Definition:
Virology is the branch of science that deals with the study of viruses and viral diseases, including their classification, structure, genetics, evolution, mechanisms of infection, and exploitation for research and therapy. It encompasses the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs to combat viral infections.
Etymology and Origin:
The term “virology” is derived from the Latin word “virus”, meaning “poison” or “toxin”, and the Greek suffix “-logy”, meaning “the study of”. The word “virus” was used in ancient times to describe venom or other harmful substances. The scientific study of viruses began in the late 19th century, following the discovery that diseases could be caused by agents smaller than bacteria, which were not visible under a light microscope. The term “virology” itself came into use in the early 20th century as the study of these infectious agents evolved into a distinct discipline.
