The Dictionary of Virology in Catalan language has recently been published. It is an online work that is continuously updated and includes more than 330 specialized terms covering the main concepts of virology and the mechanisms of interaction between viruses and their hosts, populations, and ecosystems.
The project, led by TERMCAT and the Department of Health of Generalitat de Catalunya, has received scientific advice, among others, from the head of the Arboviruses and mosquito vectors research line at IRTA-CReSA, Núria Busquets, and Xavier Abad, head of the High Biocontainment Unit and NBS2 laboratories at IRTA-CReSA. Both virologists contributed their knowledge and experience in virology and biosafety. Other participating institutions included CRAG and the Faculty of Biology at the University of Barcelona.
The selection of terms in the dictionary is based on the One Health cross-cutting approach, with the aim of integrating the human, animal, plant, and environmental dimensions of health within the concepts of virology, with special attention to biosafety aspects. Thus, it includes concepts in Catalan such as pathogen, alkaline digestion, genetically modified organism, reservoir, and viremia.
Overall, it will be a very useful tool for professionals, academics, students, and others interested in having a reliable terminological reference for understanding and properly using virus-related terminology, both in specialized contexts and in outreach or communication settings.
Head of the Biocontainment Unit and NBS2 Laboratories at IRTA-CReSA
