Umarova Gulsevar Xasan
By: Umarova Gulsevar Xasan
Today, viruses are among the most pressing threats to human life. Naturally, the question arises: what are viruses, and what is their structure? The word virus comes from Latin, meaning “poison” or “sharp liquid.” The outer shell of a virus is called a capsid.
In biology, a virus is a very small, cell-free particle that can only reproduce inside a living cell. Viruses cannot live independently; instead, they enter living cells, live off them, and multiply. They are infectious agents that cause various diseases.
The first virus was discovered in 1917 by the Canadian bacteriologist F. d’Herelle, who identified the bacteriophage — a virus that infects bacteria. Later, viruses were found in plants, animals, and microorganisms. These discoveries led to the emergence of a new branch of science called virology — the study of viruses.
Viruses cause a number of infectious diseases, such as influenza, rabies, yellow fever, encephalitis, rubella, AIDS, and others.
Influenza is a viral disease that is very widespread today. The virus is present in the mucus from the patient’s nose, in saliva, and in the phlegm expelled during coughing. When a patient sneezes or coughs, millions of invisible droplets spread through the air, affecting others and posing a serious risk to human health.
Yellow fever is also a viral disease. Its causative agents — viruses A and B — can infect only liver cells and reproduce there.
Another widespread viral disease is AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which is linked to the breakdown of the immune system. This disease was first identified by the French scientist Luc Montagnier. The virus is often found in a patient’s blood, lymph, and spinal fluid.
The virus mainly attacks lymphocytes — blood cells that produce antibodies protecting the body from diseases. As a result, the immune system gradually weakens, making the body more vulnerable to various infections. The development of AIDS goes through five stages. Its rapid spread is also caused by the use of non-sterile medical, cosmetic, and hairdressing tools.
Known as the “plague of the 21st century,” AIDS has no effective vaccine yet. The best way to prevent it is to follow personal hygiene rules and lead a healthy lifestyle. Today, December 1 is recognized as World AIDS Day.
Viruses lack a cellular structure, and for this reason, scientists have not yet reached a consensus on whether to classify them as living organisms. The origin of viruses remains unclear. Some scientists consider them to be genetic elements that separated from cells, while others believe they are simplified descendants of ancient cells.
The main problem associated with viruses is their rapid mutation rate, which makes it difficult to study their types and develop vaccines. Every year, many new viruses (such as COVID-19) emerge. Their origins and modes of transmission continue to be studied as a global threat.
Umarova Gulsevar Xasan , was born in Shahrisabz district, Kashkadarya region. She is currently a first-year student at Shahrisabz State Pedagogical Institute.
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