Viruses, Mononucleosis, Immune system Research Paper

Viruses, Mononucleosis, Immune system - Research Paper Example Unlike all living things, viruses are not cells. They are called parasites because they cannot do anything without a host and cannot carry out their own life functions just like what a cell does. In order for viruses to cause harm to its target host, viruses must invade and manipulate the living cell in order to replicate or copy their own genetic material (Goldstein, 4). Some viruses can only infect certain type of organisms because of lapses in the immune system’s defense mechanism. Mononucleosis Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono) or Kissing’s Disease is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus that infects the cells of the throat and the immune system (Decker, Hecht, Babcock, 8). Patient with this condition has elevated mononuclear cells and the virus will always be in the patient’s body, shedding it periodically in the saliva. It is also referred as the Kissing’s Disease because the primary mode of transmission is through kissing or sharing of utensils (Gedatus, 6). Infectious mononucleosis, however, cannot be transmitted through air. The incubation period, (the time from exposure to the disease to the development of symptoms) varies with regards to age. An adult takes 4-6 weeks for the symptoms to develop while children and adolescents take only 7-14 days (Gedatus, 11).