Virology

(Pre-requisites: MCB 201 & MCB 202)

Virology as a Science. The nature and features of viruses. Chemical composition and structure of the virion. Characteristics and classification of viruses. Replication, cultivation, assay and analysis of viruses using cell culture, embryonated egg and laboratory animals. Assay of infectivity using plaque assay. Purification and separation of virions. Interactions among viruses: recombination, reassortment, complementation, genetic reactivation, genomic masking and phenotypic mixing. Interference and interferon. Interactions between viruses and hosts: Persistent infections, viral cytopathic effects (CPE), cell transformation and oncogenesis. Pathogenesis and pathology of viral infections: Infections of the skin, respiratory tract, alimentary canal, nervous system, liver, systemic infections, and generalized infections with rashes. Immunity and immunopathology of viral infections. Techniques in vaccine development.