We hear a lot about helpful bacteria in our body such as in our guts helping us digest food. What about viruses? Are there any known viruses that help our body and if so what is it referred to? Just curious if there is such a thing as a good virus like there is with bacteria.
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There are bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) that can protect us from harmful bacterial infections. There are also viruses that can protect us from being infected by other, harmful viruses. Some viruses produce proteins that are beneficial and their presence can be considered symbiotic. Retroviruses in the distant past have had portions of their DNA incorporated into ours and passed down through the generation, providing benefits and influencing our evolution. Other viruses have been shown to only infect cancer cells and are being researched as a treatment option. Of course there are also man-made viruses that are being used to treat various diseases and disorders, or provide protection against diseases.
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