Virology is the branch of microbiology that deals with the study of viruses. It is focused on the structure, classification, and evolution of viruses, habitat, host-pathogen interactions, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.
Virology also provides an insight into the application of viruses for research and vaccine development purposes.
Scientific Nomenclature
- Italic Use with Virus Names: A virus is not a species; a virus belongs to a species. Italicize species, genus, and family of a virus when used in a taxonomic sense. Note, however, that it is fine to not mention the taxonomy of a virus, especially one like dengue or polio that is well known. Do not italicize a virus name when used generically.
- Acronyms Use with Virus names: It is permissible to use an acronym for a virus (e.g., WNV for West Nile virus), after defining it. However, do not abbreviate a species (including the species West Nile virus). In short, if you do italicize, don’t use an acronym.
