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Defective Viruses MeSH Descriptor Data 2025


MeSH Heading
Defective Viruses
Tree Number(s)
B04.265
Unique ID
D003673
RDF Unique Identifier
http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/D003673
Scope Note
Viruses which lack a complete genome so that they cannot completely replicate or cannot form a protein coat. Some are host-dependent defectives, meaning they can replicate only in cell systems which provide the particular genetic function which they lack. Others, called SATELLITE VIRUSES, are able to replicate only when their genetic defect is complemented by a helper virus.
Entry Term(s)
Defective Hybrids
Incomplete Viruses
Previous Indexing
specific virus (1966)
Public MeSH Note
75; was DEFECTIVE VIRUS 1973-74; INCOMPLETE VIRUSES was INCOMPLETE VIRUS 1975-93
Online Note
use DEFECTIVE VIRUSES to search DEFECTIVE VIRUS 1967-74 (as Prov 1967-72) & INCOMPLETE VIRUS 1975-93
History Note
75; was DEFECTIVE VIRUS 1967-74 (Prov 1967-72); INCOMPLETE VIRUSES was INCOMPLETE VIRUS 1975-93
Date Established
1973/01/01
Date of Entry
1999/01/01
Revision Date
2021/05/10
Defective Viruses Preferred
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