Virologists

Virologists study the structure, classification, and evolution of viruses, and analyze how they infect host cells and cause disease. Viruses are submicroscopic parasitic particles that exploit host cells to reproduce quickly. Virology is a field of microbiology. Virologists classify the viruses either according to the host cell they infect (animal viruses, plant viruses) or the shape of the virus structure. Studying viruses is of immense significance to the field of medicine as they cause several dangerous diseases like hepatitis, AIDS, influenza and even some types of cancer. Virologists work alongside with medical professionals to determine how some viruses cause diseases and how these can be prevented or treated. Their research is instrumental in the development of vaccines and drugs. , Even though viruses are primarily known to be disease causing, some viruses are being used as gene vectors in gene therapy to treat genetic disorders. Virologists the world over are engaged in research to find more uses for viruses in the medical field. Virologists use highly sophisticated tools and techniques like electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy for their research. Virologists primarily work in laboratories and are required to take precautionary measures to protect them from harmful viruses during the course of their work. Browse this section to explore about the life and works of various famous virologists from all over the world.