Identifying
the antibodies that really help fight coronavirus
A
patient recovering from Covid-19 may be making antibodies, but this does not
really mean how much the immune system has done. Some antibodies can protect
the body, some may not, and some antibodies can cause damage to the body.
Scientists have developed a new laboratory test to detect antibodies, which
specifically target antibodies that “weaken” and prevent cell infection.
“Through the many experiments currently in use, we can detect antibodies but
that does not tell us whether they make antibodies.
The
Assay examines that antibodies are a renewable energy source, meaning that they
prevent the patient from re-infecting and prevent recurrence of the virus.
Studies of this new trial have shown that in general, ICU patients have
produced significantly higher levels of antibodies, and recovery plasma donors
and health care workers have significantly lower body mass levels. “So the more
severe the disease, the more antibody levels are produced. And this tells us
that there is a wide range of different antibody levels after infection.
Research can be used to tell if antibodies are formed in people who have had
contact with SARS-CoV-2.
Anti-ulcer
drug shows promise in suppressing coronavirus
Hong
Kong researchers have reported a new antiviral treatment strategy for Covid-19.
They found that a class of existing drugs, currently used to treat other
infectious diseases, could suppress SARS-CoV-2 duplication and eliminate the
symptoms of Covid-19 in an animal model. Their findings were published in
Nature Microbiology. These are metallodrugs, which contain metal compounds. Iron
compounds are often used as anti-microbial agents, but their antibacterial
activity is rarely tested.
Their
discovery now offers a new treatment option for Covid-19 treatment. Researchers
have tested metallodrugs and related compounds including the ranitidine
bismuthcit rate (RBC), a commonly used anti-ulcer drug that contains iron
bismuth. They identified RBC as a powerful SARS-CoV-2 anti. RBC targets a
protein called Nsp13, which is essential for SARS-CoV-2toreplicate. Tests have
shown that RBC reduces the viral load by 1,000 times in cells infected with
SARS-CoV-2. In the Syrian gold hamster, the RBC was found to suppress
SARS-CoV-2 duplication and reduce viral load by 100 times in the upper and
lower respiratory tract, as well as to reduce viral pneumonia.
Coronavirus
‘molecular scissor’ as a target of Covid-19 drugs
In
the novel coronavirus, an enzyme called SARSCoV-2-PL pro helps infection by
processing viral and human proteins. It stimulates the release of proteins that
the virus needs to replicate. In the human body, it prevents molecules that
signal antibodies from invading infection. New research shows that the
anti-Covid-19 drug is designed to block this protein - the "scissor"
of SARSCoV-2 cells. American scientists have solved the three-dimensional
structures of SARS-CoV-2-PLpro. Using this information, Polish chemists
developed two molecules that block the enzyme.
These
molecules, called VIR250 and VIR251, are very effective in inhibiting the
activity of SARS-CoV-2-PLpro, but they do not respond to human enzymes with the
same function. The U.S. team also compared SARS-CoV-2-PLpro with similar
enzymes from corona viruses in recent decades, SARSCoV-1 and MERS. By
understanding the similarities and differences of these enzymes in different
corona cells it is possible to develop inhibitors that work against many
viruses.
The
World Health Organization(WHO)on Thursday made available interim results from
the Solidarity Therapeutics Trial —alarge scale global trial studying the effectiveness
of various repurposed therapies in Covid-19 treatment. The findings put a
dampener on expectations from these therapies— including remdesivir, once seen as
promising.
What is the Solidarity Trial?
The
world's “largest” human clinical trial of Covid-19, launched by WHO and its
partners to help find effective treatment for Covid 19. Includes four dual
drugs or a combination of drugs - remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir /
ritonavir and interferon (combined with rotinavir and lopinavir).
The
study covers more than 400 hospitals in more than 30 countries and looks at the
effects of these treatments on a variety of indicators, including hereditary
mortality and reduced hospital stay. The case involved more than 11,300
participants. The main objective was to help determine which of these recurrent
therapies could at least affect hospital mortality and whether there were any
different outcomes between moderate and severe illness.
The Solidarity Trial
dampener
national
coordinator of the Solidarity Trial in India. The initiative included 26 trials
in parts of India with a high burden of cases. As of October 15,937 hospitalised
Covid patients were participating,
What have the trials
found?
None
of the drugs was able to prove benefits across the parameters studied,
especially in reducing mortality among hospitalised patients. These drugs had little
effect on hospitalised Covid-19 patients “as indicated by overall mortality,
initiation of ventilation and duration of hospital stay.” Drugs like hydroxychloroquine
and lopinavir, in fact, had already been dropped over the course of the last six
months for not showing much promise.
What are the findings on
remdesivir?
The
results of mortality contain most of the randomized controlled trials of
Remdesivir and Interferon, and are consistent with meta-analyzes of mortality
in all major trials, ”states the newspaper. Interferon has been acquitted. The
findings were heartwarming for the American biopharmaceutical firm of Gilead
Sciences, which developed and restored patents. The statement said the data
appeared to be inconsistent with strong evidence from many other studies on the
benefits of updated clinics published in peer-reviewed journals.
It
said at least three randomized clinical trials had shown the benefits of
rehabilitation. Some experts have asked about the availability of tests
identified by Gilead Sciences. Dr Srinath Reddy, president of the Public Health
Foundation of India and a member of the executive committee of the Solidarity
Trial, addressed a case involving more than a thousand patients in the US. The
numbers were too small for clinical trials - it turned out that the remdesivir
group had better predictive indicators than the control arm. So, in a way, we
cannot say that the recovery period was due to renewal and not because of other
factors. . ”“ Personal experiences are priceless. However, that does not help
to compare in clinical setting. The Solidarity Trial commented on the
importance of rehabilitating patients in hospitals said the WHO Chief
Scientist.
To what extent have these
drugs been used in India?
While
India has discontinued the use of compounds such as lopinavir / ritonavir at
the onset of the disease, a combination of remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine and
interferon is still being used as part of Covid-19 treatment depending on the
severity of the illness. Remdesivir, in particular, was much sought after. The
market value of India's remdesivir was identified at about Rs 121.29 crore in
the last 12 months of September, according to pharmaceutical research company
AIOCDA wacs Pharma Trac.
The
figures were based on data from only four remdesivir brand products - Desrem
(Mylan), Remdac (ZydusCadila), Cipremi (Cipla) and Covifor (Hetero) - meaning
that the market could be too big. With new products hitting the market, sales
have gone up. Pharma Trac data shows sales of about 96% between July and
September for these four products.
How much of a blow are these
findings to those prescribing these drugs?
It
is up to the various governments, who will take the call whether the evidence
is convincing enough to remove these treatments from their clinical management
agreements. Doctors who feel that the drugs should be part of treatment may
also take a call for how they will be used in each case. According to the
results of the Solidarity Trial, hydroxychloroquine, which is available in
toxic doses, is less likely to be released by hospital patients. As for
lopinavir and ritonavir, they are out. Interferon decisions have not yet come
out and we will have to wait for more details, because the body responds to any
viral infection by making interferon.
How can be safe in your house, what
are the precautions you have taken to avoid the current scenario of COVID 19
write any 10 points?
Most common symptoms of Coronavirus
v
Fever
v
Dry cough
v
Tiredness
Less common symptoms of Coronavirus
v
Aches and pains
v
Sore throat
v
Diarrhea
v
Conjunctivitis
v
Headache
v
Loss of taste or smell
v
A rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toe
To prevent the spread of
COVID-19:
Clean
your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
Maintain
a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Wear
a mask when physical distancing is not possible.
Don’t
touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
Cover
your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Stay
home if you feel unwell.
If
you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.
Calling
in advance allows your healthcare provider to quickly direct you to the right
health facility. This protects you, and prevents the spread of viruses and
other infections.
Masks
- Masks can help prevent the spread of the virus from the person wearing the
mask to others. Masks alone do not protect against COVID-19, and should be
combined with physical distancing and hand hygiene. Follow the advice provided
by your local health authority.
Self-care
If you
feel sick you should rest, drink plenty of fluid, and eat nutritious food. Stay
in a separate room from other family members, and use a dedicated bathroom if
possible. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Everyone
should keep a healthy lifestyle at home. Maintain a healthy diet, sleep, stay
active, and make social contact with loved ones through the phone or internet.
Children need extra love and attention from adults during difficult times. Keep
to regular routines and schedules as much as possible.
It is
normal to feel sad, stressed, or confused during a crisis. Talking to people
you trust, such as friends and family, can help. If you feel overwhelmed, talk
to a health worker or counselor.
How It Spreads
The virus
that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an
infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. These droplets are too heavy to
hang in the air, and quickly fall on floors or surfaces.
You can
be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within close proximity of
someone who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then your
eyes, nose or mouth.