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Viral Defense
Connie Schmaljohn
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Conversation 1
Dr. Connie Schmaljohn tells Paula Gordon and Bill Russell. the difference between contagious and infectious diseases. She describes how molecular biology looks at viruses' building blocks, not the diseases they cause. She explains the international thrust of the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), distinguishing it from domestic agencies.
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Conversation 2
Everyone now goes everywhere, Dr. Schmaljohn observes, noting we are not seeing new viruses so much as viruses with which we had not before come in contact. She reminds us diseases account for most wartime casualties, noting the growing importance of the military during peacetime with military peacekeeping operations. She describes how USAMRIID sets priorities. She distinguishes directed research from basic research and explains why basic research continues to be vital, using Hanta virus as her example. She suggests how much we do not know about viruses.
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Conversation 3
Dr. Schmaljohn describes Hanta viruses, with examples from around the world. She describes the secondary effects of a massive disease outbreak. She explains how Hanta viruses are transmitted -- almost always by inhaling aerosols from rodent urine, feces, saliva, and possibly from flea bites -- reminding us that rodents and rodent infestations can happen everywhere, including lovely summer cottages. She puzzles over when viruses cause disease and when not. She gives a further description of hemorrhagic fevers with renal syndrome. She explains how she and her colleagues are approaching the development of DNA vaccines for RNA viruses.
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Conversation 4 The discovery of a particular protein which can make RNA into DNA was a key discovery in molecular biology, says Dr. Schmaljohn, because it allowed scientists to manipulate genes. She continues her explanation of how DNA vaccines are made. She describes gene guns. She lists the viruses for which DNA vaccines are being developed. She describes the military's traditional approach to deploying vaccines. She explains multivalent vaccines and how USAMRIID is looking for cheap and easy vaccines. She tells us why she thinks DNA vaccines are the wave of the future, predicting big advancements. She reassures us about the safety of such vaccines. She considers the military's mission within general concerns for public health. She distinguishes biological warfare programs -- which the U.S. military does not have -- from our a biological warfare defense program, with examples. |
Conversation 5 Dr. Schmaljohn describes the coordination between people working with infection diseases in the civilian and military sectors. She explains the importance of the military's infrastructure for quick dispersal of vaccines, comparing it to civilian situations. She includes regulatory issues as she describes the timeline for both older and newer methods of making vaccines. She discusses the impact of the exploding human population. She describes the concerted effort she and others are making to attract young women to science, detailing what she believes needs to be done. Dr. Schmaljohn voices concern that there has not been much improvement in doing so. She describes the particular strengths she believes women bring to science. |
Conversation 6 Dr. Schmaljohn recalls what motivated her to work with viruses that cause human diseases. She finds inspiration in the enthusiasm of her colleagues and in their progress. She shares her pleasure in knowing that as all of them work to protect military people, they are also helping the rest of humanity. |
Related Links: Dr. Schmaljohn suggests people interested in virology and related subjects might enjoy a visit to the American Society for Microbiology's site. ASM describes itself this way: The American Society for Microbiology is the oldest and largest single life science membership organization in the world. Membership has grown from 59 scientists in 1899 to over 42,000 members today located throughout the world. ASM represents 25 disciplines of microbiological specialization plus a division for microbiology educators. |
Acknowledgement Dr. C.J. Peters, Chief of Special Pathogens at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) in Atlanta, GA, introduced us to Dr. Schmaljohn and other renowned virologists while, simultaneously, meeting all his obligations as co-organizer (with Dr. Michael Buckmeier) of a virology conference in Taos, New Mexico. Dr. Peters' enthusiasm for virology and his seemingly endless willingness to help the rest of us get a glimpse of what's at stake is a source of ongoing inspiration. It's always a pleasure to work with Dr. Peters and we thank him. The people at the Taos Civic Plaza & Convention Center were courteous and helpful at every turn. We are grateful to them all, especially Reuben J. Martinez, Facilities Superintendent, and Debbie Adamson, Sales & Marketing Manager. The town of Taos, New Mexico was also welcoming. We thank all of those who helped us. |