Virology is a subfield of microbiology and pathology. It deals with viruses, their properties, and the diseases they cause. Scientists who study and research this field are called virologists.
Viruses are entities that are not easily visible even under a normal light microscope. Viruses, which sustain themselves by infecting living cells, cause numerous diseases worldwide. They can infect any type of living organism, from animals to plants and archaea, making them potentially deadly.
Viruses, which have a high transmission rate, can create serious problems that threaten life. The existence of viruses, whose structure was not fully understood at first, was proven with the advancement of microscopes.
Because viruses show characteristics completely different from other living organisms, it was deemed appropriate to study them under a separate scientific discipline. While all living organisms have both RNA and DNA in their cells, viruses never have both RNA and DNA together. Therefore, they cannot reproduce on their own in a non-living environment.
After a virus attacks a healthy cell, significant changes occur within the cell. Normally, the control center of the cell is the nucleus, but in a virus-infected cell, control is in the hands of the virus. The virus takes over the cell by replicating its genetic material and then spreads to surrounding cells, tissues, and organs, causing unwanted conditions throughout the body.
A person suspected of being ill may want to undergo virology tests to determine whether they have contracted a viral infection. Private Viromed Laboratories have earned the trust of patients and doctors with the virology tests they offer.
How Are Virology Tests Done? As with many diseases, laboratory results are crucial in diseases caused by viral infections. Recent advances in virology tests have shortened the time to reach a definitive diagnosis, making them effective in treating the disease.
Serological tests are carefully applied to establish a definitive diagnosis for viral infections. These methods play a role in detecting unknown antigens and antibodies. Several serological methods stand out in the field of virology.
Neutralization Test Neutralization is the process of removing the infective properties of a virus using antibodies that are homologous to it. The test is not specific to viruses and can also be applied to toxins and enzymes.
The virus infecting the cell is compared with antiviral antibodies specific to it. After being left in the same room for approximately 30-40 minutes, the virus is added to live cells again, and a reduction or disappearance of its effect is expected.
Immunofluorescence Antibody (IFA) Test The immunofluorescence antibody test is based on the antigen-antibody reaction method. Specific antibodies stained with a fluorochrome are combined with homologous antigens on a preparation and examined under appropriate microscope light.
In the direct IFA test, the sample suspected of containing the antigen is spread on a clean slide and acetone is added. Antibodies stained with FITC are then added. After waiting for a while, the sample is examined under a microscope.
In the indirect IFA test, known antigens are placed on a clean slide first. The suspected serum is added, and finally, FITC-stained antiglobulin is added. After waiting, the sample is examined under a microscope.
ELISA ELISA, which stands for Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, is a commonly used method in viral infections. By using enzyme-labeled antibodies and substrates, it aims to detect antibodies formed against the pathogen in the suspected material. The test is done using two different methods depending on the disease and the situation:
In the direct ELISA test, the ELISA plate is coated with a known antibody, and the suspected antigen is added. Then, virus-specific conjugates and substrates are added, and the test material is replaced. The goal of the test is to examine the presence of antigens.
The indirect ELISA test is applied to measure the antibodies and titers present in the suspected serum. The suspected antigen is placed on the ELISA plate, and then the suspected serum, conjugates, and substrates are added. The test evaluation begins at this stage.
Factors Affecting Virology Tests Virological examinations play an important role in identifying many infections and diseases caused by viruses. Therefore, the reliability and consistency of test results should be at ideal levels to minimize error margins.
Sample Collection The sample to be examined should be obtained from the patient during the early stages of the disease. Since the virus amount is high and the antibody amount is low in the early stages of infection, the chance of isolation is greater in a sample taken at this time. The sample should be taken from the area most affected by the disease, and the process should be carried out under hygienic and aseptic conditions as much as possible.
Temperature Viruses are significantly affected by the temperature of their environment. Due to hot weather, the virus may undergo structural changes, making its effect and genetic properties appear different from normal. Therefore, samples obtained for testing should be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible.
Purity of the Sample The sample to be used in the test should have the same characteristics as the circulating sample in the body to increase the accuracy of the results. The sample should not come into contact with any microorganism from outside, and no one, including the clinician, should touch the sample in any way. Additionally, spoiled, stored, or structurally altered samples may result in abnormal test results. The sample should be as pure and easy to examine as possible.
Storage of the Sample If the sample cannot be sent to the laboratory immediately, it should be stored at +4 degrees Celsius for up to 1-2 days. For longer storage, a temperature of -20 degrees Celsius should be used.
Samples that have reached the laboratory but cannot be processed immediately should be frozen and stored in an environment at -70 degrees Celsius or lower. Freezing and thawing the samples may cause the virus to lose its activation. Therefore, the temperature of the environment should be kept constant while the sample is waiting.
Patient’s Condition The health condition of the patient undergoing the test must be known beforehand. Details such as whether the patient is using any medication, their fasting status, and daily body rhythm may cause variations in the test values.
At Private Viromed Laboratories, experienced clinicians and hygienic conditions provide the most accurate and fastest virology test results. Virology tests, which play a major role in the diagnosis, detection, and treatment of diseases, can be safely performed at Private Viromed Laboratories.
Virological diseases refer to illnesses caused by viruses. Hundreds of viral diseases originating from various types of viruses have been clarified in detail thanks to the science of virology.
Common Cold The common cold, or rhinopharyngitis, is a disease caused by viruses that affects the throat and nose. The antibodies passed from the mother to the baby during the first six months of life protect against the common cold, though it is common to experience it later.
Symptoms such as fever, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and dry cough are frequently observed in the common cold. Although there is no specific treatment, the disease usually resolves with the help of painkillers and decongestants.
Measles Measles is a viral disease characterized by a rash, commonly seen in childhood. Measles can also appear in adults who have not been vaccinated or have not had the disease before.
Symptoms like runny nose, high fever, and fatigue, which negatively affect a person’s daily life, may occur due to measles. About 2-4 days after these initial symptoms, measles rashes appear, and the disease fully begins.
The rash and fever from measles last for 4-5 days, and the cough lasts 1-1.5 weeks. Although there is no specific treatment for measles, the measles vaccine prevents re-infection.
Rabies Rabies is typically transmitted from animals. The disease progresses with animal bites and brain inflammation due to a virus. Therefore, recognizing and avoiding rabid animals is crucial.
Rabid animals initially exhibit fearful behavior, frequent urination, and a strong thirst. As the disease progresses, excessive saliva may flow from their mouths. Rabid animals can live for no more than a week after the disease develops.
If a person thinks they have been bitten by a rabid animal, they should immediately seek medical attention. Washing the wound with soapy water and following the doctor’s advice can be effective in preventing rabies. Rabies vaccination is also one of the preferred treatments when there is a risk of rabies.
Polio Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a contagious and dangerous viral disease. Caused by the poliovirus, polio affects the nervous system and generally threatens children aged 5 and younger.
No medicine has been discovered yet to stop or treat the virus after polio develops. Therefore, administering the polio vaccine to infants is the safest method to prevent polio.
Despite its small size, viruses and viral diseases have a significant impact on life. With a few precautions and treatments, they can be largely neutralized. Virology tests performed at Private Viromed Laboratories play an important role in the eradication or prevention of these diseases.
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