Infectious diseases caused by Viruses

Viruses are acellular microorganisms that only replicate within the cells of other organisms. This process can kill, damage or change the infected cell, and release new viruses that infect other cells. Many viral infections cause acute illness after a short incubation period, some are asymptomatic, and others cause mild symptoms. Many times the immune system itself fights the infection, but some remain in a state of latency, and others cause chronic diseases. Treatment in most cases only serves to relieve symptoms, although there are antiviral medications against a small and specific group of viruses. The diagnosis of viral diseases can be made by culture and microscopy, by serological tests to detect antibodies or antigens, or by molecular diagnosis.