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Question
Biology
Posted 7 months ago
Why is it difficult to treat viral, fungal and protozoal infections?
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Answer from Sia
Posted 7 months ago
Answer
Treating viral, fungal, and protozoal infections is difficult due to their complex interactions with host cells, resistance mechanisms, and the challenge of targeting the pathogen without harming the host.
Solution
a
Host Cell Similarity: Viruses use the host's cellular machinery for replication, making it hard to target the virus without damaging host cells
b
Resistance Mechanisms: Fungi and protozoa often have sophisticated mechanisms to evade the host's immune response and can develop resistance to antifungal and antiprotozoal drugs
c
Selective Toxicity: Achieving selective toxicity—targeting the pathogen without affecting the host—is particularly challenging with these infections
Key Concept
The difficulty in treating viral, fungal, and protozoal infections stems from the need to target the pathogen without harming the host's cells, which is complicated by the pathogens' ability to replicate within host cells, resist treatment, and evade the immune system.
Explanation
Viral treatments must avoid harming host cells that viruses inhabit, while antifungal and antiprotozoal treatments must overcome the pathogens' resistance mechanisms and achieve selective toxicity, which is a significant challenge in developing effective therapies.

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