COVID-19 (Coronavirus) affecting male fertility(testicular tissue) and damage the kidney and Proposed Management

A team of Chinese researchers led by Li Yufeng, a professor from the Center for Reproductive Medicine of Tongji Medical College in Wuhan, where the Novel Coronavirus emerged in December 2019, found that the male COVID-19 patients are at high risk of developing fertility issues.

The findings were published on the website of the hospital on March 10 and then got posted by the official website of Hubei Province on Thursday. The published report was removed after the news went viral on Chinese social media platforms.

The team of scientists revealed that the COVID-19 could get into the cells through the combination of spike protein (S protein) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) which caused tissue damage. As per the Chinese team, along with lungs, there are many other organs in the human body, such as testes, small intestine, kidney, heart, and thyroid gland which could be affected by the ACE2.

ACE2 (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2) has been shown to be one of the major receptors that mediate the entry of 2019-nCoV into human cells, which also happens in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS). 

(SARS - coV - 2 என்ற அறிவியல்  பெயரைக் கொண்ட இந்த வைரஸின் மரபணுக்களை ஆய்வு செய்த நிபுணர்கள், அவை ஆய்வகத்தில் செயற்கையாகவோ அல்லது மரபணுமாற்றம்  செய்யப்பட்டோ உருவாகவில்லை என்றும் இயற்கையில் பரிணமித்த புதிய இனப்பிரிவு என்றும் உறுதிப்படுத்தியுள்ளனர்.  கடந்த டிசம்பரில் சீனாவின் வுஹான் நகரில் மனிதர்களிடம் நோயை ஏற்படுத்தும்  SARS - coV - 2  இனப்பிரிவைச் சேர்ந்த கொரோனா வைரஸ் தனது கைவரிசையை காட்டத் தொடங்கியது.  வுஹான் நகரில் வைரஸ் ஆய்வு நிறுவனம் உள்ளதால் கொரோனா வைரஸ் அங்கே ரகசியமாக தயாரிக்கப்பட்ட செயற்கை கிருமி என்ற புரளி எழுந்தது. “ஏற்கெனவே நாம் அறிந்துள்ள வேறு கொரோனா வைரஸ் இனப்பிரிவுகளின் மரபணு தொடரோடு புதிய இனப்பிரிவை ஒப்பிட்டு பார்க்கும்போது  SARS - coV - 2 இனப்பிரிவு வைரஸ் இயற்கையில் பரிணமித்த ஒன்று என தெள்ளத்தெளிவாக புலப்படுகிறது” என்கிறார்கள் ஆய்வாளர்கள்.

பூட்டும்  வைரஸ்களின் கள்ளசாவியும்

ஓம்புயிரிகளின் செல்களில் புகுந்து அந்த உயிரியின் செல்அமைப்பை பயன்படுத்தித்தான் வைரஸ்கள் இனப்பெருக்கம் செய்யும். எனவே எப்படியாவது ஓம்புயிரி செல்களுக்குள் செல்ல வைரஸ் துடிக்கும். ஓம்புயிரிகளின் செல்கள் தங்கள் கதவை திறந்த வைத்து வா வா என்று வைரஸ்களை அழைக்காது. செல் சுவர் கொண்டு வைரஸ்களை உள்ளே எளிதில் நுழைய முடியாமல் தடுத்து நிறுத்தும். ஆனால் கதவு பூட்டிய கோட்டை போல எல்லா நேரமும் செல்கள் இருந்துவிட முடியாது. செல்பிரிதல், செல் செயல்படுதல் போன்ற எல்லா இயக்கத்துக்கும் ஆற்றல் தேவை. பற்பல புரத பொருள்கள் தேவை. ரத்தம் எடுத்துவரும் புரத பொருள்கள், ஆக்ஸிஜன் போன்ற பொருள்கள் செல்களுக்கு வெளியில் இருந்து உள்ளே செல்ல வேண்டும். உள்ளே ஏற்படும் வேதி வினை காரணமாக உருவாகும் மாசுகளை அப்புறப்படுத்த வேண்டும். எனவே, செல்களின் சுவர்களில் கதவு போன்ற அமைப்பு இருக்கும். தேவை ஏற்படும்போது மட்டும் கதவு திறந்து வெளியே உள்ள பொருள் உள்ளே வரும். உள்ளே உற்பத்தியாகும் மாசுகள் வெளியேற்றப்படும்.

சரியான புரதப்பொருள்கள் வந்து சேரும்போது, அவற்றை செல்களின் சுவர்களில் பற்றிப் பொருத்துவதற்காக கைப்பிடி போன்ற ஏற்பிகள் இருக்கும். அந்த புரதங்களின் ஒரு பகுதி சாவியின் வடிவில் இருக்கும். செல்சுவற்றில் உள்ள கதவு பூட்டின் உள்ளே இந்த சாவி வடிவம் நுழையும்போது கதவு திறந்து புரதம் உள்ளே செல்ல முடியும். பூட்டை உடைத்து திருடன் நுழைவது போல கள்ளச்சாவி போட்டு கதவை திறந்து வைரஸ்கள் உள்ளே நுழையும். ஒவ்வொரு பூட்டின் சாவியும் வெவ்வேறு வடிவில் இருக்கும் அல்லாவா? அதுபோல ஒவ்வொரு உயிரியின் பூட்டும் கைப்பிடியும் வெவ்வேறு வடிவில் இருக்கும். இதனால்தான், எல்லா வைரஸ்களும் எல்லா உயிரிகளின் செல்களிலும் புகுந்துவிட முடிவதில்லை. இதன் காரணமாகவே, மாட்டுக்கு நோய் ஏற்படுத்தும் வைரஸ்கள், பல சமயம் மனிதர்களுக்கு ஆபத்து ஏற்படுத்துவதில்லை. அதாவது ஒவ்வொரு வைரஸுக்கும் அதற்கு ஏற்ற ஓம்புயிரிகள் உள்ளன. தனது ஓம்புயிரி செல்களைப்பற்றி துளையிட்டு புகுந்து செல்வதற்காக அந்த குறிப்பிட்ட வைரஸ்களுக்கும் அதன் மேலுறையில் செல்களின் ஏற்பிகளை பற்றி பிடிக்கும் RBD புரதம் மற்றும் செல்சுவரின்  கதவை திறக்கும் சாவி போன்ற அமைப்பு, புரதம் போன்ற சிறப்பு அமைப்புகள் இருக்கும்.

SARS - coV - 2  மரபணு தொடரை ஆராய்ந்த போது, இந்த வகை வைரஸ்களின் கூர் முனைகளில் மனித செல்களின் மீது உள்ள ACE2 என்ற ஏற்பியை பற்றிக்கொள்ளும் விதத்தில் ‘ஏற்பி பற்று’ புரதம் பரிணமித்துள்ளது என கண்டறிந்தனர். அதாவது  ACE2  என்ற பூட்டை திறக்கும் சரியான சாவி SARS - coV - 2  -யிடம் இருந்தது.)

Several researches have indicated that some patients have abnormal renal function or even kidney damage in addition to injury in respiratory system, and the related mechanism is unknown. This arouses our interest in whether coronavirus infection will affect the urinary and male reproductive systems. Here in this study, we used the online datasets to analyze ACE2 expression in different human organs. The results indicate that ACE2 highly expresses in renal tubular cells, Leydig cells and cells in seminiferous ducts in testis. Therefore, virus might directly bind to such ACE2 positive cells and damage the kidney and testicular tissue of patients. Our results indicate that renal function evaluation and special care should be performed in 2019-nCoV patients during clinical work, because of the kidney damage caused by virus and antiviral drugs with certain renal toxicity. In addition, due to the potential pathogenicity of the virus to testicular tissues, clinicians should pay attention to the risk of testicular lesions in patients during hospitalization and later clinical follow-up, especially the assessment and appropriate intervention in young patients' fertility.

According to the experts, the male reproductive function could be affected, as a large amount of ACE2 detected in testes, mainly concentrated in testicular spermatogonia, are rounded stem cells that lie in contact with the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules.

According to the experts, the new coronavirus, known as SARS-CoV-2, enters human cells and causes tissue damage by binding its spike protein to cell membrane protein angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).

ACE2 is known to be present in other human organs apart from the lungs and can especially be abundant in a man’s testes. It can be concentrated in several cells which are directly related to the male reproductive abilities, including the germ cells, supporting cells and Leydig cells, the team claimed.

They added that during the SARS outbreak in 2002 and 2003, medics observed serious immune system damage in the testicles of some male patients.

Even though doctors did not detect the SARS coronavirus, or SARS-CoV, in patients’ testicles, they could suffer inflammation in their sexual organs, the study said.

Since the new coronavirus is highly similar to the SARS coronavirus and the two share the same host cell receptor ACE2, the team concluded that, in theory, the new coronavirus could cause damage to men’s testicles.

‘Therefore, for men who have had the infection, especially those who need to reproduce, it is best to undergo relevant fertility tests, such as sperm quality and hormone level tests, upon recovery to detect possible problems as soon as possible,’ a hospital report wrote.

Currently, Apeiron Biologics AG, a company founded by Penninger, is scheduled to start a pilot clinical trial for a newly-developed drug designed to decrease mortality in those affected by the virus. ‘This is where we believe our soluble ACE2 would come in,’ he explained, ‘Because ACE2 sits on the membrane and our molecule is soluble, it would soak up the virus like a neutralising antibody, so the virus cannot find its real receptor. With less virus coming, this would slow down viral infection and improve disease because the virus cannot properly get in and infect the cells. We believe, based on the discovery of ACE2 – and its function as a negative regulator of renin angiotensin, protecting heart, kidneys, liver, protecting the lung – this would make sense as a therapeutic for COVID-19.’

This, he concluded, would have two functions – taking the virus away from its real receptor by working as a neutralising antibody and, second, protecting tissues – as in the lung – from the disease. Penninger emphasised that carefully-designed placebo controlled trials in COVID patients are now needed to test the science.

Proposed Management 

Conclution

 ACE2 is an integral component of the RAS

(The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a signalling pathway that acts as a homeostatic regulator of vascular function . Its systemic actions include the regulation of blood pressure, natriuresis, and blood volume control. However, the RAS also plays an important local role, regulating regional blood flow and controlling trophic responses to a range of stimuli. The RAS is composed of a number of different regulatory components and effector peptides that facilitate the dynamic control of vascular function, in both health and disease ). 

Many of these components have opposing functions to accommodate a rapid but coordinated response to specific triggers.. It is highly expressed in the vasculature, the kidney, lungs, and heart where its actions on peptide signals balance and offset those of ACE. Its actions appear critical in a variety of disease states, including hypertension, diabetes, ageing, renal impairment, and cardiovascular disease. ACE2 deficiency leads to modest physiological changes. However, in states of RAS activation, the loss of ACE2 appears far more important in the development and progression of disease.

Doctors claim new coronavirus 'may cause damage to a man's TESTICLES' as they urge male patients to take fertility tests upon recovery.

Medication Good News For COVID-19 Interferon Alpha 2B and Favipiravir shows good clinical efficacy in treating COVID-19

For 40 years, Cuba has been using a molecule named Interferon Alpha 2B, which has successfully been used to combat the new Coronavirus in China and elsewhere.

"The world has an opportunity to understand that health is not a commercial asset but a basic right," Cuban doctor Luis Herrera, the creator of the Interferon Alfa 2-B medication, one of the most successful medications in the fight against COVID-19

One of the ways the virus can multiply inside the cells is by decreasing the levels of Interferon naturally produced in human cells. The molecule thus, through a different metabolic way, it is able to create conditions in order to limit the replication of the virus.

Interferons (IFNs) comprise a family of secretory proteins induced in response to specific extracellular stimuli through stimulation of toll-like receptors (TLRs; ). Acting in paracrine or autocrine modes, IFNs stimulate intra- and intercellular networks for regulating innate and acquired immunity, resistance to viral infections, and normal and tumour cell survival and death. Through high-affinity cell surface receptors IFNs stimulate genes, using signalling molecules used by other cytokines, but first identified through studies of IFNs. Perturbations in these pathways can lead to overstimulation of cellular functions or can make cells resistant to a given ligand, facilitating either progression or resistance of malignancy. IFNs act on almost every cell type and through their cellular actions can be effective in inhibition of tumour emergence, progression, and for inducing regression

Favipiravir

Favipiravir (T-705; 6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-2-pyrazinecarboxamid,) is an antiviral drug that selectively inhibited the RdRP of influenza virus. It showed specific activity against all three influenza A, B, and C. also inhibited the RV replication in HeLa cells, with an EC50 of 29 µg/mL.  

The analysis showed that the primary mechanism of action of favipiravir against the influenza virus was a specific inhibition of vRNA polymerase. It is predicted that a similar mechanism might occur with other viruses, such as PV and RV, inhibited by favipiravir, which may account for its broad-spectrum inhibition. Mechanistic studies show that the favipiravir and its form favipiravir-RMP (favipiravir-ribofuranosyl-50-monophosphate) do not inhibit influenza RNA polymerase activity, but it is the phosphoribosylated form, favipiravir-ribofuranosyl-50-triphosphate (RTP) that inhibits the enzyme. Metabolism of favipiravir to its triphosphate form occurs in an extracellular environment in a concentration-dependent manner. The vRNA polymerase mistakenly recognizes favipiravir-RTP as a purine nucleotide. This favipiravir-RTP is misincorporated in nascent vRNA, or it may act by binding to conserved polymerase domains, preventing incorporation of nucleotides for vRNA replication and transcription.

China has completed the clinical research of Favipiravir, an antiviral drug that has shown good clinical efficacy against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), according to an official Tuesday.

Favipiravir, the influenza drug which was approved for clinical use in Japan in 2014, has shown no obvious adverse reactions in the clinical trial, said Zhang Xinmin, director of the China National Center for Biotechnology Development under the Ministry of Science and Technology, at a press conference.

More than 80 patients have participated in the clinical trial in The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, including 35 patients taking Favipiravir and 45 patients on a control group. Results showed that patients receiving Favipiravir treatment turned negative for the virus in a shorter time compared with patients in the control group.

 a multi-centred randomized clinical study led by the Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University also suggested that the therapeutic effect of Favipiravir is much better than that of the control group.

Favipiravir has been recommended to medical treatment teams and should be included in the diagnosis and treatment plan for COVID-19 as soon as possible, Zhang said.

Other Good News 

A new academic study reveals over-the-counter anti-malaria pill Chloroquine maybe highly effective at treating coronavirus. According to a new academic study presented by Thomas R. Broker, (Stanford PhD), James M. Todaro (Columbia MD), and Gregory J. Rigano, Esq., in consultation with Stanford University School of Medicine, UAB School of Medicine, and National Academy of Sciences researchers, shows that over the counter anti-malaria pills Chloroquine may be highly effective at treating coronavirus COVID-19.

On Monday, we reported that NIH has begun a clinical trial of an investigational vaccine for COVID-19. A Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating an investigational vaccine designed to protect against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has begun at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (KPWHRI) in Seattle. The vaccine is called mRNA-1273 and was developed by NIAID scientists and their collaborators at the biotechnology company Moderna, Inc., based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) supported the manufacturing of the vaccine candidate for the Phase 1 clinical trial.

A new preliminary study shows that the coronavirus epidemic may be slowed by warm weather. A new study conducted by Chinese researchers shows that high temperature and high humidity reduced the transmission of COVID-19. If true, the warm the weather would bring the much-needed relief while we are waiting for the coronavirus vaccine, which is still about 12 months away. In a paper published in Social Science Research Network (SSRN), a repository and international a journal devoted to the rapid dissemination of scholarly research in the social sciences and humanities, Chinese researchers investigate how air temperature and humidity influence the transmission of COVID-19 and analyzed how the epidemic evolved in various Chinese cities taking into account the weather in each.

In February, we published a story when Israel scientists announced a breakthrough in coronavirus treatment. “After 4 years of research funded by Israel’s Ministry of Science & Technology, MIGAL’s researchers have developed an effective vaccine against avian coronavirus Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV), to be adapted soon and create a human vaccine against COVID-19,” the group said in a press release.

Just two weeks ago, as we reported on this site, German researchers have identified existing drug with the potential to treat coronavirus Covid-19. A team of scientists led by infection biologists from five German research institutions made a startling discovery about a potential drug that could treat coronavirus Covid-19. They found that an existing drug camostat mesylate might protect against COVID-19. They identified a cellular enzyme that is essential for viral entry into lung cells: the protease TMPRSS2. A clinically proven drug known to be active against TMPRSS2 was found to block SARS-CoV-2 infection and might constitute a novel treatment option (Cell).

A team of scientists from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha has to develop a drug to treat the virus and now ready to conduct a clinical trial. Participants are asked to come to 11 in-person study visits and four phone visits over a 14-month period, including one initial screening visit, two vaccination visits, and eight follow-ups. Patients will receive two injections of the vaccine in the upper arm with doses given 28 days apart.

Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute announced today it has received a green light from the government to begin its vaccine trials, the first of its kind. Its research team is enrolling 45 healthy people, ages 18 to 55, from the Seattle-area over the course of 14 months.

Chinese scientists say coronavirus vaccine may be available and ready next month. As we reported last week, Zheng Zhongwei, China director of the Science and Technology Development Centre of the National Health Commission (NHC) announced that the country is making progress and that a new coronavirus vaccine maybe ready for emergency use next month. Zheng said that a new synthetic messenger RNA (or mRNA) nucleic acid vaccine is the leading candidate for a vaccine to combat COVID-19.

Doctors in India has been successful in treating Coronavirus. Combination of drugs used: Lopinavir, Retonovir, Oseltamivir along with Chlorphenamine. They are going to suggest same medicine, globally. Italian  elderly Italian couple currently undergoing treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19) at a hospital in Jaipur have been administered a combination of two drugs, commonly used controlling HIV infection. This is the first time that this combination has been used to treat the deadly virus amid mounting cases in India. Following the success, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) had approved the ‘restricted’ use of the combination of medications-lopinavir and ritonavir, which are second-line HIV drugs, before they were administered to the elderly couple

Researchers of the Erasmus Medical Center claim to have found an antibody against coronavirus. A team of ten scientific researchers from the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam and Utrecht University say they are the first in the world to discover an antibody capable of fending off infection by the Covid-19 the variant of coronavirus. The discovery could lead to antiviral medication and the ability for people to test themselves at home for the presence of the virus. “I am too old to jump on a table,” said cellular biology professor Frank Grosveld to Erasmus Magazine. Their article is undergoing a peer review by other researchers on the online platform BioRxiv, and they believe it well then be published by the top science journal Nature.

A German biotech company has developed coronavirus test kits with 4 million tests since the outbreak began. TIB Molbiol Syntheselabor GmbH is a technology company you probably never heard of. Since 1990, Tib Molbiol, a Berlin, Germany-based biotech company that has developed tests for ailments ranging from swine flu to SARS. Dr Landt and his team have produced 40,000 coronavirus diagnostic kits, enough for about 4 million individual tests.

Gates Foundation Wellcome Trust and Mastercard joined forces to launch a $125 million Therapeutics Accelerator to combat the coronavirus (COVID19) epidemic.  Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced that it is joining forces with Wellcome Trust and Mastercard to create the COVID19 Therapeutics Accelerator to identify, assess, develop, and scale-up treatments to the epidemic.  The goal of the new initiative is to speed the development and access to therapies for COVID-19.

A network of Canadian scientists are making excellent progress in Covid19 research.

A San Diego biotech company is developing a Covid19 vaccine in collaboration with Duke University and the National University of Singapore.

Plasma from newly recovered patients from Covid 19 can treat others infected by Covid19.

1) US Researchers Deliver First COVID-19 Vaccine to Volunteers in Experimental Test Program

Scientists at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Research Institute in Seattle delivered the first rounds of a potential coronavirus a vaccine to several dozen optimistic volunteers earlier this week.

One 43-year-old vaccine recipient is Jennifer Haller, who is a mother to two teenagers.

She was all smiles afterwards, telling AP reporters she was “feeling great” as she was leaving the clinic.

“This is an amazing opportunity for me to do something,” she added.

2) Distilleries Across the United States Are Making Their Own Hand Sanitizers to Give Away for Free

Amidst national shortages of hand sanitizers, alcohol distilleries in Atlanta, Portland, rural Georgia, and North Carolina have begun using their facilities to make their own sanitation products. 

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) says that cleaning your hands with an alcohol-based rub can help to kill viruses on your hands, many of the distilleries say they hope to continue producing their bootleg sanitizers until the virus has been properly contained.

3) Air Pollution Plummets in Cities With High Rates of Quarantine

Satellite readings of air pollution levels over China and Italy show that the regions hit hardest by the COVID-19 have also caused air pollution levels to decline dramatically.

Some reports estimate that China’s quarantine has saved more than 100 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere—which is about the equivalent of what Chile produces in a year.

Not only have similar effects been reported across Italy, the canals and waterways of Venice are reportedly cleaner than ever with the waters shining crystal clear in the absence of diesel-powered boats and gondoliers.

4) Johns Hopkins Researcher Says That Antibodies From Recovered COVID Patients Could Help Protect People At Risk

The vaccine being tested in Seattle isn’t the only potential treatment for the disease—an immunologist from Johns Hopkins University is reviving a century-old blood-derived treatment for use in the United States in hopes of slowing the spread of the disease.

The technique uses antibodies from the blood plasma or serum of people who have recovered from COVID-19 infection to boost the immunity of newly-infected patients and those at risk of contracting the disease.

5) South Korean Outbreak Finally Abating as Recoveries Outnumber New Infections for Three Days in a Row

According to Reuters, South Korea recorded more COVID-19 recovery cases on March 6th than new infections for the first time since the nation experienced the largest Asian outbreak outside of China.

Since the novel coronavirus outbreak was first reported in South Korea back in January, the nation reached a peak of 909 new infections on February 29th. Now, however, Reuters reports that the declining rate of infection has continued to fall with less than 100 new cases reported for several days in a row.

6) China Celebrates Several Milestones of Recovery After Temporary Hospitals Close and Parks Reopen

Crowds of medical staffers and discharged patients were filmed celebrating the closure of all 14 temporary hospitals that opened in Wuhan to treat COVID-19 patients during the worst of the outbreak.

Authorities told the South China Morning Post this week that the virus had finally passed its peak as the nation’s mainland experienced only 11 new cases on March 13th, most of which were from international travellers.

As the outbreak is finally brought under control, parks and tourist attractions are slowly beginning to reopen to the public under careful moderation.

7) Australian Researchers Testing Two Drugs as Potential ‘Cures’ for the Virus

Professor David Paterson, director of the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research and infectious disease physician at the RBWH.

At the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, scientists have found that two different medications—both of which are registered and available in Australia—have completely wiped out traces of the disease in test tubes.

Not only that, but the drugs were also given to some of the nation’s first COVID-19 patients, which resulted in “disappearance of the virus and complete recovery from the infection,” researchers told 

The university is now looking to conduct a nationwide trial with the drugs to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of each drug administered separately and together.

8) Uber Eats is Supporting the North American Restaurant Industry By Waiving Delivery Fees for 100,000 Restaurants 

As restaurants across Canada and the United States are forced to temporarily shut down amidst COVID-19 outbreaks, Uber Eats has announced that they will be waiving delivery fees for independent restaurants.

“We know the success of every restaurant depends on customer demand,” the company said in a statement. “That’s why we’re working urgently to drive orders towards independent restaurants on Eats, to help make up for the significant slowdown of in-restaurant dining.

NEW Podcast: Daily Inspiring Covid-19 Updates from Good News Gurus Under Quarantine

“As more customers are choosing to stay indoors, we’ve waived the Delivery Fee for the more than 100,000 independent restaurants across the US and Canada on Uber Eats. We will also launch daily dedicated, targeted marketing campaigns—both in-app and via email—to promote delivery from local restaurants, especially those that are new to the app.”

9) Dutch and Canadian Researchers Are Reporting Additional Breakthrough Research on Treating the Virus

Scientists from Canada and the Netherlands have also made medical breakthroughs of their own. In Toronto, a team of researchers managed to isolate the agent responsible for the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19, which will help researchers around the world develop better diagnostic testing, treatments, and vaccines. 

“Researchers from these world-class institutions came together in a grassroots way to successfully isolate the virus in just a few short weeks,” said Dr. Rob Kozak, a clinical microbiologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. “It demonstrates the amazing things that can happen when we collaborate.” 

Meanwhile, Dutch researchers have submitted a scientific paper for publishing on how they have identified an anti-body for the virus—and it could be a world-first.

10) Here Are a Bunch of Other Ways That People and Businesses Are Supporting Each Other Throughout the US Outbreak

Dollar General has announced that they will be devoting their opening hour of shopping time to elderly customers. Athletes and sports teams are pledging to pay the wages of arena employees during the shutdown. Utility companies, landlords, automakers, and internet providers are waiving a number of late fees and payments to ease the financial burden of the shutdown. School districts across the country are still opening their doors to serve meals to kids and families.

All in all, the pandemic situation may seem grim, but these are just a few examples of how businesses and individuals are still looking out for each other during times of trouble.

What is the WBC (white blood cell) count

A white blood cell (WBC) count is a test that measures the number of white blood cells in your body. This test is often included with a complete blood count (CBC). The term “white blood cell count” is also used more generally to refer to the number of white blood cells in your body.

There are several types of white blood cells, and your blood usually contains a percentage of each type. Sometimes, however, your white blood cell count can fall or rise out of the healthy range.

Purpose of a WBC count

Having a higher or lower number of WBCs than normal may indicate an underlying condition.

A WBC count can detect hidden infections within your body and alert doctors to undiagnosed medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, immune deficiencies, and blood disorders.

This test also helps doctors monitor the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiation treatment in people with cancer.

Types of WBCs

WBCs, also called leukocytes, are an important part of the immune system. These cells help fight infections by attacking bacteria, viruses, and germs that invade the body.

White blood cells originate in the bone marrow but circulate throughout the bloodstream. There are several different types of white blood cells, each with varying responsibilities:

• Lymphocytes: These are vital for producing antibodies that help the body to defend itself against bacteria, viruses, and other threats.
• Neutrophils: These are powerful white blood cells that destroy bacteria and fungi.
• Basophils: These alert the body to infections by secreting chemicals into the bloodstream, mostly to combat allergies.
• Eosinophils: These are responsible for destroying parasites and cancer cells, and they are part of an allergic response
• Monocytes: These are responsible for attacking and breaking down germs or bacteria that enter the body.

A normal WBC count

Infants are often born with much higher numbers of WBCs, which gradually even out as they age.

According to the University of Rochester Medical Center (UMRC), these are the normal ranges of WBCs per microliter of blood (mcL):

Age range                                  WBC count (per mcL of blood)

newborns                                             9,000 to 30,000

children under 2                               6,200 to 17,000

children over 2 and adults            5,000 to 10,000

These normal ranges can vary by lab. Another common measurement for the volume of blood is cubic millimetre or mm3. A microliter and cubic millimetre equal the same amount.

The types of cells that make up WBCs usually fall within a normal percentage of your overall WBC count.

The normal percentages of the types of WBCs in your overall count are usually in these ranges, according to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS):

Type of WBC      Normal percentage of overall WBC count

Neutrophil           55 to 73 per cent

Lymphocyte        20 to 40 per cent

Eosinophil           1 to 4 per cent

Monocyte           2 to 8 per cent

Basophil               0.5 to 1 per cent

Higher or lower numbers of WBCs than normal can be a sign of an underlying condition.

Having a higher or lower percentage of a certain type of WBC can also be a sign of an underlying condition.

If levels of one particular type of white blood cell increase, this may be due to a specific trigger.

• Monocytes: High levels of monocytes may indicate the presence of chronic infection, an autoimmune or blood disorder, cancer, or other medical conditions.
• Lymphocytes: If there is an elevation in the level of lymphocytes, the condition is known as lymphocytic leukocytosis. This may occur as a result of a virus or an infection, such as tuberculosis. It may also be linked to specific lymphomas and leukaemias.
• Neutrophils: Increased levels of neutrophils in their body lead to a physical state known as neutrophilic leukocytosis. This condition is a normal immune response to an event, such as infection, injury, inflammation, some medications, and certain types of leukaemia.
• Basophils: Rising levels of basophils may occur in people with a history of underactive thyroid disease, known as hypothyroidism, or as a result of certain other medical conditions.
• Eosinophils: If a person registers high levels of eosinophils, the body might be reacting to a parasitic infection, allergen, or asthma.

Symptoms of an abnormal WBC count

The symptoms of a low WBC count include:

body aches

fever

chills

headaches

High WBC counts don’t often cause symptoms, although the underlying conditions causing the high count may cause their own symptoms.

The symptoms of a low WBC count may prompt your doctor to recommend a WBC count. It’s also normal for doctors to order a CBC and check your WBC count during an annual physical examination.

What to expect from a WBC count

A healthcare provider or lab technician needs to draw blood to check your WBC count. This blood sample is taken either from a vein in your arm or a vein on the back of your hand. It only takes a couple of minutes to draw your blood, and you may experience minor discomfort.

The healthcare provider first cleans the needle site to kill any germs and then ties an elastic band around the upper section of your arm. This elastic band helps the blood fill your vein, making it easier for the blood to be drawn.

The healthcare provider slowly inserts a needle into your arm or hand and collects the blood in an attached tube. The provider then removes the elastic band from around your arm and slowly removes the needle. Finally, the technician applies gauze to the needle site to stop the bleeding.

Healthcare providers use a different technique when drawing blood from young children and infants: Providers first puncture the skin with a lancet (a pricking needle), and then use a test strip or a small vial to collect the blood.

Results are sent to a lab for review.

Complications from a WBC count

Having your blood drawn is a simple procedure, and complications are extremely rare.

It can be difficult to take blood from people with small veins. The lab technician may be unable to locate a vein, or once the needle is inside the arm or hand, they may have to move the needle around in order to draw blood. This can cause a sharp pain or a stinging sensation.

Rare complications include:

infection at the needle site

excessive bleeding

lightheadedness or fainting

bleeding underneath the skin (hematoma)

How to prepare for a WBC count

A WBC count requires no specific preparation. You simply schedule an appointment with your doctor or set up an appointment at a local medical laboratory.

Certain medications can interfere with your lab results and either lower or increase your WBC count. The drugs that may affect your test results include:

corticosteroids

quinidine

heparin

clozapine

antibiotics

antihistamines

diuretics

anticonvulsants

sulfonamides

chemotherapy medication

Prior to having your blood drawn, tell your doctor about all prescription and nonprescription medications that you’re currently taking.

Understanding the results of a WBC count

Abnormal test results are classified by numbers that are higher or lower than the normal range for your age.

A low or high WBC count can point to a blood disorder or other medical condition. To identify the exact cause of a high or low WBC count, your doctor will take several factors into consideration, such as your list of current medications, symptoms, and medical history.

Leukopenia is the medical term used to describe a low WBC count. A low number can be triggered by:

HIV

autoimmune disorders

bone marrow disorders or damage

lymphoma

severe infections

liver and spleen diseases

lupus

radiation therapy

some medications, such as antibiotics

Leukocytosis is the medical term used to describe a high WBC count. This can be triggered by:

smoking

infections such as tuberculosis

tumours in the bone marrow

leukaemia

inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and bowel disease

stress

exercise

tissue damage

pregnancy

allergies

asthma

some medications, such as corticosteroids

After diagnosing the cause of a high or low WBC count and recommending a treatment plan, your doctor will periodically recheck your WBCs.

If your WBC count remains high or low, this can indicate that your condition has worsened. Your doctor may adjust your treatment.

If your WBC count shows a normal range, this usually indicates that the treatment is working.

Q&A: Increasing your WBC count

Q:

Are there any foods I can eat that will help increase my WBC count?

A:

No specific foods or diet is proven through research to increase the production of white blood cells.

It’s important to include a good source of protein in your diet, as amino acids found in protein, are needed to build WBCs.

Vitamins B-12 and folate are also needed to produce WBCs, so consider adding a multivitamin and mineral supplement daily. Though not proven, some believe that adding vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, garlic, selenium, and even spicy foods to your diet can boost the immune system.

If you’re being treated for cancer or other causes of leukocytosis, talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, as they might interfere with treatments.

Deborah Weatherspoon, PhD, RN, CRNA
https://www.healthline.com/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315133.php#high-levels