1- Introduction and History

Question 1

What is a virus?

Answer 1

A virus is a small collection of genetic code, either DNA or RNA, surrounded by a protein coat.
- cannot replicate alone
- must infect cells and use components of the host cell to make copies of themselves

Question 2

Louis Pastuer is best known for what?

Answer 2

His work for developing a vaccine for rabies

Question 3

List Koch’s postulates (framework for investigating disease)

Answer 3

• the agent must be present in every case of the disease
• the agent must be isolated from the host and grown in vitro
• the disease must be reproduced when the pure cultivated agent is introduced into a healthy susceptible host
• the same agent must once again be recoverable from the newly infected host

Question 4

What are 3 important features (besides luck) that led to the eradication of Small Pox and Rinderpest?

Answer 4

1) Could develop a good vaccine that induced long-lasting immunity
2) Reliable diagnostic tests
3) No wildlife reservoirs or carriers