COVID-19 (pathology)

Question 1

What virus causes COVID-19

Answer 1

SARS CoV 2

Question 2

What part of SARS CoV 2 binds to humans?

Answer 2

Spike protein on viral surface binds to ACE2 receptor in respiratory system

Question 3

How is COVID-19 transmitted?

Answer 3

• Cough
• Sneeze
• Aerosol generating procedures
• Vertical transmission
• Touch- fomites

Question 4

What is the incubation period of COVID-19?

Answer 4

1-14 days

Median 5-6

Question 5

What are the 4 stages of COVID-19 infection?

Answer 5

1. Viral entry and early infection= localised inflammation
2. Host immune response- macrophages/dendritic cells + CD8 T cells
3. Hyperinflammatory phase – virus infects macrophages and T cells= release of proinflammatory cytokines- cytokine storm = SOB in lungs
4. Multiorgan dysfunction – spread to other organs via direct infection or mass inflammatory process

Question 6

Risk factors for COVID-19 (2)

Answer 6

Elderly

Immunocompromised

Question 7

Symptoms of COVID-19 (6)

Answer 7

• Rhinorrhoea
• General malaise
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Fever

Question 8

Complications of COVID-19

Answer 8

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)-> patchy lungs filled with fluid- ↓↓ surface area

Extrapulmonary symptoms

Question 9

Investigations for COVID-19?

Answer 9

Viral PCR- nasopharyngeal swab

Question 10

Vaccines for COVID-19

Answer 10

• Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA
• Moderna mRNA
• AstraZeneca attenuated virus

Question 11

Treatment for COVID-19

Answer 11

• Antipyretic
• Steroids (dexamethasone/prednisolone)
• More specialist therapy
• Supportive therapy- O2 + fluids