Recent times have experienced more than ever the impact of viral infections in humans.
Viral infections are known to cause diseases not only in humans but also in plants and
animals. Here, we have compiled the literature review of aptamers selected and used for
detection and inhibition of viral infections in all three categories: humans, animals,
and plants. This review gives an in-depth introduction to aptamers, different types of
aptamer selection (SELEX) methodologies, the benefits of using aptamers over commonly
used antibody-based strategies, and the structural and functional mechanism of
aptasensors for viral detection and therapy. The review is organized based on the
different characterization and read-out tools used to detect virus–aptasensor
interactions with a detailed index of existing virus-targeting aptamers. Along with
addressing recent developments, we also discuss a way forward with aptamers for DNA
nanotechnology-based detection and treatment of viral diseases. Overall, this review
will serve as a comprehensive resource for aptamer-based strategies in viral diagnostics
and treatment.