Question 1

is there a test that detects "reverse transcriptase" (not a specific virus) in humans?...just as a general test to rule-out certain kinds of viruses?

Accepted Answer

No: No. The reverse trancriptase is an enzyme that some viruses utilize during the infection, but by itself, does not cause any harm.

Question 2

which characteristics of west nile virus comparison to those of malaria?

Accepted Answer

2 TYPES OF INFECTION: Although both are transmitted by mosquitoes and symptoms include fevers and headaches, they are different. Wnv = virus, malaria = parasite.  Wnv is endemic to africa, asia and middle east. Malaria in the tropics around the equator.  Wnv can also lead to meningitis and encephalitis while malaria invades the liver and affects the blood. Finally, no specific treatment for wnv,  oral meds for malaria.

Question 3

how can viruses be used to target and treat cancer if they only bind to very specific receptors in the body?

Accepted Answer

Not in use yet: You are correct in your understanding of the virus biology. If the receptors for a given virus can be induced, selectively in cancer cells, then virus may be used in treatment. However, we do not have the skills to do that, yet.

Question 4

if ebv virus invaded specific cells or neurons could this cause a severe autoimmune response to mistakenly attack those cells or neurons?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Ebv infections can certainly cause changes in your immune system that may result in autoimmune disease.

Question 5

i read many times about toxic bacteria or virus that they inactivated in simple exposure to open air in specific time i want to ask there is always air in rooms and bathroom so they inactivated in that air also or outdoor air is needed?

Accepted Answer

: Many infectious organisms exist on surfaces of objects &amp; food, or they can be transmitted through space via droplets produced when we cough or sneeze. So simple air exposure does not inactivate all of these organisms.

Question 6

i heard uv light kills covid-19.  is there a specific light spectrum that can kill the virus?

Accepted Answer

Not sure: Killing a virus is difficult. Uvc light can affect genetic material, unfortunately most is blocked out by the ozone level. I would be more concerned about damage to my skin. So not likely but may have an effect on aerosol particles.

Question 7

what tests or viruses or diseases can be detected from a swab on a chronic tongue ulcer?plz be specific and elaborate

Accepted Answer

Bacterial infections: Swabbing the tongue, whether an ulcer exists or not, will pick up bacteria that sits on top of the tongue and between the little crevices on the tongue.  These bacteria could disclose bacteria in the mouth and superior portion of the throat.

Question 8

can some viruses & infections cause non specific rises in autoantibodies like rnp and contribute to having positive anas? help

Accepted Answer

Depends on titer: The higher the titer of anti-U1RNP and its relatives, the more likely it is that it's actually related to a real autoimmune disease. Low titers can often be detected and I suspect you are right -- and very serious infections (such as bacterial infections of the heart valves) are infamous for causing anti-nuclear antibodies to appear. These labs are adjuncts to the history &amp; physical exam.

Question 9

my igg type specific test results were hsv1: 50.40 and hsv2: 17.60. this means i have both viruses correct? i'm confused why they are so high.

Accepted Answer

IgG = past infection: IgG antibodies typically develop later on, and usually indicate a past infection (ie, you didn't recently get infected).  So when someone has IgG antibodies, they've had the infection at some point, and with herpes, the virus remains and can get activated which is why sores come.  Titers that are independently high for both mean both infections in the past at some point.

Question 10

hi dr , i know this might sound a bit stupid. i would like to know the life span of a person living with hiv and if theres a specific diet for a person with the virus?

Accepted Answer

Improving: That is difficult to say because it continues to improve.A few years ago it was close to a death sentence but now with the treatments it improves every year.Just eat a normal heart healthy diet.

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Doctor answers about:

What are the characteristics of viruses

A member asked:

Is there a test that detects "reverse transcriptase" (not a specific virus) in humans?...just as a general test to rule-out certain kinds of viruses?

A member asked:

Which characteristics of west nile virus comparison to those of malaria?

A member asked:

How can viruses be used to target and treat cancer if they only bind to very specific receptors in the body?

A member asked:

If ebv virus invaded specific cells or neurons could this cause a severe autoimmune response to mistakenly attack those cells or neurons?

A member asked:

I read many times about toxic bacteria or virus that they inactivated in simple exposure to open air in specific time i want to ask there is always air in rooms and bathroom so they inactivated in that air also or outdoor air is needed?

A member asked:

I heard uv light kills covid-19. is there a specific light spectrum that can kill the virus?

A member asked:

What tests or viruses or diseases can be detected from a swab on a chronic tongue ulcer?plz be specific and elaborate

A member asked:

Can some viruses & infections cause non specific rises in autoantibodies like rnp and contribute to having positive anas? help

A member asked:

My igg type specific test results were hsv1: 50.40 and hsv2: 17.60. this means i have both viruses correct? i'm confused why they are so high.

A member asked:

Hi dr , i know this might sound a bit stupid. i would like to know the life span of a person living with hiv and if theres a specific diet for a person with the virus?

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