Abortive infection

Abortive Infection is a type of viral infection where the virus enters a host cell but is unable to express all its genes to make full viral particles. This results in the premature termination of the viral replication process.

Overview

In an abortive infection, the virus is capable of entering the host cell and initiating its replication process. However, due to various factors, the virus is unable to complete its life cycle. This can occur due to the absence of necessary host factors, the presence of inhibitory substances, or the inability of the virus to successfully take over the host's cellular machinery.

Mechanism

The mechanism of abortive infection begins with the virus attaching to the host cell and injecting its genetic material. The viral genome then attempts to hijack the host cell's machinery to replicate its own genetic material and produce viral proteins. However, in an abortive infection, this process is interrupted before the production of complete viral particles. The exact point at which the viral replication process is halted can vary, leading to different outcomes for the host cell and the virus.

Consequences

The consequences of abortive infection can vary depending on the specific virus and host cell involved. In some cases, the host cell may survive the infection and continue to function normally. In other cases, the abortive infection can lead to cell death. This can occur through apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, or through other mechanisms of cell damage.

Clinical Significance

Abortive infections have significant implications in the field of virology and medicine. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to abortive infections can help in the development of antiviral therapies. Additionally, abortive infections can play a role in viral pathogenesis and the immune response to viral infections.

See Also

• Viral life cycle
• Viral replication
• Viral pathogenesis

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