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. 2010 Nov 11:43–74. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-375158-4.00003-1

Table 3.2.

Types of Virus–Cell Interaction

Type of Infection Effects on Cell Production of Infectious Virions Examples
Cytocidal Morphologic changes in cells (cytopathic effects); inhibition of protein, RNA, and DNA synthesis; cell death Yes Alphaherpesviruses, enteroviruses, reoviruses
Persistent, productive No cytopathic effect; little metabolic disturbance; cells continue to divide; may be loss of the special functions of some differentiated cells Yes Pestiviruses, arenaviruses, rabies virus, most retroviruses
Persistent, non-productive Usually nil No, but virus may be induceda Canine distemper virus in brain
Transformation Alteration in cell morphology; cells can be passaged indefinitely; may produce tumors when transplanted to experimental animals No, oncogenic DNA viruses Polyomavirus, adenoviruses
Yes, oncogenic retroviruses Murine, avian leukosis and sarcoma viruses
a

By co-cultivation, irradiation, or chemical mutagens.