User:Briar Perkely/sandbox

Diagnosis: EBV is diagnosed through a blood screening that detects antibodies. There are several methods in which to test for EBV. One includes serologic testing. This test screens for antibodies in the blood. This test should not be conducted among patients with antibody deficiencies and/or passive antibodies. Another test involves screening for the measurement of EBV viral loads in peripheral blood. Radiographic testing is often paired with EBV viral load measuring. A biopsy can also be conducted in order to find where the EBV is manifested.

Journal Entry: 9/21-9/26/2020

Epstein–Barr virus

The Epstein–Barr virus article and the Rotavirus article are two well written and well researched articles. They both contained information that goes beyond surface level information. Both articles discuss the structure of the virus, proteins and genes involved, history, and life cycle. Rotavirus discusses more medically based topics and takes into consideration a reader who may have the virus. The Epstein–Barr virus focuses heavily on the deeper science of the virus. Unlike Epstein–Barr virus, Rotavirus includes diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and epidemiology.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Epstein-Barr virus is diagnosed through blood and serological screening. These screenings test for specific antibodies in the blood including IgG, IgM, and IgA. Through the use of a PCR test, the DNA of EBV in the blood can also be detected and measured. Another form of testing includes nucleic acid amplification testing. This test is used to measure the amount of EBV in the blood. Furthermore, a biopsy can be performed to confirm infection of EBV and its centralized location in the body.

Currently, there are no vaccines or antivirals to prevent or cure EBV. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant is the only treatment that has had some success in managing EBV within the body. The main form of treatment includes treating symptoms through medications.

Journal Entry 9/27-10/3/2020

Epstein–Barr virus

Structure and genome
The nucleocapsid has T=16 icosahedral symmetry and 162 capsomeres.

Reactivation
Even though the specific cause for reactivation is unknown, there are genes that transition the latency phase into the lytic phase. These genes include BZLF1 and BRLF1.

Epidemiology
Epstein-Barr virus has infected 90% of adults worldwide, and 50% of those cases result in mononucleosis. Age and environment do influence EBV infection. If contracted during childhood, the virus usually causes little to no symptoms. If contracted during teenage and young adult years, most cases do result in symptoms. Within America, approximately 60% of children living in poor socioeconomic environments will be infected by EBV while only 20% of children living in a high socioeconomic environment will be infected. For developing countries, younger children are more likely to become infected with EBV due to the lower socioeconomic environment.

The type 2 strain of EBV is much more prevalent in Africa than any other location. This strain has led to high rates of Burkitt lymphoma within that region.