ADVANCES IN VIROLOGY WITNESSED AS PHYSICIANS BETWEEN 1964 AND 2024

Abstract

An optimistic view of advances in virology, medical testimony 1964-2024 is presented. In 2022 we published “Virología Médica; today in a 3rd edition we balance “clinical features”, since there are more syndromes than diseases; “epidemiology”, both individual and collective and “molecular biology progresses” focused into viral pathogenesis, diagnosis, generation of vaccines and antivirals. 10 paradigmatic advances are summarized. 1) Rotavirus. Childhood diarrhea was theoretically a bacterial infection. In 1973 rotavirus es were described and Romilio Espejo brought his molecular diagnosis from Mexico. We confirmed it was the most transcendent diarrheal agent; 2) Respiratory viruses. They are the predominant cause of pediatric respiratory infections and also in adults; 3) Molecular diagnostic (PCR and derivatives) enhanced the accurate detection of viruses and the pathogenic process involved; 4) Vaccines. They have managed to “eradicate” smallpox, “eliminate” poliomyelitis, measles and rubella and “control” others (influenza, mumps, yellow fever, chickenpox, SARS-CoV-2, etc.); 5) Papilomavirus. Molecular diagnostics and progressive recombinant vaccines improve the management of genital and oral cancer; 6) Herpesvirus. Rapid diagnosis (PCR) and antivirals (acyclovir) have reduced the lethality of some serious infections; 7) Chronic Hepatitis. The evolution of those caused by viruses B and C can be controlled and cured respectively, with current antivirals; 8) HIV- Antiviral therapy transformed the lethal infection into a chronic one. Infection can be prevented with antivirals (PrEP); 9) RSV. Exemplary experience in Chile with immunoglobulin Nirsevimab. Its programmed use prevented hospitalizations and death in infants; 10) COVID-19. It taught us how to build “public/private, scientific and economic” collaboration for the future.