A virus is defined as any of a various number of submicroscopic parasites that can infect any animal, plant or bacteria and often lead to very serious or even deadly diseases. A virus consists of a core of RNA or DNA, generally surrounded by a protein, lipid or glycoprotein coat, or some combination of the three. No virus can replicate without the help of a host cell, and though they can be spread, viruses lack the ability of self-reproduction and are not always considered to be living organisms in the regular sense.Some of the most common or best known viruses include the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is the virus that causes AIDS, the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores, smallpox, multiple sclerosis, and the human papilloma virus, now believed to be a leading cause of cervical cancer in adult women. The common human cold is also caused by a virus.Since a great deal of mystery still surrounds the origins of most modern viruses, ways to cure these viruses and the diseases they cause are still in the very early stages of development.
Latest about Viruses, Infections & Disease
Hospitalized patients with flu need Tamiflu the day they're admitted, CDC says
New research suggests that hospitalized patients with flu who start taking Tamiflu the day they are admitted are 40% less likely to die within a month than those treated just days later.
New tick-borne virus discovered in China can affect the brain, scientists report
Scientists present evidence of a newly discovered tick-borne virus that can infect humans and potentially invade the brain, in some cases.
Anthrax has killed over 50 animals in Wyoming — what's the risk to people?
At least 50 animals, including cattle and one moose, in Wyoming have died during a recent outbreak of anthrax. However, officials say the current risk to humans is small.
Deadly 'triple E' kills New Hampshire man — what is eastern equine encephalitis?
Recent cases of a viral illness nicknamed "triple E" have occurred in New England. Here's what you should know about the disease.
Colon-cancer risk in young people linked to one amino acid, small study finds
A study has tied a substance in the blood to colorectal cancer in people under age 50. It may act as an early signal of the disease, scientists say, but that needs to be confirmed.
Listeria outbreak tied to sliced deli meat hospitalizes 57, kills 9
Listeria infections tied to the consumption of sliced deli meat have recently hospitalized almost 60 Americans.
What to know about Oropouche virus — the deadly fever that has reached the U.S.
Cases of "sloth virus" have been reported in the U.S. and Europe for the first time. But what is it?
For C. diff, antibiotic resistance comes at a cost
Researchers have identified two distinct mechanisms of drug resistance in C. difficile, but its ability to withstand antibiotics comes with downsides for the bacteria.
