Viruses are infective agents that are unable to support themselves and rely on other hosts for survival. Although they are not a living thing, viruses are able to infect humans, plants, bacterias etc. Depending on the type of virus, they target a specific organ or type of cells and inject their DNA or RNA in the cell to reorganize the genetic material of the cell. The cell then follows the new DNA instruction and produces more viral viruses. The adenoviridae, better known as adenoviruses, are a family of viruses that originates from the human body that have the ability to cause infections to humans and other animals.
They were first discovered in 1953 by Wallace Rowe through an experiment that consisted of taking a sample of the adenoid …show more content…
Depending on the type of virus, there are two different possible cycles. In the lysogenic cycle, the DNA joins the hosts cell chromosomes before it starts to make other viral cells. Whereas in the lytic cycle, the host’s DNA is automatically changed and is programmed to create viral cells. Adenoviruses takes the lytic cycle and begins making more viral cells, hence, the time between infection and the first symptoms are not far apart. Using the new instructions from the viruses DNA, the host’s cell begin to create viral cells, to the point that the cell membrane breaks apart, and setting free all the new viral cells. This is referred to as lysis. The new viral cells then go on to repeat the lytic cycle on other uninfected …show more content…
Due to the fact that they can survive a long time on surfaces like tables and door knobs, contact with the contaminated area can lead to infection. It can also easily spread through respiration, poor hygiene and/or through pools. Although it seems like an unavoidable virus, there are many ways to protect yourself from this virus. Some of the precautions that one can take are avoid being around people with Adenovirus to reduce the chances of infection, wash you hands, covering your mouth when sneezing, avoid touching your eyes or mouth if you have washed your hands and don't swim in a pool with minimal chlorine. However, in the case that you do get this virus, there are treatments to help you get rid of it. For uncomplicated infections, patients are usually advised to stay in bed, isolated, and use an over the counter medication to help with the specific illness. With the help of the immune system the infection will disappear. However in complicated cases where the human immune system is weak and unable to fight on its own such as in small children, Cidofovir could be an alternative. This medication stops the adenovirus and other illnesses by restricting the viral DNA from synthesis. Alongside proper hygiene and other precautions, the virus will last no longer than a few weeks at most. There are also other medications such as Ribavirin and more specific medications such as eye drops if the adenovirus has infected the
They were first discovered in 1953 by Wallace Rowe through an experiment that consisted of taking a sample of the adenoid …show more content…
Depending on the type of virus, there are two different possible cycles. In the lysogenic cycle, the DNA joins the hosts cell chromosomes before it starts to make other viral cells. Whereas in the lytic cycle, the host’s DNA is automatically changed and is programmed to create viral cells. Adenoviruses takes the lytic cycle and begins making more viral cells, hence, the time between infection and the first symptoms are not far apart. Using the new instructions from the viruses DNA, the host’s cell begin to create viral cells, to the point that the cell membrane breaks apart, and setting free all the new viral cells. This is referred to as lysis. The new viral cells then go on to repeat the lytic cycle on other uninfected …show more content…
Due to the fact that they can survive a long time on surfaces like tables and door knobs, contact with the contaminated area can lead to infection. It can also easily spread through respiration, poor hygiene and/or through pools. Although it seems like an unavoidable virus, there are many ways to protect yourself from this virus. Some of the precautions that one can take are avoid being around people with Adenovirus to reduce the chances of infection, wash you hands, covering your mouth when sneezing, avoid touching your eyes or mouth if you have washed your hands and don't swim in a pool with minimal chlorine. However, in the case that you do get this virus, there are treatments to help you get rid of it. For uncomplicated infections, patients are usually advised to stay in bed, isolated, and use an over the counter medication to help with the specific illness. With the help of the immune system the infection will disappear. However in complicated cases where the human immune system is weak and unable to fight on its own such as in small children, Cidofovir could be an alternative. This medication stops the adenovirus and other illnesses by restricting the viral DNA from synthesis. Alongside proper hygiene and other precautions, the virus will last no longer than a few weeks at most. There are also other medications such as Ribavirin and more specific medications such as eye drops if the adenovirus has infected the