General- Viruses and antivirals

Question 1

What is the difference between (+) and (-) sense RNA viruses?

Answer 1

(+) sense strands can function as mRNA and can replicate if injected into host cells. (-) sense stands (aka antisense) are complementary and cannot function as mRNA.

Question 2

Which antigen is used for HIV-1 and HIV-2 screening? When is it best to use?

Answer 2

p24 antigen; acute infection, before antibodies can be detected