General aspects of pathogenesis of virus infections

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of general aspects of pathogenesis of virus infections. At the initiation of the infection, a number of cells of an organ are infected and a primary focus of the infection is developed. The size of the lesion and its localization will determine if, and which, functional changes follow. Many virus infections interfere with the metabolism of infected cells. Viral proteins or metabolites from virus-infected cells can, in addition, cause cellular changes. Pathological changes as results of virus infections should be considered as being caused by multifactorial influences depending upon the properties of both virus and host. Viruses causing infections with symptoms of disease are referred to as pathogenic, while an apathogenic virus is associated with inapparent or subclinical infections.