17^th International Virology Summit

The Novel Coronavirus disease is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus (COVID-19). In humans, coronaviruses cause respiratory tract infections that can range from mild (common cold) to lethal (SARS, MERS, and COVID-19) and recover without requiring special treatment and in birds and mammals also cause various diseases. People with medical problems like diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer and also in elder are more likely to develop serious illness. At present, no specific treatment is there for disease caused by a novel coronavirus.However, the virus continues to evolve, leading to the emergence of new variants, such as the Delta and Omicron strains, which have raised concerns about transmissibility and vaccine efficacy. Research into COVID-19 has advanced rapidly, leading to a greater understanding of the virus’s structure, replication, and impact on human health. Scientists have focused on antiviral treatments and monoclonal antibody therapies to treat infected individuals, in addition to the ongoing efforts to vaccinate populations globally. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in managing the spread of the virus, especially in regions with limited access to healthcare or vaccines. Continued vigilance, scientific innovation, and global cooperation are essential to controlling the pandemic and mitigating its long-term effects on public health.

Viral evolution is a subfield of evolutionary biology and virology that is specifically concerned with the evolution of viruses. Many viruses, in particular RNA viruses, have short generation times and relatively high mutation rates (on the order of one point mutation or more per genome per round of replication for RNA viruses). Virus Genomes are very small and they are incredibly diverse and subject to rapid genetic change. Some viruses also induce host cell death through apoptosis or necrosis, which aids in the release of new virions. In some cases, viruses can establish chronic or latent infections by integrating their genetic material into the host’s genome, avoiding immune detection, and persisting within the host for long periods. Research in molecular and cellular virology has led to significant advances in understanding viral pathogenesis, including how viruses cause diseases like cancer, neurological disorders, and respiratory illnesses. This research also provides insights into developing vaccines and antiviral therapies. Understanding how viruses interact with host cells has paved the way for the development of gene therapy, where modified viruses are used to deliver therapeutic genes into cells. This field continues to evolve, providing critical insights into the molecular mechanisms of viral infections and their broader implications for human health.

Viruses are smaller and simpler in construction than unicellular microorganisms, and they contain only one type of nucleic acid—either DNA or RNA—never both. As viruses have no ribosomes, mitochondria, or other organelles, they are completely dependent on their cellular hosts for energy production and protein synthesis. They replicate only within cells of the host that they infect. Animal virology developed largely from the need to control viral diseases in humans and their domesticated animals. Viruses, like other infectious agents, enter the animal body through one of its surfaces. They then spread either locally on one of the body surfaces or through lymphatic and blood vessels to produce systemic infection. Iridoviridae and African Swine Fever Virus, adenovirus, Papillomavirus and Polyomavirus, herpesvirus are some of the major viruses causing diseases in cattle. At least one major disease of each domestic animal species except sheep is caused by a herpesvirus, including such important diseases as infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, pseudorabies, and Marek's disease. However, there are several approaches to their prevention, control, and eradication. The most generally useful control measure is the use of vaccines.

Diagnosis of any probable viral infection with the help of various tests such as, specific, assorted or conventional tests to identify the causative virus. Multiple methods are in use for laboratory diagnosis in probing the viral infections, including serology, viral culture, antigen detection, and nucleic acid detection. Due to various developments in the technology, we see high-end and quite impressive immunologic and molecular diagnostic tests are developed to provide more accurate results and to detect the viruses- type, number and to identify their pathogenicity as well. This field provides specific recommendations for diagnostic approach to clinically important viral infections.Furthermore, identifying viral resistance to treatments or vaccines is an important part of clinical virology, particularly with emerging and evolving viruses like HIV, influenza, or SARS-CoV-2. In addition to patient care, clinical and diagnostic virology is crucial for public health surveillance and the prevention of viral outbreaks. Monitoring the prevalence of viral infections, identifying new viral strains, and tracking virus mutations are essential for controlling the spread of diseases. Advances in diagnostics have also facilitated early detection of viral infections, helping reduce morbidity and mortality rates. Ultimately, the integration of clinical virology with modern diagnostic technologies has transformed the way viral diseases are detected, treated, and controlled, playing an essential role in improving global public health.

Viral immunology is simply the study of immune responses to viruses. A prolonged tissue-damaging effect resulting from an immune reaction against viruses is considered immunopathology. Such situations most commonly involve persistent viruses, which are themselves often mildly cytodestructive in the absence of an immune reaction. Chronic tissue damage initiated by viruses can also result in development of an auto reactive and an occasionally oncogenic response.the activation of immune cells. Additionally, some viruses establish latency, hiding in host cells without being detected by the immune system, only to reactivate later, causing disease. Viral immunology also plays a key role in vaccine development. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to recognize and combat a virus without causing the disease itself. By mimicking a natural infection, vaccines train the immune system to recognize viral antigens and mount an immune response upon future exposure. The development of vaccines for viruses such as measles, hepatitis B, and influenza has significantly reduced the burden of viral diseases globally. In summary, viral immunology provides essential insights into how the immune system defends against viral infections and how viruses evade these defenses. This knowledge is pivotal for creating effective vaccines, antiviral drugs, and strategies to combat viral diseases.

Antiretroviral therapy refers to HIV treatment that uses a combination of two or more antiretroviral drugs. Antiretroviral therapy revolutionized HIV treatment upon its introduction in 1996. Antiretroviral therapy is an effective treatment for HIV. It does not cure the condition, but it can reduce the viral load to undetectable levels. This means that the virus is not transmittable through sexual activity and a person's immune system can recover. It usually takes around 3–6 months for the viral load to reach undetectable levels.fatal disease into a manageable chronic condition, it does not cure HIV. Lifelong adherence to ART is necessary to maintain viral suppression and prevent drug resistance, which can arise if therapy is interrupted or if there are insufficient drug levels. ART has significantly improved the prognosis for people with HIV, reducing the rates of opportunistic infections, preventing HIV-related complications, and increasing life expectancy. However, ART is not without challenges. Some patients experience side effects, such as gastrointestinal problems, fatigue, or metabolic changes, and adherence can be difficult due to the complexity of treatment regimens or socioeconomic barriers. Additionally, the emergence of drug-resistant HIV strains remains a concern, requiring careful management of ART regimens to ensure continued efficacy.

Infections caused by viruses are universal during childhood and adolescence. Clinicians will regularly care for children and adolescents who present with infections caused by a wide number of viral pathogens. These infections have varied presentations. Many infections may have clinical presentations that are specific to the infecting virus but present differently, based on the age and immunocompetence of the patient. Some children are directly impacted early in their lives when maternal disease results in an in utero infection (cytomegalovirus, rubella virus, or parvovirus B19). Other viruses may infect children in a predictable pattern as they grow older (rhinovirus or influenza virus)can lead to complications such as pneumonia or brain inflammation. Enteroviruses, including hand, foot, and mouth disease, are another group of viruses that commonly affect children. These viruses cause mild illnesses characterized by fever, sores in the mouth, and rashes on the hands and feet, but in some cases, they can lead to more severe complications, such as viral meningitis or paralysis. Pediatric viral infections require careful management, and many of these diseases are prevented or mitigated through vaccination. Vaccines have been key in reducing the incidence of viral diseases in children, providing immunity against conditions such as measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B. In cases where vaccines are not available or effective, antiviral medications may be used to treat certain viral infections, though supportive care—such as fluids, fever management, and rest—is often the primary treatment.

Viruses are intracellular pathogens that have evolved many devious strategies to evade host immune responses and, as a consequence, have plagued human health throughout history. Combating viral diseases with vaccines or antiviral drugs, or both, is a constant challenge. Even when successful strategies are discovered and employed, the high rate of genetic change exhibited by many viruses, particularly RNA viruses, often enables drug resistance or vaccine escape. This is compounded by the periodic emergence of new viral pathogens.This process can be lengthy and complex, often taking several years before a drug is approved for use. Regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), closely evaluate data from these trials to ensure that the drug is both safe and effective before it reaches the market. One of the challenges in antiviral drug development is the rapid mutation of many viruses, which can lead to drug resistance. For example, HIV can quickly evolve to resist certain antiretroviral drugs, leading researchers to develop combination therapies that target multiple stages of the viral lifecycle. Similarly, the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants has spurred the rapid development of antiviral drugs and treatments, including monoclonal antibodies and protease inhibitors, to stay ahead of the virus's changing biology.

Vaccines have been among the most effective health approach for protecting the individual against viral disease, with two of worlds successful vaccine being against small pox and poliovirus. Viral vaccines is a combination of inactivated viruses and activated viruses. Inactivated or killed viral vaccines contain viruses, they do not have ability to replicate and to bring about a response it contains an antigen. Activated or live vaccines contain the live form of the virus. Currently, Virus like particles organizes a new vaccine concept. Such particles consist of self-assembled structural proteins from the virus which can elicit an immune response but as they lack the genetic material from the virus are safer vaccines, research going on the rational development of a triple-layered virus like particle vaccine against rotavirus using the baculovirus insect cell system as production platform.viral proteins to stimulate an immune response. The rapid development of mRNA vaccines, like those for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), has marked a breakthrough in vaccine technology, offering faster production and greater flexibility in responding to emerging viral threats. Despite the success of viral vaccines, challenges remain. Some viruses, such as the influenza virus, mutate rapidly, requiring annual updates to vaccines to match circulating strains. Other viruses, like HIV, have been more difficult to target with vaccines due to their ability to rapidly change and evade the immune system. However, advances in vaccine technology, such as mRNA and vector-based vaccines, offer promising new approaches for tackling even the most elusive viruses.

The epidemiology of plant virus diseases concerns the cyclical development of virus diseases within plant populations in time and space. Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is a positive-sense single stranded RNA virus that infects a wide range of plants, especially tobacco and other members of the family Solanaceae. In the viral life cycle, viral entry is the emergent stage of infection, as the virus invades with the host cell and intrudes viral material into the cell.the molecular mechanisms of virus-host interactions and developing innovative techniques for virus detection and diagnosis. Advanced methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing are used to detect and identify plant viruses more accurately and efficiently. Biotechnology plays a significant role in plant virology, with researchers exploring genetically modified plants that are resistant to specific viruses or using RNA interference to silence viral genes, thereby preventing replication. In summary, plant and agricultural virology is essential for ensuring global food security by addressing the challenges posed by viral infections in crops. As new plant viruses emerge and climate change affects virus transmission, ongoing research and innovative solutions are needed to protect crops, enhance agricultural productivity, and reduce the economic impacts of viral diseases on agriculture.

Viral oncology is a subdivision of oncology,in these it is concerned with treatment of  human cancers /tumors with virus particles. Approximately 20% of all cancers worldwide results from chronic infections, in specific, up to 15% of human cancers is characterized by a viral aetiology with higher incidence in Developing Countries. Certainly, the infectious nature of specific tumors has important implications in their prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. In the 21st Century, the research on viral oncology field continues to be dynamic, with new significant and original studies on viral oncogenesis and as a translational research from virology for the treatment of cancer.These disruptions can cause cells to become malignant and evade the immune system. In other cases, such as with HBV and HCV, the persistent inflammation and liver damage caused by chronic viral infections can result in genetic mutations and changes in the cellular environment that facilitate tumorigenesis. Understanding the role of viruses in cancer has led to important advancements in preventive measures, such as the development of vaccines. The HPV vaccine is an effective measure to prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. Vaccines against HBV have also significantly reduced the risk of liver cancer in regions where the virus is endemic. Furthermore, antiviral treatments for chronic infections like HCV can reduce the risk of developing liver cancer, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in viral oncology.

The human immunodeficiency virus is a lentivirus that causes HIV infection and AIDS. HIV diagnosis is done by testing your blood or saliva for antibodies to the virus. HIV/AIDS clinical trials are research studies done to have a better approach, distinguish, or treat HIV/AIDS. Clinical trials are the predominant way to determine if new medical approaches to HIV/AIDS are safe and effective in people.Examples of recent emerging viral diseases include Zika virus, Ebola virus, and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19). These viruses often emerge in regions with high population densities, poor healthcare infrastructure, and close human-animal interactions, creating conditions for viruses to jump from animals to humans (zoonotic spillover). The global spread of COVID-19 demonstrated how rapidly emerging viral diseases can lead to pandemics, causing widespread illness, death, and social disruption. The response to emerging viral diseases requires rapid surveillance, research, and public health interventions, including the development of vaccines and antiviral treatments. For example, the rapid development and deployment of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 were a significant milestone in responding to an emerging viral disease. Ongoing research into antiviral drugs, improved diagnostics, and better understanding of viral transmission dynamics are essential for managing the impact of new viruses and preventing future outbreaks.

Recently one of the most common viral infections are the respiratory tract infections. Respiratory tract infections are including with the infection of sinuses, throat, airways or lungs. The respiratory tract infections (RTI) are generally classified in two subdivisions as Upper Respiratory tract infections(URTI) and Lower Respiratory tract infections (LRTI). The viruses which are associated with respiratory disorders these are adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, coronavirus, Coxsackie virus, human metapneumovirus.While there is no specific antiviral treatment for RSV, supportive care, such as oxygen therapy and fluid management, is used to treat severe cases. Preventive measures, including the use of monoclonal antibodies, are available for high-risk infants. he emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought global attention to respiratory viral diseases. COVID-19 can lead to a wide range of symptoms, from mild respiratory symptoms to severe pneumonia, ARDS, and multi-organ failure. The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and can cause significant outbreaks in communities, leading to widespread illness and death. Efforts to control COVID-19 have included public health measures such as social distancing, mask-wearing, and widespread testing. Vaccines developed for COVID-19, including mRNA-based vaccines, have proven to be effective in reducing severe disease and transmission.

Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection marked by watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. The most common way to develop viral gastroenteritis — often called stomach flu —is through contact with an infected person or by ingesting contaminated food or water. If you're otherwise healthy, you'll likely recover without complications. But for infants, older adults and people with compromised immune systems, viral gastroenteritis can be deadly. There's no effective treatment for viral gastroenteritis, so prevention is key. In addition to avoiding food and water that may be contaminated, thorough and frequent hand-washings are your best defense. The vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of severe rotavirus infections globally. Rotavirus typically causes fever, vomiting, and watery diarrhea, and while it is usually self-limiting, rehydration therapy is essential in preventing complications. In addition to rotavirus and norovirus, adenoviruses and astroviruses also contribute to gastrointestinal infections, particularly in young children, though their impact is generally less severe. Preventive measures for gastrointestinal viral diseases include proper hand hygiene, safe food handling, and vaccination. The rotavirus vaccine has proven to be an effective preventive tool in reducing the burden of severe rotavirus infections, especially in children. In addition, improving access to clean water and sanitation, as well as promoting hygiene education, can help reduce the spread of these viruses.

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Many illnesses and conditions can cause inflammation of the liver, for example, drugs, alcohol, chemicals, and autoimmune diseases. Many viruses, for example, the virus causing mononucleosis and the cytomegalovirus, can inflame the liver. Most viruses, however, do not attack primarily the liver; the liver is just one of several organs that the viruses affect. There are several hepatitis viruses; they have been named types A, B, C, D, E, F (not confirmed), and G. The most common hepatitis viruses are types A, B, and C. Reference to the hepatitis viruses often occurs in an abbreviated form (for example, HAV, HBV, HCV represent hepatitis viruses A, B, and C, respectively.Vaccination against hepatitis B has dramatically reduced the incidence of new infections, particularly in high-risk groups. For those with chronic hepatitis B, antiviral treatments can help manage the virus and reduce the risk of liver damage. Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, often through sharing needles or exposure to unscreened blood products. Like hepatitis B, hepatitis C can lead to chronic infection, which over time can cause liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in treatment, with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs offering highly effective cures for hepatitis C. These treatments have revolutionized the management of the disease, providing hope for individuals with chronic infections and significantly reducing the global burden of liver disease caused by hepatitis C.

Neurological viral diseases are the most important field that signifies the connection of clinical neuroscience, virology, immunology, and molecular biology. The main target of this field is to investigate the viruses which can infect the nervous system. Without this there is an additional study of this division, the use of some viruses to trace neuroanatomical pathways, for gene therapy, and to eliminate detrimental populations of neural cells.The introduction of the polio vaccine has been one of the most successful public health campaigns in history, with polio cases reduced by over 99% since the vaccine's development. Meningitis and encephalitis are other significant neurologic viral diseases. Viral meningitis, often caused by enteroviruses, is an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While viral meningitis is often less severe than bacterial meningitis, it can still cause symptoms such as fever, headache, and neck stiffness. In more severe cases, it can lead to long-term neurological problems. Encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain itself, can result from a variety of viral infections, including herpes simplex virus (HSV), West Nile virus, and tick-borne encephalitis. Symptoms of encephalitis can range from mild fever and confusion to seizures and coma, and it often requires intensive medical treatment.

Currently, molecular studies on replication, assembly, and host interactions of insect viruses have contributed enormously to molecular, cellular, organismal biology. The ease with which many insect viruses are propagated in cell cultures or live animals, the high yields virus particles or virus encoded macromolecules and the simplicity with which many insect viruses can be genetically manipulated represent just a few experimental advantages provided by these pathogens. Viral epidemiology is concerned with study of incidence and spread of viruses in population over time. Host, virus and environmental factors are monitored to determine the dynamics of viral infections, the ultimate goal of which is to devise intervention strategies.The spread of these viruses can be influenced by seasonal factors, such as temperature and rainfall, which affect mosquito populations and their ability to reproduce. In tick-borne viral diseases, ticks serve as vectors for viruses such as Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). These viruses are transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, which are often found in rural and forested areas. The epidemiology of tick-borne viruses is influenced by factors such as tick population dynamics, the presence of suitable animal hosts, and seasonal variations in tick activity. For example, TBEV is endemic in parts of Europe and Asia, with infected ticks transmitting the virus to humans through tick bites, leading to inflammation of the brain and other neurological complications.

The study of parasites that multiply inside bacteria by making use of the host biosynthetic machinery is known as bacterial virology. Bacteriophages are the viruses that infect and replicate in bacteria. Since the early 1970s, bacteria have continued to develop resistance to antibiotics such as penicillin, and this has led to a renewed interest in the use of bacteriophages to treat serious infections. It deals with viruses that infect fungi are known as Mycoviruses.  Mycoviruses have double-stranded RNA genomes and isometric particles, but about 30% of them have positive sense and single-stranded RNA genomes, to be a  true Mycoviruses, they must have an ability to be transmitted ( in other words be able to infect other healthy fungi)the creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Phages are also used in diagnostic applications, such as phage display technology, which helps identify interactions between proteins and discover new drug candidates. One key area of research in fungal virology involves the use of mycoviruses to regulate the growth of plant pathogenic fungi, which cause diseases like rust and blight in crops. Understanding the virus-host interactions between mycoviruses and their fungal hosts could lead to innovative agricultural practices, including the development of virus-based biocontrol agents to limit the spread of fungal plant pathogens and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

Current research in virology includes the investigation of mechanism of HIV replication and pathogenesis. Other research involves chronic and latent infections caused by viruses such as Epstein-Barr and Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpes virus and herpes simplex and the retrovirus. Scientists are also studying viral host interactions along with the mechanism of viral induced cellular transformation. Drug-drug interactions happen when a drug interacts, or meddles, with another drug. Change the way either of the drug demonstration in the body, or cause sudden reactions. The drug included can be doctor prescribed solutions, over-the-counter meds and even vitamins and normal items.researchers are now applying similar approaches to other viral infections, including HIV, influenza, and herpesviruses. The development of antiviral drugs that can target multiple viruses or viral families is another exciting avenue, particularly in the face of emerging viral threats. The emergence of new viruses is another focus of virology research, with surveillance programs and early detection methods being prioritized to identify viruses that may pose a threat to global health. In recent years, viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, Zika virus, and Ebola virus have underscored the need for better preparedness and response to new viral outbreaks. Research is focused on understanding the genetic evolution of viruses, how they jump between species, and how they adapt to human hosts. By unraveling these mechanisms, scientists hope to predict and prevent future pandemics.

Pure Microbiology provides a broad platform of a large plethora of research and plenty of new insights into include mycology, Virology, Immunology, infectious diseases, bacteriology, nematology, parasitology, etc., the antibiotics are the agents used against pathogenic bacteria, either orally or paternally.the production of goods and services. It encompasses the use of microorganisms in the fermentation process for the production of food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. For example, yeast is used in baking and brewing, while bacteria are involved in the production of dairy products like yogurt and cheese. Microbial biotechnology is also a critical area of industrial microbiology, with the use of genetically engineered microorganisms to produce antibiotics, vaccines, and biofuels. Another vital area of research in microbiology is microbial genetics, which delves into the genetic makeup of microorganisms. This field has been pivotal in advancing techniques like gene editing and molecular cloning. The discovery and manipulation of microbial genes have led to breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. For example, genetically engineered bacteria can be used to produce human insulin, and microbes can be modified to improve crop yields or degrade environmental toxins.