As we all know, a virus is a pathogen that causes disease. A virus can infect animals, plants, and even human. Viruses only show a sign of life in another organism (host), infect others through a medium (vector), for instance, a medium of insects in infected plants. Viruses can infect animal and human through the medium of food, beverages, air, blood, and even the bite of a mosquito.

So far, 219 viruses that can infect humans have been discovered; with the first virus ever identified is Yellow Virus in 1901. Today, viruses have evolved along with the rapid development of vaccines or treatments against viruses. Viruses are capable of evolving and mutating into a new species. As noted in recent studies, up to 3 or 4 new species of viruses are discovered each year. This is why further research in finding the most effective remedy or vaccines against the newly evolved virus is needed.

Further research has studied that viruses around us can actually give both positive and negative effects. Many studies revealed both effects in their findings. In general, virus is considered detrimental for humans because it is a source of various diseases, such as Influenza Virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis Delta Virus, Ebola Virus, Measles Virus, Polio Virus, Mumps Virus, 24 Herpes Simplex Virus, and Human Papillomavirus.

In spite of its negative effect, viruses can also have benefits, including genetic engineering. Viruses can also be used in gene cloning. In addition, it can also be used for gene therapy to treat genetic disease such as diabetes and cancer.

Text by Rezky Zakiri
Stock photos from Google Search Images

Source(s):

• Campbell, N., Reece, J., Mitchel, L.G. (2010). Biology 9th ed. Jakarta: Erlangga
• Aryulina, D. (2010). Biologi 1. Jakarta: Esis.
• Woolhouse, M., Scott, F., Hudson, Z., Howey, R., Margo, C. T. (2012). Human Viruses: Discovery and Emergence. Phil.TransR.Soc 367 2864 – 2871