stranded, segmented genomes
• Viral proteins and enzymes

2.2 Viral Classification

• Criteria for classification
  • Genome type (DNA, RNA, ss, ds)
  • Morphology and symmetry
  • Replication strategy (Baltimore classification)
  • Host range and pathogenicity
• Overview of major virus families

3. Viral Replication Cycle

3.1 Attachment

• Virus-receptor interactions
• Host specificity and tropism

3.2 Entry

• Mechanisms of viral entry (fusion, endocytosis)
• Uncoating of viral genome

3.3 Replication

• Nucleic acid synthesis
• Role of viral enzymes (polymerases, integrases, reverse transcriptase)

3.4 Assembly

• Capsid assembly
• Packaging of genetic material

3.5 Release

• Budding vs cell lysis
• Impact on host cell

4. Host-Virus Interactions

• Mechanisms of viral entry into host cells
• Viral strategies to evade host immune responses
  • Inhibition of antigen presentation
  • Modulation of interferon response
• Influence of host factors on viral replication and pathogenesis

5. Viral Pathogenesis

• Direct cytopathic effects of viruses
• Immune-mediated tissue damage
• Role of viral proteins in altering host cell functions
• Examples of viral diseases and their pathogenic mechanisms

6. Antiviral Therapeutics

• Overview of antiviral drugs: mechanisms and targets
• Vaccine types and principles of viral vaccine development
• Emerging therapies: RNA interference, monoclonal antibodies, CRISPR-based approaches
• Challenges in antiviral therapy: resistance and side effects

7. Viral Epidemiology

• Principles of viral disease distribution and transmission
• Outbreak investigation methods
• Surveillance systems for viral diseases
• Public health interventions and control strategies

8. Emerging Viral Infections

• Definition and examples of emerging and re-emerging viruses
• Factors contributing to emergence (zoonoses, environmental, social)
• Case studies: Ebola, Zika, COVID-19
• Global health impact and preparedness

9. Viral Evolution and Genetic Variability

• Mechanisms of viral evolution
  • Mutation rates and error-prone replication
  • Recombination and reassortment
• Impact of genetic variability on viral fitness and transmission
• Development of antiviral resistance
• Implications for vaccine design and epidemiology