Helper virus

When helper viruses are viruses that are used to complete incomplete viruses ( so-called virusoids ) are required, since the latter, the genetic information for important structural components are missing. Without helper viruses virusoids would not multiply in the situation.

A classic example is the hepatitis D virus, this is a Virusoid lacking an important structural component of the envelope, HBsAg = hepatitis B surface antigen. The helper virus, in this case, the hepatitis B virus (HBV), this represents the missing components. For this reason occurs hepatitis D infection on only together with hepatitis B infection.

  • Virology
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