microbiology

Unit 3 Assignment

Brittnee Roberts

Kaplan University

HS320

The paper addresses viruses which is one of the main types of pathogens. Viruses are the most common type of pathogens in the world today especially with the evolution of the AIDS virus which has been the main subject of discussion in the world today. The main reasons why I choose viruses is because not only are they the most widespread and dangerous pathogens but because they have no known cure.The paper will address the leading causes of viruses, their effects on the general population and any research information that has been conducted on viruses ( Wang, Chang & Lee, 2016).

Viruses are microscopic organisms that are surrounded by proteins, fats or a glycoprotein coat. They are a unique type of microorganisms that can only reproduce with a host cell. They insert the genetic material once they embed themselves on the host cells and begin to self-replicate into many other cells and eventually take overall control of the host body cells. Viruses are believed to have evolved from complex molecules of nucleic acid and proteins at the same time as the first cells appeared on Earth (Gulland, 2016).

Viruses have many effects on people. First, they cause dangerous diseases which have been proven not to have any cure; the also cause acute infections, which are short-lived, and Latent infections, which may not cause symptoms at first but can reactivate over a period of months and years.

Though viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics people can be vaccinated against them. A scientist has come up with many antiviral medicines to try and deal with the infections. A lot of research has been conducted particularly on the AIDS virus. However viral infections tend to resolve on their own without treatment. While the infection is present, treatment usually focuses on symptom relief.

The last item on the study is Plasmids. The importance of these bacteria has been undermined. Some plasmids can make their host bacterium resistant to antibiotics. They also help bacteria to avoid stressful situations.

References:

Wang, C. H., Chang, C. P., & Lee, G. B. (2016). An integrated microfluidic device using a single universal aptamer to detect multiple types of influenza viruses. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 86, 247-254.

Gulland, A. (2016). Zika virus is a global public health emergency, declares WHO.

Chicago

Viruses: An Introduction - Medical News Today. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158179.php

Bacterial vs. Viral Infections: Causes and Treatments - WebMD. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/bacterial-and-viral-infections

Antibiotic resistance | Biotech Learning Hub. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://biotechlearn.org.nz/themes/bacteria_in_biotech/images/antibiotic_resistan

Zika virus is a global public health emergency, declares ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.bmj.com/content/352/bmj.i657