Thursday, October 28, 2010

Types of Viruses

A virus can be defined as a tiny organism that causes an infection in the body. Viruses are made up of the genetic material known as DNA or RNA, which the virus uses to replicate. In order for a virus to survive, it must invade and attach itself to a living cell. It will then multiply and produce more virus particles.

Viruses can affect any part of the body or body system, and can cause infections such as the common cold, flu, gastroenteritis, chicken pox or herpes.

There are different types of viruses and can be broadly classified as below:


1) DNA Viruses

2) RNA Viruses

3) Latent Viruses 

Below are the types of human viruses, which cause diseases in human beings. :


DNA Virus: Small pox, herpesviruses

RNA Virus: measles, rabies, influenza

Latent Viruses: Lysogeny 


I hope this was helpful.

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