Viral pathogens are unique in that they hijack the hostâs cellular machinery to replicate. While they do not produce toxins in the traditional sense, their presence can lead to the production of toxic proteins or trigger detrimental immune responses. Some viruses, such as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), can cause chronic conditions that complicate the toxicological profile of other substances within the body. The interaction between viral infections and exposure to toxic agents is an important area of study in toxicology.
