Covid 19

Question 1

Where di COVID 19 come from? (Covid 19)?

Answer 1

The Corona virus is thought to be brought from bats to humans. Bats are known reservoirs for infections.

The first cases of COVID 19 occurred in China.

Question 2

How does COVID 19 work on a cellular level? What receptor is targeted?

Answer 2

COVID 19 is a corona virus. It uses it’s spike protein to invade human cells. It targets the ACE2 receptor.

Question 3

What is the ACE2 receptor? What does it normally do? How does COVID 19 infection alter its function? What happens?

Answer 3

Angiotensin converting enzyme. Normally ACE2 is in charge of vasodilation, anti-inflammatory properties, and sodium excretion. COVID 19 prevents the ACE2 receptor from doing its job. This leads to ACE1 to take over. ACE1 is in charge of vasoconstriction, sodium and water retention, and aldosterone production.

Question 4

What signs and symptoms come about due to the prevention of ACE2 from doing its job? What signs and symptoms are unique to COVID 19?

Answer 4

ACE1 is allowed to take over unopposed. ACE1 receptor stimulation causes vasoconstriction, aldosterone production, and sodium and water retention.

Increased fluid retention in the body, ground glass opacities, ARDS like presentation.

Loss of taste or smell that has presented recently.

Question 5

Where is the ACE2 receptor found? How does this lead to a higher risk in certain populations?

Answer 5

The ACE2 receptor is found in the lungs, heart, brain, kidneys, intestines, and ADIPOSE TISSUE. This leads to obese people being at higher risk for developing severe effects of COVID 19.

Question 6

How is the immune system in a mode of dysfunction with COVID 19 infection?

Answer 6

COVID 19 interferes with immune system functions in three ways:
1. Excessive cytokine response
2. Neutrophil dysfunction
3. T cell loss

1. COVID 19 affects the basal cells of the epithelium layer in the organs it infects. These basal cells release chemokines and cytokines in response to being attacked. This brings about a cytokine storm. The cytokine storm and destruction of the basal cells leads to alveoli destruction and pulmonary thrombi.
2. Neutrophils overextend, secrete NETs, a fibrous substance that normally trap and destroy viruses. At high levels NETs can turn toxic and cause blood clots
3. T cell loss - after dendritic cells send out the call for help, T cells do not respond