Course

Unit 1

Historical and Conceptual Background: History-Properties of viruses -classification of viruses based on the nature of genome-Methods of study, Viral multiplication, Attachment, entry, un-coating, replication, assembly, release, Cell transformations, Cultivation of viruses-Assay techniques

Unit 2

Different Classes of Viruses: Animal Viruses-Virus-Host interactions-Viral infections, plant viruses, bacteriophages, Viroids.

Unit 3

Host Response and Antiviral Agents: Immune responses to viruses, Interferon and other cytokines, Antiviral therapy.

Unit 4

Bacteriophages: Classification, characterization, morphology, structure, one step growth curve, applications-phage therapy, phage in environment, agriculture & Food applications. Molecular biology tools: Phage display library.

Unit 5

Recent trends in Virology: Viral vaccines: development and mode of action.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Introducing students to the fascinating world of viruses with special emphasis on their general properties, replication strategies, cultivation methods, diagnostic tools, transformations, immune response and antiviral drugs. Virology course is mainly focused on the study of various types of viral pathogens, advanced study of viruses with regard to the basic, biochemical, molecular, epidemiological, and clinical, aspects of animal viruses primarily and bacteriophage, plant viruses, viroids, and prions. The viral vectors and their applications in biotechnology are also discussed

COURSE OUTCOMES:

After completing the course, students shall be able to  

CO1. Understand the reason for studying viruses.

CO2. Understand how to cultivate, purify and detect the presence of viruses.

CO3. Explain the replicative strategies of different classes of viruses.

CO4. Demonstrate the host immune response to viruses.

CO5. Discuss the pathogenicity and mode of action of various antiviral drugs used to control viral infections.

REFERENCES:

2020. Prescotts Microbiology ,11^th edition, 2020.
2021. Edward K Wanger, Basic Virology, Second edition,2003.
2022. J. Flint, L.W. Enquist, V.R. Racaniello, A.M. Skalka, Principles of Molecular Virology Third edition,2009.
2023. Acheson and Nicholas H, Fundamentals of Molecular Virology, Second edition, 2011.