List of MeSH codes (C02)

List of MeSH codes (C02) refers to a comprehensive categorization within the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) system, specifically focusing on the domain of viral diseases. MeSH is a large controlled vocabulary (or thesaurus) used for indexing journal articles and books in the life sciences. It serves a dual purpose as an organizational structure for the National Library of Medicine (NLM) in the United States to catalog articles for the PubMed database. The C02 category encompasses all entries related to viral infections, detailing various types of viruses and the diseases they cause.

Overview

Viral diseases, classified under MeSH code C02, cover a broad spectrum of conditions caused by viruses. These range from common illnesses like the common cold and influenza to more severe diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Ebola virus disease, and COVID-19. The categorization facilitates the organization, retrieval, and study of scientific literature on these diseases, aiding researchers, healthcare professionals, and students in accessing relevant information.

Structure

The structure of the List of MeSH codes (C02) is hierarchical, with the main category (C02) branching into subcategories that represent specific viral diseases or groups of diseases. Each subcategory is assigned a unique identifier, allowing for precise indexing and retrieval of information. This hierarchical organization helps in navigating the vast amount of data and research available on viral diseases.

Examples of Subcategories

Below are examples of subcategories within the C02 MeSH code, illustrating the diversity of viral diseases covered:

- Arbovirus Infections (C02.081): Diseases caused by arthropod-borne viruses, such as dengue fever and Zika virus. - DNA Virus Infections (C02.182): Infections caused by DNA viruses, including herpes simplex and smallpox. - RNA Virus Infections (C02.782): Diseases resulting from RNA viruses, such as hepatitis C, influenza, and COVID-19. - Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral (C02.800): Viral infections transmitted primarily through sexual contact, including HIV/AIDS and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. - Slow Virus Diseases (C02.839): A group of diseases characterized by a long incubation period, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Importance

The List of MeSH codes (C02) plays a crucial role in medical research and healthcare by providing a standardized language for the classification and study of viral diseases. It enables efficient literature search and retrieval, which is essential for evidence-based medicine, public health surveillance, and the development of new treatments and vaccines.

Conclusion

The categorization of viral diseases under the MeSH code C02 is a vital resource for the scientific and medical communities. It aids in the organization, retrieval, and analysis of data on viral infections, contributing to our understanding and management of these diseases.