Where can you study to become a virologist? Profession virologist

Description:

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.

The nature of viruses, their structure, destruction, biochemistry, genetics is studied by general virology; The study of pathogenic viruses, their infectious properties, the development of measures for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases caused by them is carried out by medical, veterinary and agricultural virology.

Questions about intercellular transport (movement) of viruses are important. It is important to study the characteristics of proteins transporting different groups of viruses and cellular receptor proteins (as if perceiving viruses), as well as the mechanisms that control and ensure cell resistance to viruses.

Without the achievements of virology, it is no longer possible to imagine, for example, modern medicine, since it is virology that makes it possible to create effective drugs for the prevention and treatment of many viral infections (such as influenza, herpes, hepatitis). Virology closely interacts with such disciplines as chemistry, biochemistry, and genetics.

Place of work

Specialists can work in research institutes and laboratories. The main place of work is a laboratory - a modern one, equipped with the latest equipment that allows the use of various biochemical, biophysical, radiobiological and other methods. The arsenal of virologists includes optical and electron microscopy, and computer technology.

They also work in commercial structures. Specialists work both in public hospitals and in private clinics as virologists.

Virologists also work in vivariums, at experimental stations and testing grounds, and organize special virological expeditions.

Responsibilities:

Virologists can work in two directions:

1 - study molecular biology and genetics, physics and chemistry of macromolecules, i.e. phenomena of biosynthesis of living matter and phenomena of heredity.

2 - study medicine and pharmacology and fight diseases by obtaining antiviral vaccines.

General responsibilities:

Conducts laboratory virological studies in accordance with assigned duties.

Ensures the use of analytically and diagnostically reliable methods.

Participates in the development and implementation of new research methods and equipment.

Consults doctors of other specialties on virology issues.

Participates in the interpretation of laboratory results.

Carries out activities to conduct internal and external quality control of research.

Conducts an analysis of his own work and the work of subordinate specialists with secondary medical education.

Prepares monthly reports on his work, participates in the preparation of the annual report of the laboratory.

Monitors the correctness of diagnostic procedures, operation of instruments, apparatus and equipment, rational use of reagents, compliance with safety and labor protection rules by nursing and junior medical personnel.

Plans his work and analyzes his performance indicators. Systematically improves his skills.

Requirements:

Personal qualities

A person who connects his life with virology must be inquisitive and interested in the problems of modern science. It is clear that it is important to be conscientious and careful when conducting both individual experiments and research in general. Work can be associated with great mental and physical stress; a specialist must be able to act quickly in difficult conditions, be able to find a way out of dead-end situations, and have mental flexibility (viruses are active “7 days a week” and will not wait for you). You need to be prepared for long, painstaking work that requires high concentration and accuracy. Sometimes the researcher has to work at night, on weekends and on holidays.

It is also necessary to realize that working with viral material may be associated with danger to the health and life of not only the experimenter, but also those around him. Need I say that a professional virologist must love his work and treat it responsibly?

However, even the presence and severity of all the listed qualities is not enough to become a professional virologist. There are some medical contraindications to choosing this profession. Of course, people with allergic reactions to chemicals should not choose this profession. Allergies to plant pollen and animal fur are unacceptable (you have to work with these objects). People with poor vision are also not recommended to work in this area, since constant visual strain is required when working with microscopes and other instruments, which is not only difficult for people with poor vision, but can lead to its deterioration.

Professional knowledge and skills

The success of the work largely depends on accurate knowledge of the properties and characteristics of the instruments and preparations used, on accuracy and thoroughness in preparing the experiment (often long and labor-intensive), and pedantry in its implementation. Processing the results obtained is also not easy; their correct interpretation often requires setting up new clarifying experiments and attracting additional information.

According to his specialty, a virologist must know the organization of the virological service; the nature and origin of viruses, their structure and basic properties; modern classification of viruses, their reproduction; issues of pathogenesis and antiviral immunity; immunopathology in viral infections; basic issues of epidemiology and prevention of viral infections; methods of treating viral infections; issues of genetic engineering and biotechnology; characterization, cultivation of various groups of viruses; principles of laboratory diagnosis of viral infections using rapid diagnostic methods, isolation and typing of viruses, serodiagnosis; main clinical symptoms of viral infections; features of pathogenesis, immunity and epidemiology of viral infections; measures of specific and nonspecific prevention, chemotherapy and chemoprophylaxis of viral diseases; issues of sanitary virology.

Education

A virologist specialty can be obtained at the university's biology department. A person who has a higher medical education and has completed postgraduate training or specialization in the specialty “Virology” is appointed to the position of a doctor-virologist.

The activity of a specialist in the field of virology involves working with laboratory diagnostics, therapeutic and anti-epidemic measures for viral infections, as well as the basics of specific prevention. A virologist can use his professional skills in the field of healthcare, education, laboratory diagnostics and pharmacology.

Area of ​​expertise

The demand for the profession of virologist is currently quite high, as the number of viral diseases is growing at an incredible speed. Today the most common of them are:

• Herpes;
• Viral hepatitis;
• Rubella;
• Measles;
• Smallpox;
• Parotitis;
• Viral papillomas;
• Tick-borne encephalitis;
• Rabies;
• Flu and many other illnesses.

Every person who wants to maintain their health should, at the first symptoms of infectious diseases of viral origin (even if they feel slightly unwell), immediately contact a virologist who will conduct a thorough examination, make the correct diagnosis and prescribe competent treatment. This will help to avoid serious complications of the disease in the future.

People vacationing in exotic countries should also visit a virologist after their vacation, because in tropical zones you can become infected with life-threatening viral diseases that do not begin to manifest themselves immediately. For example, the onset of hemorrhagic fevers is no different from a common flu or cold. And only after a certain period of time does a hemorrhagic symptom (bleeding) appear, which leads to death. So, any traveler who has visited an exotic country should also consult an experienced virologist who can make an accurate diagnosis even at the earliest stages of the disease.

What symptoms should you consult a specialist for?

Very often, when symptoms of a viral disease occur, patients hesitate to visit a virologist, which can then negatively affect not only a person’s health, but also lead to death. You need to see a virologist if the following symptoms occur:

• Fever.
• Severe headache.
• Rashes on the skin and mucous membranes of various types.
• Gastrointestinal disorders.
• Dry mouth.
• Yellowness of the sclera and skin.
• Soreness in the area of ​​the lymph nodes.
• Insomnia.
• Excessive agitation or depression.
• Severe muscle or radicular pain.

During the appointment, the doctor collects a history (anamnesis) of life and the development of the disease, conducts a thorough examination of the patient and prescribes the necessary tests for the patient (including virological research methods). After establishing the diagnosis, the virologist prescribes effective drug treatment and diet therapy for the person who contacts him.

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.

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.

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.

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Virologist is a professional doctor who was trained in the field of virology.

This specialist carries out bacteriological analysis of an object or item from healthy and sick people. In simple words, this is a doctor who treats viral diseases.

What is the competence of a virologist?

What diseases does a virologist deal with?

• Rabies disease– an acute disease that occurs as a result of the bite of an infected animal, accompanied by nerve damage. Most often ends in death;
• Warts is an external benign tumor caused by various viruses. Has a papillary or nodular appearance;
• . There are groups A, B, C, D. Each group of hepatitis occurs differently;
• Herpes is an infection caused by a virus, accompanied by an inflammatory rash on the skin and mucous membranes.

When should you contact a virologist?

If a person has chickenpox. – an infection that accompanies relatively severe poisoning and rashes on the skin and mucous membranes.

Chickenpox is a once-in-a-lifetime illness, but some people confuse chickenpox with a regular rash.

Children tolerate chickenpox much easier. This disease in adults can develop into jaundice.

People commonly treat chickenpox with ordinary brilliant green. This allows the sores to dry faster and appear bright green so you don't have to scratch them. After all, as you know, chickenpox will leave fewer scars if the rash is left untouched.

In case of smallpox. Smallpox is a viral disease characterized by cumulative poisoning, febrile syndrome, and rash on the skin and mucous surfaces.

If smallpox is common, then the incubation period lasts about two weeks.

In the first days, chills appear, fever increases, painful sensations arise in the lumbar and sacral spine and in the joints, a feeling of thirst occurs, the head feels dizzy and hurts, and a gag reflex occurs.

The next day is accompanied by a spotty or hemorrhagic rash, hemorrhages, similar to ecchiomosis. A hemorrhagic rash lasts for several days, while an initial rash lasts for several hours.

On the fourth day, the initial symptoms disappear and pockmarks appear on the skin. First spots appear, then blisters, then pustules, then crusts and scars. The pockmarks then develop into erosions. The temperature also drops.

After a week, the disease worsens. Most often it occurs with emotional overexcitation and delirium. Children have seizures. This condition can last 3 days.

The rash goes away in about 1.5 - 2 weeks, after which scars appear. The content of leukocytes in the blood increases.

Severe forms include smallpox and pustular-hemorrhagic purpura. With such forms, a pronounced shift to the left appears, myelocytes and young cells appear in the blood.

There are vaccinations to make smallpox easier to survive. But the extension of the incubation period is guaranteed. A slight discomfort appears. However, the vaccinated person does not experience a severe rash, no scars are left and they recover after two weeks.

There is also a mild form of smallpox. Rashes appear on the skin in small quantities or not at all. Fever and undiagnosed state of health.

You should also contact a virologist if you are sick with tick-borne encephalitis.

– a viral disease caused by a tick bite, accompanied by poisoning, febrile syndrome, damage to the spinal cord and brain. The disease can lead to neurological and psychiatric complications, which can result in death.

Appears in spring or early summer.

At the beginning of any form of this disease, the temperature rises, chills appear, the head, lower back and calf muscles begin to ache, a repeated gag reflex occurs, and muscle spasms occur. Preceding symptoms can rarely be identified. First, skin hyperemia, scleral injection, indigestion, and inflammation of the pharynx are noticed.

On day 2 the temperature rises to its maximum. At this point the body can survive for a week. During this period, temperatures are likely to drop and then rise again. The second time, the microbes invade the nerves and develop neurological signs.

The disease greatly affects nerve cells. In the initial period, the patient is able to fall into depression or even coma. The disease may also be accompanied by epileptic seizures. Many patients experience hallucinations, delusions, and emotional overexcitation.

You should ask a virus professional for help in case of mumps.

Hepatitis B is a virologist's disease.

Hepatitis B is a viral liver disease that poses a serious threat to human life.

In the initial period, the heat reaches only 37.9 degrees. Probably the appearance of joint pain.

The most common symptoms are malaise, lethargy, lack of hunger, nausea accompanied by vomiting, and pain in the liver area. Enzyme activity increases. In the pre-icteric stage, HBV markers can be detected. Some may have no symptoms at all.

The main sign of hepatitis B is blackening of the urine and yellowing of the sclera.

The virologist's job is also hepatitis D.

Hepatitis D is a viral disease that is transmitted intravenously and causes inflammation of the liver. Appears only if hepatitis B is present.

Patients develop permanent liver failure.

This disease in chronically infected patients often develops cirrhosis of the liver against the background of this hepatitis.

Even a virologist cannot help with such a disaster.

Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C is a viral liver disease.

Symptoms usually appear after 1.5 months.

If you begin to gain weight, this is a sign of an exacerbation of the disease.

The symptoms of hepatitis C are the same as those of other types of hepatitis.

If a person gets sick cholestatic jaundice, he needs to go to a virologist.

Cholestatic jaundice is a viral disease that appears as a result of disorganization of bile dynamics.

With such jaundice, the content of blood direct and indirect bile pigment increases. The amount of metabolic products excreted in feces and urine decreases or disappears altogether. The skin is constantly itching. The activity of cholestasis enzymes, cholesterol and bile acid increases.

When and what tests should be done?

Before going to a virologist, you need to be examined. To do this you need to take some tests.

• Test for HIV infection– this is the detection of antibodies in the body that appear as protection against HIV;
• Herpes test– identification of the virus in the body that causes this disease. In normal cases, this is a visual examination of the patient. But sometimes doctors have to resort to special methods for detecting infection, because the appearance of inflammation does not always accurately describe the herpes virus;
• Test for rubella - examination of the body to detect class G antibodies, which appear to protect the immune system from this virus.
  People only get rubella once in a lifetime, but in some cases it is confused with a regular rash. Therefore, laboratory examination of the body is inevitable. Better yet, get vaccinated against it;
• Test for thrush– examination of the human body to detect microbes that cause candidiasis. The standard way to detect thrush is a vaginal smear. Thanks to microscopy, doctors can determine the presence of the virus.
  DNA testing is now popular in medicine. It accurately detects fungus.
  Cultures of the vaginal microflora are also used to determine the cause of infection. This allows you to increase the effect of treatment. All these analysis methods are used in combination for better results;
• Chickenpox test- This is the detection in the body of the production of antibodies by the immune system that protect against the Varicella-Zoster virus. At the first signs of this disease, it is necessary to donate blood;
• Test for Epstein-Barr virus– this is the identification of antibodies in the body that fight this virus. DNA diagnostics usually involves a blood test or a smear of the urethra or vagina. But sometimes urine, saliva, and cerebrospinal fluid are used for this. This diagnostic allows you to determine with high accuracy the number of viral microbes. The enzyme immunoassay method for detecting the virus helps to combine the result of the study and the clinical situation;
• Analysis for hepatitis of all groups– this is the detection of viruses in the human body, hepatitis A, B, C, D. To undergo this test, you need to donate blood. Before taking the test, you must not eat for at least 8 hours. That is, these tests are taken on an empty stomach.
  Thanks to new medical technologies, the accuracy of determining the number of bacteria is high. This allows you to identify the disease at an early stage and significantly increase the effect of treatment.

What main types of diagnostics does a Virologist usually perform?

The virologist performs blind and targeted percutaneous liver biopsy, as well as laparoscopy.

Liver biopsy- This is the removal of a small part of the liver. A special needle is used for this. This type of diagnosis is performed to study changes in the structure of the liver and exclude other possible diseases.

Then the person must adhere to bed rest for a day.

Laparoscopy- This is a surgical procedure with a small incision. This method uses a telescopic tube with a lens.

Laparoscopic diagnosis allows the doctor to identify pathology, establish an accurate diagnosis, prescribe the most effective treatment and reduce a possible scar.

VIDEO

The best treatment is prevention! In order not to suffer from viral diseases or at least get rid of them in the early stages, you need to be careful about the environment and constantly undergo examination by a virologist.

And genital herpes also requires prevention. Most often it is transmitted sexually, so you need to be careful with sex.

During intimate contact, we must not forget about safety measures:

• When entering into sexual relations, you need to make sure that your partner is not a carrier of herpes. First you need to talk frankly with him. There is no need to be ashamed of this. Ask him if he could have become infected with a sexually transmitted virus somewhere. The disease develops for about six months before it begins to manifest itself, so you need to be more vigilant about your contacts;
• It is necessary to remember about responsibility. Security measures must always be in place. You should always have male or female condoms in your bag or pocket;
• You cannot initiate contact if signs of herpes have been noticed, and you are also prohibited from having sex during the treatment period to ensure that you do not become infected;
• If your partner may have had contact with a person whose symptoms indicate the presence of an STD, then before going to bed with him, you must wait until he is fully examined by a doctor. If the result of the test for the presence of herpes is positive, it is recommended to begin sexual intercourse only after complete recovery;
• If you have multiple sexual partners, the risk of infection increases significantly.

Today there is no vaccine against STDs. However, you can always protect yourself from harm by taking advantage of all safety and prevention measures.

Statistics show that taking herpes medication daily helps reduce the chance of infecting your partner. This is the case if a person no longer has sexual relations with anyone.

We also must not forget about personal hygiene.

The use of contraceptives should not be neglected.

A condom protects against herpes infection. However, it protects men less well. This method of protection should always be kept in your pocket or bag.

If other methods are used to protect against pregnancy, and the man does not have a condom with him, then a female condom is also suitable for protection against genital herpes. Lady condoms provide even better protection against the transmission of viruses.

If tingling occurs during sex or a blistering rash appears in the groin area, then it is better to avoid contact. This may be a sign of this disease.

If a young mother becomes infected with herpes during pregnancy, she can only pass it on to her baby during childbirth. For a child, this can result in dire consequences, so it is necessary to be much more careful about your health during pregnancy.

If there is a possibility of contracting an STD, you should immediately consult your doctor.

If symptoms have already appeared, then it is necessary to tell the virologist at what time the outbreak occurred.

Even if the expectant mother is 100% confident in her partner, she still needs to protect herself with condoms. This greatly reduces the risk of infection.

You cannot have oral sex if you have herpes on your lips. And in the last stages of pregnancy, it is necessary to abandon the oral method altogether, since herpes is a chronic disease. This will reduce the chance of contracting genital herpes.

After the birth of the baby, a mother who has genital herpes needs to wash her hands after going to the toilet and any contact with herpes inflammation.

There are a lot of sites on the Internet where you can ask questions to virologists. This will also reduce the risk of a viral disease or exacerbation of an existing disease.

To enter, you must have a diploma in one of the following specialties: “General Medicine”, “Pediatrics”, “Medical and Preventive Care”, “Medical Biochemistry”, “Medical Biophysics”, “Medical Cybernetics”.

At the end of the 19th century, the scientific world became acquainted with a previously unknown phenomenon - a virus that lives outside cells, infecting organisms and causing diseases. Since that time, the specialty 08/32/13 “Virology” has gone far ahead. She learned to isolate different types of viruses, understand the principles of their reproduction, and prevent the spread of viral infections.

But the scientific industry has new problems. Because new viruses have been discovered that cause terrible illnesses. We have to look for methods to combat them, so research in this direction continues in parallel with practical work. A modern specialist is armed with innovative technologies and equipment that simplify the recognition of a viral nature. It is important for him to be able to use such valuable developments in order to skillfully apply his strength in the fight against numerous viral diseases.

Admission conditions

The purpose of this course is to convey to the future specialist a large complex of knowledge, to teach the skills of working with the latest techniques that will help in the diagnosis and differentiation of viruses. This is important for determining effective methods for further control. To enter residency, it is important to have a diploma in one of the following specialties: “General Medicine”, “Pediatrics”, “Medical and Preventive Care”, “Medical Biochemistry”, “Medical Biophysics”, “Medical Cybernetics”.

Future specialty

A specialist in this area is a professional who is well versed in infectious viral pathology. Each virus has its own ability to cause disease, but the principle of action is the same: the mechanism of cell death is triggered. The difficulty of the profession lies in the fact that many infections can hide in the body in a dormant state. But the doctor can select the latest diagnostic and differentiating techniques in order to isolate the pathogen in time. He is ready to develop preventive measures and carry out educational activities in order to prevent the increase in morbidity.

Where to apply

Professional skills and knowledge in this profile are taught in the following educational institutions:

• Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education.

Training period

To complete residency, you must complete the full program over two years of study.

Disciplines included in the course of study

For complete theoretical training, a specialist becomes familiar with a large list of subjects during his studies:

• social hygiene;
• virological service: principles of its work;
• virology;
• laboratory diagnostics;
• different types of viruses and the diseases they cause;
• sanitary virology;
• epidemiology;
• deep mycoses;
• especially dangerous bacterial pathogens;
• severe infections: acute and emergency conditions;
• quarantine infections;
• biochemistry;
• physiology: normal and pathological.

Acquired skills

The learning process is accompanied by the development of the following practical skills:

• organization and implementation of virological research;
• collecting information about the disease, assessing its characteristics;
• collection of material for research, its storage and transportation;
• creation of optimal laboratory conditions for studying the material, including preparation of equipment, etc.;
• prompt diagnosis of viral infection;
• provision of medical care: in case of emergency conditions, road accidents, emergencies;
• educational activities to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Job prospects by profession

A competent specialist is a sought-after personnel in the labor market. Today, virology is a developed scientific field that needs to be replenished with workforce.

Such workers are needed in medical institutions. They can get a job in pharmaceutical companies. Vacancies are opening in bodies and departments under Roszdravnadzor.

What does a residency graduate do:

• virologist.

A specialist who has received a certificate in this area can count on a salary of 20 thousand. But the salary level depends on the place of employment. Pharmaceutical industries offer decent working conditions and high wages.

Benefits of Professional Development

The relatively young science of virology is a whole field for the application of efforts by those who want to engage in research. You can enroll in graduate school and then work in research centers and laboratories. Also, after training, graduates successfully engage in teaching activities. For practical work, a scientific degree will be an advantage.