Viraemia is when viruses are present in the bloodstream, allowing for efficient distribution throughout the body. It can be caused by various means, and is diagnosed through blood testing. Treatment involves antiviral drugs, but not all viruses can be treated. Chronic viral illnesses require monitoring of the patient’s viral load.
Viraemia is a condition in which viruses are present in the bloodstream. From a virus perspective, this is great news, because it means the virus has access to a highly efficient distribution system that will spread it throughout the body. From the point of view of the owner of the body, of course, viremia is not good news at all.
Viruses can enter the bloodstream in a wide variety of ways, ranging from slipping into an open wound to being introduced by a puncture wound. Once in the bloodstream, viruses can begin to replicate, and as they replicate, they spread through the body. This can create a situation known as secondary viraemia, where the virus has colonized other areas of the body and is releasing new copies of itself into the bloodstream.
A number of viruses are specifically passed through the blood, with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) being a well-known example. Other viruses will make the leap into the bloodstream if they see an opportunity to do so. For example, a viral respiratory infection could enter the bloodstream through cuts in the mouth.
This condition is diagnosed by taking a blood sample and examining it in a laboratory. The blood can be tested for viral antibodies which react if a virus is present and signal the blood, and can also be examined under a microscope to look for copies of the virus. Microscopy can also allow a lab technician to identify a virus when a test isn’t available.
Treatment for viremia is to administer antiviral drugs to kill the virus. Not all viruses can be treated with drugs; some have resisted the best efforts of drug developers. If no antiviral medication is available, the goal is to manage the patient’s symptoms and keep them as strong and healthy as possible, in the hopes that the immune system will fight off the virus.
People can have chronic viral illnesses, where they always have a few copies of a virus in their blood. In these cases, doctors monitor the patient’s viral load, noting how many copies are present. If the load is low, it suggests that the patient’s body is keeping the virus in check. If it is high, it means that the patient is not controlling the virus or secondary viraemia is occurring.
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