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AAT Bioquest

Can a virus get infected by a virus?

Posted January 8, 2021


Answer

Yes, viruses can get infected by other viruses. Viruses are traditionally not considered as living organisms because of their lack of cellular structure and also because of their inability to metabolize food and survive on their own. Viruses have been thought of as microorganisms that causes diseases. But in a surprise discovery, scientists found that viruses can get ill themselves after being infected by other viruses. Viruses that infect other viruses are known as virophages.

Additional resources

Persistent virus infections--mechanisms and consequences

Covidyte™ EN450

Z-LRGG-AMC