Viruses are pathogens that can only multiply in living host cells. They attack all kinds of living organisms, from humans, plants and animals to bacteria. Viruses are generally not counted as living organisms because they cannot reproduce on their own and do not have their own metabolism.

Viruses (German translation: Viren) are made up of the following components:

• Nucleic acid: The virus contains genetic material, which can be represented by DNA or RNA, and which contains the information necessary for the virus to reproduce.
• Protein capsid: The genetic material of the virus is surrounded by a protective protein coat, the capsid, that makes it easier for the virus to penetrate the host cells and protects the genetic material from being destroyed.
• Lipid envelope: Some viruses also have an outer lipid envelope (translation into German: Lipidhülle), which originates from the host cell membrane and can help the virus to evade detection by the host’s immune system.

Viruses use the metabolic pathways of host cells to produce new virus particles. In simplified terms, this process comprises the following steps:

• Attachment and penetration: The virus attaches itself to the surface of the host cell and enters it.
• Uncoating: The genetic material of the virus is freed from its protective protein coat.
• Replication: The genetic material of the virus is replicated with the help of the host’s enzyme equipment.
• Transcription and translation: Virus genes are transcribed into mRNA and then translated into proteins that are required for the assembly of new virus particles.
• Assembly and release: New virus particles build up in the cell and are then released, often destroying the host cell (German: Wirtszelle).

Viruses can cause a wide range of diseases, from mild infections such as the common cold to serious illnesses such as Ebola, HIV/AIDS and COVID-19. Infections can be transmitted in various ways, including airborne transmission, fecal-oral transmission, and transmission via blood and other body fluids.

Viruses are not only the cause of many diseases but also an important tool in biotechnology and medicine. They are used in gene therapy, where viral vectors help to introduce genes into cells to treat genetic disorders and develop vaccines for protection against viral infections.

Our pharmaceutical interpreters at GMP-inspection.com will support you should your pharmaceutical company be inspected by foreign pharmaceutical authorities. We are your go-to experts in the field of pharmaceutical translations for German, Russian and English and many other languages.

Do you require consultancy services in preparation for your upcoming GMP inspection? You are also welcome to contact us in this case. Our range of services includes representing international pharmaceutical companies and distributing their products in Germany. If you are looking for a new position in the pharmaceutical industry, we are happy to support you with our contacts at a large number of pharmaceutical companies around the world.