Minute infectious agents whose genomes are composed of DNA or RNA, but not both. They are characterized by a lack of independent metabolism and the inability to replicate outside living host cells.

Annotation

general or unspecified; prefer specific taxonomic group or genus; do not confuse "slow viruses" with VIRUS LATENCY: slow cause disease with very long preclinical course & very slow progression, VIRUS LATENCY is the ability of a virus to lie dormant in a cell; presence of viruses in blood = VIREMIA; many pre-coordinated viral terms are available such as VIRAL PROTEINS; RNA, VIRAL, etc.; policy: Manual 22.18, 22.24+

DUI

D014780 MeSH Browser

CUI

M0022763

History note

1963; for ANIMAL VIRUSES & ZOOPHAGINAE use VERTEBRATE VIRUSES 1975-1991

Public note

1963; for ZOOPHAGINAE see VERTEBRATE VIRUSES 1975-1991; for ANIMAL VIRUSES see ANIMAL VIRUSES 1963-1965, see VERTEBRATE VIRUSES 1975-1991