Question

Question 1

Provide one example of one way viruses have increased the pathogenicity of bacteria.

Question 2

There is no fossil record documenting the activity of viruses. However, it is likely viruses played a role in the Earth’s early history. Provide four events viruses are believe to have influenced

Answer 1

Question 1

The disease-causing interaction of bacteria and virus can operate by two mechanisms

• Direct interaction: The virus exploits bacteria to gain access into the host cell
• Indirect interaction: When virus infects the host cell, the pathogenicity of bacteria is increased.

An example for indirect interaction is the case of diseses where virus targets immune cells like macrophages, monocytes, lymphocytes etc. When these cells are attacked, the immune system of the host gets severely impaired , and bacteria gain unhindered access to the host. In such scenarios, even non-virulent bacteria can become virulent.

Another example for indirect interaction is when virus disrupts the TLR (Toll like receptor) pathways of the host. TLRs are responsible for recognising pathogenic elements like bacterial proteins, pathogenic genetic material etc. and initiating immune response.