Why study virology?

Virology is all about understanding viruses – from more common infections such as chickenpox to new and emerging infections like Zika and Ebola.

Viruses are some of the most diverse life forms in the world. This is often reflected in the diversity of those who commit their lives to study viruses and the very different ways in which they have become interested in the subject. Viruses have many routes of infection, ranging from human behaviors to insect bites.

Virologists are responsible for diagnosing viral infections and also investigating the pharmacological response of viruses to antiviral drugs and the evolution of drug resistance.

Why study virology?

• Viruses infect all living things: Animal kingdom, Plant kingdom, and Microbes
• Viruses are important disease-causing agents – Many infectious diseases are caused by viruses
• Viruses are important players in the regulation of Earth’s Ecology
• Viruses can be engineered to prevent and cure diseases (Gene therapy and vaccines)
• Viruses can be used as tools to investigate host cells
• Viruses can transfer genes between organisms (used as vectors)

*All living things survive in a sea of viruses*