viroLOGICAL

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most common human viruses, infecting around 90–95 percent of adults worldwide. In this episode, Florian Krammer explains the biology of EBV, a herpesvirus with a large DNA genome and a complex life cycle that includes both active replication and lifelong latent infection in B cells. The discussion covers how EBV spreads through saliva and close contact, why primary infection in adolescents often leads to infectious mononucleosis, and how the virus can persist silently in the body for decades.

Human papillomaviruses are among the most common viruses infecting humans, with more than 200 known types and up to 80 percent of people exposed during their lifetime. In this episode, Florian Krammer explains how HPV infects epithelial cells and why certain high-risk types are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases.

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has become a global concern once again. In this episode, Florian Krammer explains the biology of influenza A viruses, how subtypes like H5N1 are defined by their hemagglutinin and neuraminidase proteins, and why segmented genomes allow these viruses to reassort and evolve. He outlines the difference between low and highly pathogenic avian influenza, the molecular basis of increased virulence, and the historical spread of H5N1 since the late 1990s.

In this episode of viroLOGICAL, Florian Krammer explains the measles virus, one of the most contagious human pathogens known. He discusses the structure and transmission of the virus, its airborne spread, and why its very high R number makes outbreaks difficult to control.

In this episode of viroLOGICAL, Florian Krammer explains rabies, one of the deadliest infectious diseases known. He describes what the rabies virus is, how it is transmitted mainly through bites and scratches, and why symptoms almost always lead to death once they appear.

In the first episode of viroLOGICAL, Florian Krammer takes a fundamental look at viruses: What are viruses and why are they not considered living organisms? He explains how viruses replicate inside host cells, how they were first discovered, and why their size, shape and genetic makeup can differ so widely.

Florian Krammer is a virologist and vaccine developer. In his podcast viroLOGICAL he will talk about viruses on a weekly basis – from historical pandemics to current developments.