The level of virus in the blood stream or the quantitative PCR test for viral RNA in the case of Hepatitis C does not really tell us about the ability to resolve the infection with therapy, nor does it tell how severe the infection is. It may impart some risk of transmissibility i.e. the higher viral titers may be easier to transmit.

Another important measure in an HIV+ person is the HIV viral load. This HIV FAQ explains what the HIV viral load is and why it is important. See similar questions...

A viral load test, or HIV RNA assay, measures the amount of virus circulating in your bloodstream at a given time. This gives us a better picture of how active your HIV infection is. High viral load values are associated with a more rapid progression to AIDS and indicate a need for more aggressive treatment. Additionally, the viral load will respond to changes in your medications within 2 weeks, so we can quickly assess how well the medicines are fighting HIV. See similar questions...

Virus in DMEM can endure repeated (more than 30) freezing/thawing cycles without any drop in titer. In the case of CsCl purified virus, a drop of up to 1 log in titer can be observed after storage at -80°C depending on the buffer used. The buffer and pH in particular are critical for preservation of the titer. For optimal stability upon storage, we recommend the following buffer: Tris 10mM, pH 8.0, with 2 mM MgCl2 and 4% sucrose. Nyberg-Hoffman, C. and E. Aguilar-Cordova (1999). See similar questions...

The titer result will need to be interpreted by the veterinarian who has examined the dog in conjunction with the referral laboratory's guidelines for positive and negative titer results. Generally, the following is true: Technically, a negative titer means the dog does not have detectable antibody to the strains tested. There are several reasons this could occur: The titer test was done too soon --it can take 1-2 weeks after being infected before IgG antibody levels are detectable. See similar questions...

We are currently looking into the feasibility of offering this testing on a limited basis. It should be available soon. See similar questions...

Many oral antibiotics are available to treat Lyme disease. Specific regimens are prescribed depending on the symptoms, and 75 to 80 percent of persons treated will recover from the disease. Unfortunately, before treatment some patients will develop a severe case of the disease, with tissue damage and disability. To avoid being bitten by the deer tick you should use outdoor insecticides and keep deer away from areas where children play (use an eight-foot-high or electrified fence). See similar questions...

There is no prescriptive drug celiacs can take to effect a cure. In fact, there is no cure, though there is every opportunity for celiacs to lead normal, healthy lives by following a diet that contains no gluten. This means avoiding all products derived from wheat, rye, barley, oats, and a few other lesser-known grains. See similar questions...

This disease is hard to detect. The signs of Johne's disease are vague and months can pass after infection before they appear. Weight loss in animals with a good appetite may be the only indication as diarrhea is not a common sign in sheep, unlike what is seen in cattle. Infected sheep may appear unthrifty and wool break/poor fleece condition may also be noted. See similar questions...

Viral load is the medical term used to describe the amount of HIV present in your bloodstream. This may range from a small amount to a large amount. Knowing how much HIV is present in blood shows how well your immune system is going to deal with the virus. You find out what your viral load is by having a simple blood test. The lower your viral load result the better. See similar questions...

This is a measure of how much replicating HIV is found in the circulating blood. In a HIV positive person this usually varies from a few hundred to a few million copies/ml. In patients on HIV treatment, the viral load is an accurate measure of how effective treatment is. The aim on treatment is to reach an "undetectable" level. Please note having an undetectable viral load does not mean the person is not infectious – he/she can still transmit HIV to others. See similar questions...

Viral gastroenteritis affects people in all parts of the world. Each virus has its own seasonal activity. For example, in the United States, rotavirus and astrovirus infections occur during the cooler months of the year (October to April), whereas adenovirus infections occur throughout the year. See similar questions...

Yes. While the chances of anyone becoming infected with WNV is very low, most cases have occurred in people older than 50. People in this age group, especially the elderly, are also more likely to develop severe diseases, such as encephalitis or meningitis, if they become infected. See similar questions...

Viral (aseptic) meningitis is serious but rarely fatal in persons with normal immune systems. Usually, the symptoms last from 7 to 10 days and the person recovers completely. Bacterial meningitis, on the other hand, can be very serious and result in disability or death if not treated promptly. Often, the symptoms of viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis are the same. For this reason, if you think you or your child has meningitis, see your doctor as soon as possible. See similar questions...

Medtronic Inc. has been providing products and therapies that alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life for over 50 years. Activa DBS was developed by Medtronic in the 1980s and was approved for use in the United States in 2002. It has been proven to reduce some of the symptoms associated with PD. It is currently included in the American Academy of Neurology Guideline Summary for Patients as a surgical treatment option for PD. See similar questions...

Antibiotics, such as penicillin G or cefriaxone, can be used to treat people with meningococcal disease. See similar questions...

Gum disease ( periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection that occurs below the gum line and is caused by specific bacteria. If we do not brush and floss effectively and/or frequently enough the bacteria accumulate along the gum line. As the bacteria accumulate they cause the gum tissue to become inflamed. This condition is known as gingivitis and is the non-destructive form of gum disease. If untreated, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, the destructive form of gum disease. See similar questions...

It is important for our clients to understand why all the hairs are not treated in one session. This is because there are 3 stages of hair growth Hair can be in any of these stages at any one time, but only the hair in the Anagen (growth) stage will be successfully treated at each session. The number of hairs in Anagen phase at any one time varies from 10-70% depending on the body site; this is why we recommend 3-6 treatments with 6-8 week intervals for maximum results. See similar questions...