Viral structure, replication, latency and oncogenesis
How envelopes, genome type, replication strategy and latency explain disinfection choices, antiviral selectivity and resistance, herpesvirus and hepatitis B reactivation, and virus-associated cancers.
Tier 1Medical sciences concept
Written with AI assistance and fact-checked against the sources below. For exam study, not clinical decisions. How notes are made
At a glance
- A virus is a nucleic acid genome in a protein capsid, sometimes wrapped in a lipid envelope taken from the host cell. It uses host machinery to replicate.
- Envelope status predicts environmental survival and disinfectant susceptibility. Non-enveloped viruses (norovirus, adenovirus, enteroviruses, hepatitis A) survive on surfaces and resist alcohol.
- RNA viruses mutate fast because RNA polymerases lack proofreading. This drives drift, quasispecies and rapid drug resistance.
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Sources
- Fields VirologyWolters Kluwer, 7th edition, 2020 to 2023
- Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious DiseasesElsevier, 9th edition, 2020
- Australian Immunisation Handbook: Zoster (herpes zoster); Human papillomavirusAU/NZAustralian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), Digital edition, accessed November 2026
- Australian recommendations for the management of hepatitis B (B Positive)AU/NZASHM, Accessed November 2026
- Last updated
- 14 November 2026
What changed
- 14 November 2026 Personal emails, About story and Australian-style copy