Pathogenesis of acute virus infections

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the process of pathogenesis of acute virus infections. Virus infections may induce acute febrile illnesses, in addition to persistent and chronic diseases. Acute infections often have a rapid onset, a relatively short duration, and a sudden disappearance of symptoms. They may be restricted locally but can also be generalized with the symptoms of the target organ characterizing the clinical picture. Virus infections of the lungs and other parts of the respiratory tracts are established as a result of virus transmitted via aerosols, by direct contact, or by viremia. Experimental studies in animals have demonstrated that many infections, for example, the parvovirus infection of the newborn cat and hamster, will cause retardation in the development of the cerebellum. The measles and mumps virus infection of the newborn hamster can lead to stenosis of the aqueduct and development of hydrocephalus.