Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Is Duplication Of The "Kissing Disease" In Our Future?

Original article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275382.php
Related article: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/infectious-mononucleosis-topic-overview

     
     Mononucleosis, more commonly known as the "kissing disease" is a virus that is spread from saliva. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also known as the human herpevirus 4 can be spread from simple actions such as sharing drinks or food, using same the cup or utensil, and kissing. If one already has Monocleosis, avoiding kissing can help prevent the spreading of the virus to more individuals. This virus is quite common, although the medical term seems very intimidating. Studies show that about 90% of adults in the US have had a past of the EBV virus.Researchers have discovered that this EVB virus is able to replicate itself, causing more issues than before. It takes over our cells's gene-regulating mechanisms and begins to let the virus duplicate. The researcher team also discovered that the virus begins with a viral protein contacting another molecule. This interaction can lead to drug development for future studies. 
url.jpg     Many side effects and symptoms come with Monoclueosis, and Web MD provides an article that goes more into depth about them. Background and overview is important before learning about the future studies and recent discoveries researchers have come across, like the EVB duplication. Common symptoms are fatigue, sore throat and fever. The body can actually inactivate this virus once a individual already has it, although it remains in the immune system and can reactivate under certain circumstances. Viruses are unable to live outside of the human body so they find another way to imitate and copy important functions and elements of cells.

1 comment:

  1. First i never though Mono was so prevalent, like in the summary it does have an intimidating name when it is brought up, so hearing that 90 percent of adults have had it is very surprising. And know since people know how it is developing maybe a vaccine can be formed to stop the viruses since it can cause the person a lot of trouble.

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