Who discovered the virus?

Answer: The very first viruses, Tobacco Mosaic Virus, was discovered by two scientists. Ivanoski noted in 1892 that even after filtering through a Chamberland filter-candle, extracts from diseased leaves retained their infectious properties. These filters capture germs, opening up a whole new realm of diseases that may be filtered. Ivanovski, though, certainly did not fully understand the significance of his finding. In 1898, Beijerinck was the first person to refer to the cause of the cigarette mosaic as a “virus.” The identification of viruses was aided by the distinct but complementary discoveries of Ivanovski and Beijerinck.