3.1.5

Examples of Viruses

Test yourself

Virus Examples

Many diseases are caused by viruses. Some examples are:

Illustrative background for MeaslesIllustrative background for Measles ?? "content

Measles

  • Symptoms include a fever and red skin rash.
  • Measles is a virus that can be fatal if complications arise.
  • For this reason, most young children are vaccinated against measles.
  • The measles virus is spread by breathing in (inhaling) droplets from sneezes and coughs.
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HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus)

  • HIV is spread by sexual contact or the exchange of body fluids (e.g blood from sharing needles).
  • Initially, HIV causes a flu-like illness. However, unless antiretroviral drugs are used successfully, the HIV virus enters the lymph nodes and attacks the body’s own immune cells.
  • AIDS is caused by HIV. It is the name given to the life-threatening infections that can happen when a person’s immune system has been badly damaged by HIV.
Illustrative background for TMV (Tobacco mosaic virus)Illustrative background for TMV (Tobacco mosaic virus) ?? "content

TMV (Tobacco mosaic virus)

  • Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is a pathogen that affects plants, such as tomatoes.
  • The unique ‘mosaic’ pattern of the discolouration of the plant stunts the growth of the affected plant, because photosynthesis cannot take place.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

1.1What's in Cells?

1.2Cell Division

1.3Transport in Cells

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

5.1Homeostasis

5.2The Human Nervous System

5.3Hormonal Coordination in Humans

5.4Plant Hormones

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

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