Letters

TWiP 26 Letters

Prof Dickson,

Does the same concern that you discussed with suppressed immunity after a transplant apply to folks who undergo chemotherapy for cancer? (re strongyloides)

Jim
Smithfield, VA

Spencer writes:

Hi Vincent and Dick,

On your Strongyloides episode, you spoke about final eradication of organisms such as polio virus. It was Dick's contention that the virus could be "reconstructed" from synthesizing the DNA, whose sequence is known. Are there any instances that you are aware of where a a full virus or other living organism (yes I know, viruses may not be living) were constructed in this way such that they could go on to have a normal life cycle and replicate? In other words, is just the creation of the DNA sequence sufficient for recreation for a virus?

As alway, thanks for making my day when I see that email announcement of a new episode.

Spencer MD PhD