Profession biologist. Who is a biologist

Medical virology belongs to the field of microbiology. This branch of science studies viruses that can infect humans and everything connected with them: their physiology, development, reproduction, morphology and structure. All this knowledge is classified and used by scientists, biologists, chemists, and doctors.

A doctor-virologist is a specialist in the field of virology who not only studies the viruses themselves and their pathogens, but also develops methods for their analysis, diagnosis and treatment.

Today, when every person daily encounters viral microorganisms, goes through active forms of viral diseases or is a chronic carrier, the profession of “virologist” is relevant and in demand in the field of medicine.

What does a virologist do?

The scope of activity of a virologist is very extensive. This doctor can study pathogenic microorganisms of a viral nature, their laboratory diagnostics, development of treatment methods, treatment and prevention regimens.

A virologist can use his professional skills and knowledge both in the field of medicine and in the fields of pharmacology, education, or specifically laboratory scientific research.

Most often, patients encounter virologists who specialize in diagnosing and directly treating diseases caused by infection.

The patient interacts with specialists who are involved in laboratory study of test data only during the testing process. And thanks to the work, largely of virologists, many vaccines and medications have been developed to prevent and combat viruses.

A virologist who receives patients at a medical institution, first of all, diagnoses the patient based on the symptoms that caused the visit. However, based only on the external manifestations of the disease, it is often difficult to determine the correct diagnosis, so the virologist writes out referrals for the necessary laboratory examinations, tests, and studies.

Based on the results of the information received, the specialist can identify the disease and its causative agent, and prescribe adequate treatment.

It is possible that for some time after recovery you will need to visit a doctor and undergo some tests in order to prevent the transition of an acute viral disease to the stage of a chronic process or virus carriage.

In addition, the doctor develops and selects the necessary preventive measures in relation to a specific virus, and can also recommend necessary vaccinations, for example, scheduled for a child, or unscheduled if traveling to exotic countries is planned.

Body parts and organs treated by a virologist

A virologist specializes in diseases caused by viruses. Their pathogens can affect almost all organs and tissues in the human body:

• liver;
• heart;
• kidneys;
• gastrointestinal tract;
• brain;
• sense organs;
• respiratory system.

The specialist selects a treatment method based on the diagnosis, and some complications and consequences require the participation of not only a virologist, but also other specialists in the development of therapy.

For example, the consequences of infection with a virus can be herpetic sore throat, the treatment method for which is developed by a virologist together with an otolaryngologist, or hemorrhagic conjunctivitis - a treatment regimen for it can be prescribed by an ophthalmologist together with a virologist.

Observing the course of the patient’s disease, the doctor checks the effect of the virus on the nervous and immune system, and can prescribe appropriate tests.

What is the difference between an infectious disease specialist, a virologist and an immunologist?

In some cases, when characteristic symptoms cause a visit to a general practitioner, this general doctor may refer a patient with signs of a viral infection to a virologist, immunologist-virologist, or infectious disease virologist.

The competence of these specialists is somewhat different from each other.

An infectious disease doctor specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, including viral infections.

He has a higher medical education and additional specialization in the field of infectious diseases.

An infectious disease immunologist has undergone special training in both the field of infectious diseases and the field of immunology. This doctor treats infectious lesions that become chronic and are accompanied by impaired functioning of the immune system. He also specializes in immune-infectious diseases such as infectious mononucleosis or bronchial asthma.

An infectious disease specialist can diagnose and treat infections caused by any cause, while a virologist specializes in viral infections.

Diseases treated by a virologist

The area of ​​competence of this specialist is infectious diseases, the causative agents of which are viruses.

What does a virologist treat:

1. Herpes viruses: These types of viruses affect approximately 90% of the entire world population. Their danger lies in the fact that herpes, once it enters the body, the virus remains there forever, but is almost always asymptomatic. Only in cases of weakened immunity does the pathogen manifest itself as rashes, redness of the mucous membranes, itching, sometimes fever and enlarged lymph nodes. You can become infected with herpes through sexual, airborne, nutritional and transplacental routes.
2. Rubella, mumps: are dangerous childhood infectious diseases, but also affect adults. The consequences of diseases can be meningitis, viral pneumonia, encephalitis, arthritis, infertility, diabetes. Once contracted rubella, as a rule, develops lifelong immunity. Re-infection with measles or mumps is possible in approximately 2-4% of all cases, if the first time the disease was mild.
3. Human papillomaviruses: like herpes, these pathogens integrate into the cells of the human body and remain in them forever. Some genotypes are oncogenic and cause cervical cancer in women, as well as skin diseases.
4. Viral hepatitis: negatively affects liver cells and is one of the ten most common causes of death among the population of the entire planet.
5. Rabies: The virus is most often transmitted through the bites of infected animals. It affects the central nervous system, causing inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
6. Smallpox: a highly contagious disease, the causative agent of which is transmitted by airborne droplets. Characterized by the appearance of high fever and papular rash.
7. Influenza: an acute infectious disease, belongs to the ARVI group. Affects the nasopharynx, throat, and respiratory tract. In some cases it can cause death.
8. Tick-borne encephalitis: a disease spread by encephalitis ticks. Its distinctive features are seasonality, since ticks begin their activity with the onset of warm weather in the spring, and continue to attack humans until the first serious cold weather in the fall. Causes inflammation of the lining of the brain.

Symptoms

Of course, the signs of a viral infection have certain characteristics, but a person is often not able to independently determine which specialist needs to be contacted if his health begins to deteriorate in a certain way.

In this case, it is worth making an appointment with a therapist, and if we are talking about a childhood disease, with a pediatrician.

The main manifestations of viral infection that you need to pay attention to:

• rashes on the skin or mucous membranes (in the mouth, nose);
• pain on palpation and enlarged lymph nodes;
• frequent and severe headaches (if this is not associated with surges in blood pressure);
• state of fever and intoxication;
• dry mouth, insomnia;
• digestive disorders;
• severe muscle pain.

In addition, the reason for visiting a virologist is planned or already taken trips to exotic countries, where the epidemic picture may differ from what is usual for a person.

The doctor may prescribe vaccinations or, if the journey is already over, appropriate tests. For children, the doctor determines the schedule and procedure for special vaccinations, for example, against measles, rubella and mumps, and against influenza.

Diagnostic and treatment methods

The first thing a doctor does when seeing a patient is interviewing him to obtain information about his lifestyle and medical history. Next, the specialist conducts an examination and studies all external manifestations of the disease, prescribes the necessary tests and studies in order to most accurately establish the diagnosis.

Among the main types of tests prescribed by a virologist are PCR diagnostics, a general and detailed blood test, culture and smears for flora, tests for hepatitis markers, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent test.

In addition, the doctor can write out a referral for a liver biopsy, laparoscopy, or puncture laparoscopy.

Having identified the causative agent of the disease and established a diagnosis, the specialist determines a drug treatment regimen, immunomodulatory therapy, immunostimulants and interferons, antiviral drugs, and general supportive therapy.

The competence of a virologist includes not only treatment, but also prevention of diseases. He develops preventive measures for patients and makes recommendations for vaccination.

Virologists are specialists involved in the study and treatment of infectious diseases caused by viruses. The activities of these doctors are aimed at reducing morbidity among the population, preventing the development of epidemics, and developing drug therapy against pathogens and manifestations of viral damage.

Specialists who receive patients in medical institutions and also study pathogens in laboratories save dozens of people every day from the dangerous consequences of viral diseases.

Who is a virologist?

A virologist is a specialist who studies viruses that cause diseases in both plants and humans. He studies pathogenic viruses, studies their characteristics and infectious properties, and develops methods for the treatment and prevention of illnesses caused by them. In modern medicine, virology is one of the most important areas of medicine.

Competence of a virologist

What diseases does a virologist treat?

The number of viral diseases increases every year. The most common of them, which are within the competence of a virologist, are:

• Viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, G).
• Measles, rubella.
• Smallpox, mumps.
• Tick-borne encephalitis.
• Viral papillomas.
• Infectious jaundice
• Rabies, flu.
• Warts.
• Herpes type I-II, III, IV, V, VI, VIII.

In what situations should you contact a virologist?

Even with mild illness and the first symptoms of infection, you should visit a virologist to avoid complications of the disease. It is imperative to visit a doctor after a vacation in exotic countries, where you can become infected with dangerous viruses that do not immediately manifest themselves. These diseases include hemorrhagic fever, which leads to death. You should consult a virologist if you have the following symptoms:

• Severe headache and fever.
• Gastrointestinal disorders and dry mouth.
• Rashes on the skin and mucous membranes of various types.
• Yellowness of the skin and sclera.
• Painful sensations in the area of ​​the lymph nodes.
• Depression or excessive agitation.
• Insomnia.
• Severe radicular and muscle pain.

Description of viral infectious diseases

Smallpox is an acute viral disease characterized by intoxication, fever, rash on the skin and mucous membranes with stages of spots, blisters, pustules, crusts and scars.

Chickenpox is a viral acute infectious disease with intoxication and a polymorphic rash on the skin and mucous membranes. The incubation period lasts 8-12 days. The onset is characterized by chills, fever, pain in the lower back, sacrum and limbs, as well as thirst, headache, dizziness and vomiting. On days 2-4, a skin rash or hemorrhagic rash appears on the chest, in the armpits and inguinal folds of the thighs. On the 4th day, the temperature decreases, the symptoms weaken and pockmarks appear on the head, face, torso, and limbs, which progress to the stage of spots, papules, vesicles, pustules with the formation of a crust and scar. Also, pockmarks appear on the nose, oropharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, rectum, etc. On the 8th day, the patient’s condition worsens, sleep disturbances, delirium and convulsions occur (in children). The change in blood is characterized by leukocytosis. The severe form includes confluent form, pustular-hemorrhagic and smallpox purpura. For those who are vaccinated against smallpox, the disease is mild. The incubation period is from 15 to 17 days, moderate malaise and intoxication, the rash is not profuse, pustules do not form, no scars remain on the skin, and recovery occurs after 2 weeks.

Tick-borne encephalitis (spring-summer). It begins acutely with high fever, chills, headache and repeated vomiting. I am worried about pain in the lower back, calves and muscles. In the first days, skin hyperemia, scleral injection, gastrointestinal disorders, and sore throat are observed. High fever can last for about 5-8 days. The second rise in temperature indicates the penetration of viruses into the nervous system and the development of neurology. In the first days, headache, vomiting, epileptic seizures, confusion, and meningeal symptoms are pronounced. Mental disorders, visual hallucinations, agitation and depression are noted.

Epidemic mumps. The disease begins with chills and fever. The fever lasts no more than one week, but there are cases when the disease occurs with normal body temperature. Headache, malaise, weakness and insomnia are noted. The salivary, submandibular and parotid glands also become inflamed. With an enlargement of the parotid salivary gland, the face becomes pear-shaped, the lobe rises, and the skin becomes shiny. Often the process occurs on both sides. There is pain in the parotid area, especially at night. When pressing behind the lobe, severe pain appears. Sometimes, due to pain, it is difficult to chew and swallow food, there is dry mouth, decreased hearing, and decreased salivation.

Prehepatic jaundice, characteristics:

• yellowness of the sclera and skin, enlarged spleen;
• there is no acholic feces, the number of reticulocytes in the blood increases and bone marrow erythropoiesis increases.

Hepatic jaundice. It is marked by a bright icteric color of the skin and extrahepatic signs, uniform enlargement of the liver with signs of hepatic cellular failure. In the chronic form, symptoms of varicose veins of the esophagus, stomach, hemorrhoidal veins, and a pronounced venous network in the area of ​​the anterior abdominal wall are revealed.

Hepatitis A. Erased and subclinical forms are typical for children. In adults and adolescent children, icteric forms occur.

Hepatitis B. Characterized by the absence of high fever and a gradual period of jaundice. Characterized by malaise, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and pain in the hypochondrium. Darkening of urine and yellowness of the sclera are the first symptoms of the disease.

Hepatitis D. Acute liver failure is noted to be higher than with hepatitis B. In patients who are infected with HBV, HDV superinfection causes an exacerbation of unfavorable hepatitis with the formation of hepatitis D of a chronic form of high activity form, which often develops into cirrhosis of the liver. Patients with this form rarely recover.

Hepatitis C. The incubation period is 5-7 weeks, after which clinical manifestations appear. Characteristic are anicteric forms that are asymptomatic. Symptoms are no different from other forms of acute hepatitis. Hepatitis C is milder than other viral hepatitis.

Cholestatic jaundice is accompanied by an increased level of bilirubin in the blood serum. It is characterized by itchy skin, increased activity of cholestasis enzymes, cholesterol and bile acids.

Laboratory tests and diagnostics that a virologist can prescribe

In order to establish an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to examine for:

• Herpes simplex virus (anti-HSV 1 type IgG, anti-HSV 2 type IgG, anti-HSV 1.2 type IgG, anti-HSV 1.2 type IgM, anti-HSV 6 type IgG).
• HIV anti-HIV ½.
• Rubella virus anti-Rubella IgG, anti-Rubella IgM.
• Antibodies to Candida IgG (candidiasis (thrush)).
• Anti-VZV IgG, Anti-VZV IgM (varicella zoster virus).
• Anti-EBV-VCA IgG, anti-EBV-VCA IgM, anti-EBV-EBNA IgG, anti-EBV-EA IgG (quantities), (Epstein-Barr virus.
• Hepatitis A (HAV), B (HBV), D (HDV), C (HCV), G (HGV), qualitative definition.

Diagnostics:

• Liver biopsy (removal of part of the liver). There is percutaneous blind and targeted. It is carried out with a special needle to study changes in the structure of the liver and exclude other possible diseases. After this, the patient adheres to bed rest for a day.
• Laparoscopy (small incision surgery) Uses a telescopic tube with a lens. Allows you to identify pathology and establish an accurate diagnosis.

Prevention of genital herpes. Sex should be safe. Prevent STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), because treating sexually transmitted infections is much more difficult. The incubation period of some diseases can last about 6 months and only after that it can be detected in the blood. Avoid sex with a partner who has symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease. Do not maintain more than 2 sexual relationships at the same time, because in this case the likelihood of infection increases.

There is no vaccine that protects against genital herpes. If a partner who has HSV maintains a relationship with the same partner and takes valacyclovir daily, the risk of infection is reduced by half.

Use a condom. It reduces the risk of contracting STDs, including genital herpes. You should especially use it if your sexual partner is new and you are not sure of his cleanliness. Condoms protect more women from HSV than men.

If there is tingling or pain in the genital area, then it is better to abstain from sex. These symptoms indicate an impending relapse of HSV. If a woman becomes infected with genital herpes during pregnancy, there is a possibility of infecting her unborn child during childbirth. If you are infected, you must inform your doctor that there is currently an outbreak of genital herpes, so that the doctor can take action.

If your partner has cold sores, avoiding oral stimulation will reduce the risk of contracting a genital infection caused by HSV-1 (the virus responsible for cold sores).

If there is an outbreak of genital herpes, you should wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom or any contact with the blistering rash.

35,000–45,000 rub. (rabota.yandex.ru)

Place of work

Virologists work in laboratories, institutes, educational and medical institutions, and research centers.

Responsibilities

First of all, a virologist deals with virological research. At the same time, monitors the quality of the study drug, the conditions of its delivery and storage. A virologist can also take part in the implementation of new equipment and maintaining it in working condition.

In a medical institution, a virologist advises doctors, helps in interpreting laboratory results, and recommends diagnostic procedures.

Important qualities

The following qualities are important in the profession: a tendency to monotonous research work, a love of biology, accuracy, attentiveness, perseverance and good health.

Reviews about the profession

According to authoritative virologists, the profession is now more relevant than ever. Every day new viruses appear that can harm both a small group of people and an entire community. Experts work every day to identify new types of viruses and try to find means to combat them.

Stereotypes, humor

“Songs with the words “Bird of Tomorrow’s Happiness” and “Migratory Birds Are Flying” are especially popular among Chinese virologists who intensively study the Russian language.

Education

To become a virologist, you need to obtain a specialized higher education, for example, at the Leningrad State University named after A. S. Pushkin.

Medical universities in Moscow: Moscow State University. Lomonosov, First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov, Russian National Research Medical University RNRMU named after N.I. Pirogov.

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Reference

Man has always sought to understand the laws of nature. He accumulated and systematized the acquired knowledge and applied it for the benefit of society. Such an act became the main criterion of science in the mid-19th century. It was then that the Russian scientist D.I. Ivanovsky, in the course of many years of research, proved the existence of the virus. Nowadays, science has advanced greatly. A special doctrine appeared - virology. She studies viruses and has her own classification. Thus, they distinguish general, specific and molecular virology.

Description of activity

The activity of a virologist is work using knowledge of laboratory diagnostics, the basics of specific prevention, anti-epidemic and therapeutic measures for viral diseases. A specialist can apply his professional skills in the field of healthcare, pharmacology, laboratory diagnostics or education.

Job responsibilities

A virologist conducts laboratory virological studies. Takes part in the implementation of new equipment. Within the scope of his competence, he consults with doctors on emerging issues. During laboratory research, he makes recommendations on the rules for the delivery of biological material. Interprets laboratory results. Follows diagnostic procedures. Maintains tools, apparatus and equipment in working order.

Features of career growth

Career growth depends on the specialist’s place of work and is manifested mainly in increased wages. There is also the possibility of promotion through the administrative line, in the research field.