Tshedimoso Makhene

Virology is more than just the study of viruses—it’s a lens through which we’ve revolutionized our understanding of life itself. From uncovering the hidden mechanisms that drive disease to shaping modern medicine and public health, virology stands at the forefront of scientific discovery. Nature Portfolio describes virology as “the scientific discipline concerned with the study of the biology of viruses and viral diseases, including the distribution, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, ecology, evolution, and clinical aspects of viruses.” But where does virology stem from? And how did I end up here? 

Where it all started

“Infectious disease is one of the few genuine adventures left in the world. The dragons are all dead, and the lance grows rusty in the chimney corner,” writes microbiologist Hans Zinsser in his book Rats, Lice and History, as he reflects on his life as a researcher in infectious disease. Although the book was published in 1935, viruses were discovered as early as 1796 by the likes of Edward Jenner, who made significant contributions to the eradication of smallpox. 

In 1892, Russian botanist Dmitri Ivanovsky discovered that the tobacco mosaic disease could pass through filters blocking bacteria, indicating a smaller organism, but he did not fully understand its implications. The breakthrough came in 1898 when the Dutch microbiologist Martinus Beijerinck replicated Ivanovsky’s experiment and concluded that the infectious agent was a “contagium vivum fluidum” or “contagious living fluid.” He coined the term “virus” (from the Latin word for poison) to describe this mysterious entity. Beijerinck’s work laid the foundation for the field of virology, although the nature of viruses remained elusive for many years.

The growth of virology

The true nature of viruses was not revealed until the 20th century with the advent of electron microscopy.

Frederick Twort and Félix d’Herelle discovered bacteriophages in the 1910s, viruses that infect bacteria, which helped broaden the field of virology. Bacteriophages became essential tools in molecular biology, leading to significant discoveries, including the understanding of genetic material and the development of recombinant DNA technology.

The tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) was one of the first viruses to be observed, and in 1935, American biochemist Wendell Stanley successfully crystallized TMV, proving that viruses were not just fluids but had a physical structure. Stanley’s work earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1946 and solidified the understanding of viruses as distinct entities, paving the way for modern virology.

recognition and impact

Virology gained substantial recognition with the discovery of the role viruses play in human diseases. The 20th century saw the identification of viruses responsible for numerous illnesses, such as yellow fever, polio, influenza, smallpox, and later HIV/AIDS. The development of vaccines, particularly for smallpox, which led to its eradication in 1980, highlighted the critical importance of virology in public health.

The molecular revolution of the mid-20th century further advanced virology. The discovery of DNA as the genetic material and the subsequent understanding of RNA viruses opened new avenues for research. Techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing have revolutionized the study of viral genetics and epidemiology.

In recent decades, the emergence of new viruses like SARS, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2 (the cause of COVID-19) has underscored the global significance of virology. These outbreaks have highlighted the need for ongoing research, surveillance, and preparedness to address viral threats.

My journey with virology

My journey with virology began when I had just completed my Honours degree in Chemical Pathology and was unemployed. I spent months seeking employment opportunities until the University of the Witwatersrand gave me an opportunity that I could have never imagined would result in me writing this blog post.

I was hired as an intern under a government program and was placed in the Virology Department. I didn’t know much about virology (except what I had learned in my second year in microbiology), but I was acquainted with people who were not only experts in the field but were passionate about virology. I went from not knowing much about virology and molecular lab techniques to demonstrating extraction techniques to masters students. Yes, MASTERS STUDENTS! How? I am just a small girl who holds an Honours degree! In Chemical Pathology.

It can only be destiny.

During the last two months of my tenure, I was given the opportunity to apply for a scholarship program that would take me through my masters. I wrote my proposal for the scholarship and my masters in two weeks and spent my days extracting 96 samples all in one go. This meant long hours in the lab and sleepless nights. 

Now? I mentor and supervise students both at masters and honours level. I participate in programs that will allow me to continue learning and stay at the forefront of my field. 

And I love virology.