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Viroids - The Little Known InvadersA viroid is teensy- up to 150 times smaller than a virus. Unlike a virus, viroids have no protein coating and can force their way into a cell, where they then can direct the cell nucleus. Viroid infection can be sudden, or it can be gradual. Scientists suspect that viroids can linger harmlessly in cells for years after they invade the body, only to flare up suddenly for (seemingly) no reason. Researchers have surmised that viroid infection may be partially responsible for Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and other slow progressing diseases. Viroids are often involved in conditions that affect the spinal fluid, brain, or central nervous system. Viroid infection isn't usually accompanied by fever, and its symptoms - double vision, backache, nerve deterioration, paralysis, meningitis - are not seen as being related. Viroids are used in germ warfare.
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