The learning objectives of studying the pathogenesis of viral infections often focus on understanding the the mechanisms that lead to disease. Specifically how how viral infections lead to cell death (e.g., apoptosis, necrosis) or alter cellular functions and the mechanisms of viral oncogenesis (how certain viruses lead to cancer).
- “No virus is known to do good. It has been well said that a virus is a piece of bad news wrapped up in protein.”
- Viral pathogenesis is the process by which a viral infection leads to a disease
- The majority of viral infections are subclinical
- It is not in the interest of the virus to severely harm or kill the host
- The consequences of viral infections depend on the interplay between a number of viral and host factors
**An inefficient virus kills its host. A clever virus stays with it**