In order to pass the course, the student must have active participation in lectures and practical training. The prerequisite for passing the examination is the preparation and defence of a seminar paper on the topic assigned by the supervisor (in the range A-E), which is the result of self-study. The examination is awarded on the basis of an assessment of the knowledge acquired (in the A-E range).

The graduate of the course will acquire the latest knowledge of the physical and biological properties of viruses and taxonomic criteria with a focus on new knowledge arising from the latest molecular biology techniques. This concerns in particular the replication strategies of different categories of viruses from the perspective of molecular biology, with a particular focus on the principles of viral persistence. The graduate will acquire working practices in the study of virulence and mechanisms of viral infections, especially in animal-to-human transmissible pathogens. This applies in particular to zoonoses of viral origin transmitted by vectors (blood-sucking insects, arboviruses). An important part of this is to gain an overview of the causative agents of new and re-emerging viral infections and the risks posed by climate change, as well as to gain knowledge of viruses as causative agents of diseases of particular organ systems. Graduates of the virology course will gain up-to-date knowledge of the physical and biological properties of prions, prion diseases and their pathogenesis. Last but not least, the graduate will acquire knowledge in the field of mechanism of action of substances with virostatic effect. The results of the training are verified by the preparation of a seminar thesis, its defence and a final examination.

Characteristics of physical and biological properties of viruses, taxonomic criteria with a focus on new knowledge arising from molecular biological methods. Replication strategies of different categories of viruses from the point of view of molecular biology, principles of viral persistence. Viruses as aetiological agents of gastrointestinal diseases in animals and humans. Viruses as etiological agents of respiratory diseases in animals and humans. DNA and RNA viruses with oncogenic potential, molecular biological characterization of viral oncogenesis. Neurotropic viruses, in relation to the peripheral and central nervous system in animals and humans. Viruses as causative agents of hemorrhagic fevers. Hepatitis in animals and man of viral origin. Zoonoses of viral origin transmitted and not transmitted by vectors (blood-sucking insects, arboviruses). Molecular biological and physical characterization of prion properties, prion diseases and their pathogenesis. Mechanism of action of substances with virostatic effect (antivirals).

Isolation of viruses on cell cultures, general issue of cell culture preparation and their maintenance. Molecular-biological characteristics of viruses, their biological and physical properties.

Rapid screening methods of viruses, their practical use.

Etiopathogenesis of viral diseases of animals at the molecular level.

Etiopathogenesis of viral diseases caused by zoonotic viruses at the molecular level.

Principal use of antivirals and their mechanism at the molecular level.

Prions and the molecular mechanism of their existence and etiopathogenesis of diseases.

Carter J.: Virology: Principles and Applications. John Willey and sons Inc., New York., 2013, ISBN: 9781119991427.

Howley P. M., Knipe D. M.: Fields Virology, vol. 1: Emerging viruses. Wolters Kluwer Health, 2020, ISBN: 38150200.

Levkutová et al.: Infectious and parasitic diseases of the nervous system, II. Viral and prion diseases. UVLF, Košice, 2013, ISBN: 978-80-8077-340-3.

MacLachlan N. J. and Dubovi E. J.: Fenner´s Veterinary virology, fourth edition. Elsevier Inc., 2011, ISBN: 978-0-12-375158-4.

Pistl J. et al: Veterinary virology. UVLF, Košice, 2013, ISBN: 978-80-8077-327-4.

Pistl J. at al.: Veterinary virology, UVLF, Košice, 2014, ISBN: 978-80-80-8077-441-7.

Racaniello V. R., Rall G. F.: Principles of Virology, vol. 1, American Society for Microbiology, 2020, ISBN: 1683672844.

Rajčáni J., Čiampor F.: Medical virology, Veda Bratislava, 2006, ISBN: 978-0-12-375158-4.

Santoro A.: Clinical Veterinary Microbiology. Syrawood Pub House, 2016, ISBN: 9781682860656.

Vilček Š., Pistl J., Mojžišová J.: Bovine viral diarrhoea - recovery programmes, principles and practical experience, UVLF, Košice, 2019, ISBN: 978-80-80-8077-653-4.

Content prerequisite:

It is not required.

Continuous assessment:

Preparation of seminar work and protocol of practical activities.

Conditions for completion of course:

In order to pass the course, the student must have active participation in lectures and practical training. The prerequisite for passing the examination is the preparation and defence of a seminar paper on the topic assigned by the supervisor (in the range A-E), which is the result of self-study. The examination is awarded on the basis of an assessment of the knowledge acquired (in the A-E range).

Final assessment:

Exam