Sample interview questions: How do you assess the virulence and pathogenicity of different viral strains?
Sample answer:
Assessing Virulence and Pathogenicity of Viral Strains:
- Viral Load and Replication Kinetics:
- Quantify the amount of viral RNA or DNA present in infected cells or tissues at different time points post-infection.
- Monitor viral replication kinetics using techniques like plaque assays, TCID50 assays, or quantitative PCR.
-
Higher viral loads and faster replication rates often correlate with increased virulence.
-
Host Range and Tissue Tropism:
- Determine the range of host species and cell types that a viral strain can infect.
- Investigate tissue tropism by analyzing viral distribution in different organs or cell types using techniques like immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridization.
-
Broader host range and tissue tropism indicate potential for more severe disease.
-
Pathogenicity in Animal Models:
- Conduct animal infection studies using relevant animal models that mimic human disease.
- Monitor disease severity, mortality rates, and clinical signs in infected animals.
- Assess viral tissue damage and pathological changes using histopathology and molecular techniques.
-
Animal models provide valuable insights into virulence and pathogenesis in a living organism.
-
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms:
- Investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying viral virulence and pathogenicity.
- Analyze viral gene expression, protein expression, and interactions with host factors.
- Study viral evasion strategies, immune responses, and host cell responses to infection.
-
Understanding these mechanisms aids in identifying potential targets for antiviral therapies.
-
Genetic Analysis:
- Perform genetic sequencing of viral isolates to identify genetic variations, mutations, … Read full answer