Viruses Pathogenic for Humans

[Giovanni Maga]

In article <3p81ql$6sp at auntie.bbcnc.org.uk>, jbrazil at ollamh.ucd.ie (John
Brazil) wrote:

> Has anyone any idea what the total number of viruses 
> pathogenic for humans? Any guesstimates?
> 
> John Brazil
If you take in account also the different strains of each virus the quote
is really high. But even if you simply consider each viral family, you will
found a relevant number. For example, just recalling the most common among
DNA viruses we have (as major pathogens) herpesviruses (7 of which are
infectious to humans: HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, CMV, EBV, HHV-6 and HHV-7),
papovavirus (which comprises two known infecting viruses to humans:JC and
BK), papillomavirus (comprising HPV with really many subtypes), parvovirus
(with one major human infecting serotype, I don't recall if it's also the
only one) and adenovirus (here also there are different human infecting
subtypes). If you then consider that there are also many RNA viruses
(orthomyxovirus, paramyxovirus, reovirus, rubivirus, arenavirus, filovirus,
rabdovirus, pycornavirus, retrovirus are just coming in my mind) each of
them with different types able to infect humans, you will see that they are
many. Fortunately, most of them do not cause severe deseases (at least in
general) since many infections either are subclinical or have a moderate
morbidity with spontaneous recovery.
Sorry for this fairly incomplete list, just what I recall at the moment. If
you will have access to a text of medical virology you will know better
(and can count them if you like). But now it's my turn: why do you mind
about that?
maga at vetbio.unizh.ch