The Lycanthrope Retrovirus 

Source: Canadian Shield Medical Database

This condition, as documented by Alex Harris and the Genetics Division (aka "The Gene Team") of Harris Labs, recently underwent a thorough study. Canadian Shield encountered Danielle Beauchamps (aka Witch Wolf) on the GAIA team, while on assignment at Bikini Atol. Since Ms. Beauchamps had not manifested any symptoms prior to her sexual relationship with Jean Codere (aka Loup Garou), it stands to reason that she might have contracted the condition from Jean. The report follows:

Name:
Lycanthropy (Human Lycanthropy Retrovirus or HLR)

Description:
The condition known as lycanthropy, previously diagnosed as a mental condition by Dr. Freud in the 19th century, has since been proven to be a physiological one instead. There are two types of this condition. One is congenital, the other acquired through contact with another lycanthrope.

The patient is able to transform him or herself at will to one of three forms: Human (base normal), Lupine (canis lupus, resembling the North American timber wolf, only larger than most wolves of either sex.) and the Were-Form (a half-human, half-wolf, with exceptional strength, enhanced senses, stamina and constitution) Fur colouring typically matches that of the human form's body hair.

The patient also experiences episodes during the full phase of the moon. Studies have shown it is not necessary for the subject to see the moon or be in its light, it affects them as it does the tides. The patient undergoes an involuntary transformation into the lupine form for the duration of the full moon phase.

Transformation

Risk Factors:
Sexual contact, tainted blood, placenta, contaminated mucous membranes, contaminated syringes as in intravenus drug use. (* Same infection risk as H.I.V.)

NB:
The virus seems to be only active or virulent when the patient is in the were-form (half-human/half-wolf), it does not seem to be contagious when in either the human or lupine forms.

Target Population:
Non-specific. More common in Europeans, but documented cases have been recorded in India, Africa, China, and many native peoples, although the particular symptoms may vary depending on what is the dominant predator of the area.

If heredity is a factor in acquiring the condition, target population ranges from 11-17 for first transformation, however, anyone can acquire the condition (see risk factors).

Onset:
Typically early adolescence, at the time of sexual maturity. In female patients, this would typically coincide with the first onset of menses. In males it is harder to track, but has usually occurred by the time secondary sexual development is apparent.

Signs & Symptoms:
Enhanced strength, agility, sensory perception and rapid healing.

Patient display exaggerated secondary sexual characteristics. Males, for example will have a greater proliferation of body hair.  Females tend towards the voluptuous. In many cases, there is a change in eye colour, either a pigmentation loss (changes to light blue) or a jaundaced look (eyes turn amber).

The condition seems to enhance auditory and olfactory perception and accelerate the healing process. Wounds may take as much as a day or as little as a minute to heal completely. Typically, there is no scarring unless the wound is tainted.

The patient develops an extreme hypersensitivity to silver. Physical contact produces contact dermatitis. If any silver penetrates the dermis, anaphalaxis will result.  Patient will go into shock almost immediately.***

Progression:
Once infected with the HLR, the virus begins re-writing the genetic code of the host. Depending on level of contact and relative health of the host, DNA is completely converted anywhere from 12 to 24 hours from first exposure.

Prognosis:
Provided they avoid contact with silver, patients can live long, healthy lives. The changes to the immune system prevent serious tissue damage through trauma or disease.

Treatment:
None available at this time. It may be possible to undo the effects on the genetic level, using artificial Hunterviruses, such as the one developed to eliminate A.I.D.S. in 1999.

 *** If silver anaphalaxis occurrs, remove the source of the allergen if possible and treat with epinephrin or adrenaline. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

Prevention:
Avoid contact with a werewolf when in its were-form. Treat any wounds with antiseptic immediately and contact an MD for a HLR blood test.

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