Pathogenic viruses are viruses that can cause disease in a host organism. The list of pathogenic viruses is extensive, encompassing many families and species that affect humans, animals, and plants. Here are some examples of pathogenic viruses, grouped by family, with specific examples relevant to human health:
Examples of Pathogenic Viruses
It's important to note that not all viruses within a family are pathogenic, and the severity of disease can vary greatly depending on the virus, the host, and environmental factors.
| Virus Family | Virus Species | Disease(s) Caused |
|---|---|---|
| Flavivirus | Zika | Zika fever, microcephaly in newborns |
| Dengue | Dengue fever, Dengue hemorrhagic fever | |
| West Nile Virus | West Nile fever, encephalitis, meningitis | |
| Orthomyxovirus | Influenza (A, B, C) | Influenza (the flu) |
| Papovavirus | HPV | Warts, cervical cancer, other cancers |
| Picornavirus | HAV | Hepatitis A |
| Poliovirus | Poliomyelitis (polio) | |
| Retroviridae | HIV | AIDS |
| Herpesviridae | HSV-1 | Cold sores, genital herpes |
| HSV-2 | Genital herpes | |
| VZV | Chickenpox, shingles | |
| CMV | Cytomegalovirus infection (various symptoms) | |
| Coronaviridae | SARS-CoV-2 | COVID-19 |
| Hepadnaviridae | HBV | Hepatitis B |
| Filoviridae | Ebola virus | Ebola hemorrhagic fever |
| Marburg virus | Marburg hemorrhagic fever | |
| Paramyxoviridae | Measles virus | Measles |
| Mumps virus | Mumps | |
| Rhabdoviridae | Rabies virus | Rabies |
This table provides a limited overview. Thousands of viruses are known, and their pathogenicity and effects vary. Understanding viral pathogens is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies, treatments, and vaccines.
