Author name: Gertrud U. Rey

Gertrud Rey (who also goes by Trudy Rey) is a trained virologist who resides in Atlanta, Georgia. She has a PhD in molecular genetics and biochemistry from Georgia State University, where her studies involved the analysis of various aspects of the genetics of West Nile virus and simian hemorrhagic fever virus. After finishing the PhD program in 2007, she accepted a post-doctoral fellowship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where she continued to study virology in the context of respiratory syncytial virus, with a more pronounced focus on immunology. During that time, she was also a lecturer at Georgia State University, where she designed an undergraduate biology course and supervised teaching assistants at the university’s biology laboratory. In 2012, she decided to retire from bench science and lecturing to pursue a career in patent law. She is now registered as a patent agent at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and works for a major law firm. Her day to day responsibilities include preparing and prosecuting U.S. and international patent applications in the field of molecular and cell biology, virology, biochemistry, genetic engineering, tissue engineering, transgenic biology, stem cell research, immunology, drug delivery, phage therapeutics, and medical devices. However, Trudy still spends much of her free time communicating science, both for virology blog, and for her very own YouTube channel, where she hosts a show about viruses called “Catch This.” You can also find her on X and Bluesky, under the handle “Dr. T.” Trudy was also a guest on TWiV 179 and 424.

“Paxlovid Rebound” Is Just COVID Rebound

3 Comments / Basic virology, Gertrud Rey / By

by Gertrud U. Rey The antiviral drug Paxlovid is highly effective at inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication and reducing symptoms associated with COVID-19. Nevertheless, there have recently been numerous reports of recurrence of positive tests and symptoms after completing treatment with Paxlovid, leading some to infer that the drug triggers the recurrence. Is this inference actually correct, …

“Paxlovid Rebound” Is Just COVID Rebound Read More »

Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein May Not Be Reliable Markers for Infection in Vaccinated People

1 Comment / Basic virology, Gertrud Rey / By

by Gertrud U. Rey You are fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 and have presumably never been infected with the virus. But how can you know for sure? One way to find out is by testing your blood for the presence of antibodies against the viral nucleocapsid protein, which can only be encountered during natural infection. This …

Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein May Not Be Reliable Markers for Infection in Vaccinated People Read More »

Why do Some People Develop Long COVID?

2 Comments / Basic virology, Gertrud Rey / By

by Gertrud U. Rey Long COVID is a chronic manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and it is most commonly characterized by lingering fatigue, brain fog, memory impairment, and confusion. Although it is unclear how the viral infection leads to long COVID, experts speculate that one or more of the following factors may contribute: an inability to …

Why do Some People Develop Long COVID? Read More »

Transmission of Monkeypox Virus Through Contaminated Objects

2 Comments / Basic virology, Gertrud Rey / By

by Gertrud U. Rey Recent news headlines are fueling public fears about possible transmission of monkeypox virus through contact with contaminated objects like bedding or clothing. However, data generated using environmental sampling methods indicate that the likelihood of this type of transmission is very low. In a study involving a two-person household in Utah in …

Transmission of Monkeypox Virus Through Contaminated Objects Read More »

Transmission of Enteric Viruses through Saliva

6 Comments / Basic virology, Gertrud Rey / By

by Gertrud U. Rey Norovirus and rotavirus are considered to be enteric pathogens because they are traditionally thought to be transmitted by the fecal-oral route; i.e., when consuming food prepared by someone who did not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom. Unlike rabies virus, which replicates in the salivary glands and transmits through …

Transmission of Enteric Viruses through Saliva Read More »