10-06-2011, 09:50 AM
Genersis Wrote:Rabies.
They cut your head off and examine your brain.
...
Oh..wait...is that only for animals?:confused:
Either way, the only way they can diagnose it is through it's symptoms. As, to my knowledge, it is undetectable apart from its damage on the brain (and possibly nerves?). Neither of which can be examined while alive without causing damage.
Perhaps i am wrong though.
And no, it isn't a male exclusive, but men do get it.:tongue:
They actually test for the presence of viral DNA, although the histological examination of the biopsy is still a reliable, and useful, confirmation of the other test.
In general rabies is still nearly 100% fatal by the time you start showing symptoms, only 5 people are known to ever survive treatment. They don't actually have to take a brain biopsy any more either, they can do a spinal tap and apparently viral DNA can be detected in low levels in saliva by some of the more sensitive (expensive) assays out there.
The best course of action if you are ever scratched or bitten by a strange animal is to get vaccinated as a precaution.