Structure of animal viruses.
Size and morphology of viral particles; organization of RNA and DNA viral genomes
Structure of capsid and envelope; virion enzymes; other components.
Host, organ and tissue tropism
Principles of virus classification
Virus replication.
Cellular infection with animal viruses: receptor binding, penetration, uncoating,
expression of the viral genome.
DNA and RNA virus replication.
Assembly, maturation and release of viral particles
Cytopathic effect: morphological aspects and molecular mechanisms.
Mutations, genetic recombination and gene reassortment as cause of viral variability.
Pathogenesis of viral infections.
Sensitivity of cells to infection.
Acute, latent and persistent viral infections
Principles of diagnostic virology: direct and indirec tests