The Adaptive Parasite Essay -- Viruses Virus Essays

The Adaptive Parasite Vir handlings ar molecular sharks, a theme without a mind. They have sorted themselves into tribes, and they infect everything that lives. . . . Unknown viruses are coming out of the equatorial wildernesses of the earth and discovering the human race. . . . You might call acquired immune deficiency syndrome the revenge of the rainforest. (Preston 160-61) After reading Richard Prestons ominous and threatening portrayal of viruses in his article Crisis In The Hot Zone, one may be horrify enough to invest in surgical scrubs and a distance suit to wear as a permanent precaution against these manifestly vengeful creatures. In truth, in that location are lethal viruses that exist for which there is currently no vaccine or cure, and there are non-homogeneous emerging viruses that are infectious to humans. However, despite this unfortunate and frightening reality, Richard Preston and otherwise creative writers may be presenting a misleading depiction of a v irus actual niche within the global ecosystem, modes of infection, and relationship with humans. Science assembly novels and movies like Outbreak encourage the public to view viruses as microscopical monsters that exist to ultimately put an end to the human population, but viruses are not motivated by either logic or brain to kill. In fact, viruses are not motivated at all. They have simply evolved to survive by utilizing the raw materials that the ecosystem provides. Viral pathogens have developed, through the discriminating process of evolution, to exist as parasites, and the inevitable ecological interaction between organisms, the ignorance and negligence of human behavior, and the cultural habits and customs of humanity has enabled a phalanx of viruses to emerge and thrive within our population. V... ...S, we cannot expect to eliminate promiscuity or drug use however, we can encourage protected sex and the use of clean needles. In addition, it would not be wise to eli minate the scientific advances provided by laboratory research on various animals or the benefits of constructing a dam or canal. However, we could, for example, take measures to control the massive propagation of mosquitoes in the event of the construction of a dam or canal. This relatively wide-eyed precaution will reduce the occurrence of diseases, such as fault Valley fever and Yellow Fever, and may save thousands of lives. Although it is virtually insufferable to completely prevent viruses from infecting humans, humanitys best defense against viral invasion is communication, education, and cognizance to promote cautious behavior and to reduce the number of further outbreaks of evil viruses.