Which term refers to the study and treatment of viral infections?

The study and treatment of viral infections is referred to as virology. This field focuses specifically on viruses, including their structure, classification, and mechanisms of infection. Virologists investigate how viruses replicate, spread, and cause disease, and they also work on developing vaccines and antiviral drugs to counteract viral infections. Understanding virology is essential in tackling various diseases caused by viruses, ranging from the common cold to more severe illnesses like HIV/AIDS and Ebola.

Other fields mentioned, such as protozoology, mycology, and bacteriology, focus on different types of pathogens. Protozoology studies protozoa, which are single-celled organisms, mycology is concerned with fungi, and bacteriology studies bacteria. Each of these areas is distinct and plays a role in microbiology, but virology specifically addresses the viral agents and their associated health impacts.