Which organisms can viruses produce disease in?

Viruses are unique pathogens capable of infecting a wide range of organisms, including both plants and animals. This versatility arises from their structural simplicity and the ability to hijack the cellular machinery of various hosts for replication.

In animals, viruses are responsible for numerous diseases, ranging from common illnesses like the flu to more severe conditions like HIV/AIDS and COVID-19. These infections can significantly impact health, economies, and social structures.

Similarly, in plants, viruses can lead to a variety of diseases that can reduce crop yield and quality, affecting food supply and agricultural economies. Examples include Tobacco Mosaic Virus and various viral diseases in fruits and vegetables.

This characteristic of viruses allows them to span different kingdoms of life, making them a significant concern in both medical and agricultural contexts. Understanding that viruses can affect both plants and animals is crucial in fields such as virology, ecology, and agriculture, informing strategies to manage and mitigate disease spread across different species.