Question

Compare and contrast the biological pathways and epidemiology of the novel corona virus (Covid 19) with the biological pathway and epidemiology of the Flu, H1N1 that caused the Flu epidemic of 1918-1920.

Answer 1

Comparison of biological pathways of COVID 19 and H1N1 FLU

Both Novel Corona virus and the H1N1 Virus are viruss that are of global concern and worry due to the spread of epidemic and pandemic. The comparison of their epidemiology is as follows.

S.No	H1N1 Virus	Novel Corona Virus- COVID-19
	H1N1 Viruses are the influenza A virus. It created a pandemic in 1918 and was observed first time in spain. This was a combination of human virus and avian virus. It originated when human H1 Acquired Avian N1( Neuraminidase) . It caused the deadliest Flu by killing nearly 50 million people worldwide. It causes Swine Flu Symptoms: Cold , runny nose, fever( often). Body ache and headache. The persons infected from swine Flu in 1918 were persons between 20-40 Entry Into host- Once the Virus enters the host it , adheres to the lining of the cells of the respiratory tract via a protein called hemaglutinins. When it contact the cell it sheds its Coat. Its injects its RNA into the nucleus of the host, hijacks its genetic machinery to replicate. Hence large number of viruses are produces at the site of infection and such patient can even transmit infection. Immunology Involved : both cellular and humoral immune response is evoked. H1 or MN antibodies are seen in serum after infection. Diagnosis: By using Rapid influenza Diagnostic kit Treatment: There are FDA approved Drugs for the treatment · Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) · Zanamivir (Relenza) · Peramivir (Rapivab) · Baloxavir (Xofluza)	Corona Viruses are Viruses that contains single stranded Genome Of RNA.There are Four generas of corona Virus Identified till date ( α,β,ϒ,δ). It is also named as( Sars-COV- 2) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Presently COVID 19 Cases are found all Over the world with thr first case seen in WUHAN ( China ) . We Should note that This is not the first time that corona virus is responsible for an epidemic. Coronavirus has previously caused apidemic-MERS-Middle East respiratory symptom and SARS- Severe Acute Respiratory symptom. Symptoms- The major symptoms of COVID-19 are ARDS( Acute Respiratory Distress symptom ) with cough, Cold, fever, fatigue and pneumonia. Though the pathogenesis is not clearly understood, but gives an idea about the infection of COVID -19. The most affected people are above the age of 65 Entry into host-The envelope of the COVID -19 virus Contains glycoprotein spikes that binds to a cellular receptor. Once the Virus enters the cells, it releases its genome into the cell cytoplasm. Now in the cytoplasm the translation of RNA is done into protein, and viral genome starts replicating. After rep;lication the envelope of glycoproteins is formed and is inserted into the Golgi body or endoplasmic reticulum as a result of ehich the nucleocapsid is formed. The viral particles then tends to germinate in ERGIC known as the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment. Lastly , the vesicles that contains the virus particles fuse with the plasma membrane and the virus is released. Immunology Involved- COVID- 19 Stimulates the Humoral as well as Cell mediated Immunity. Igm and IgG are produced Similar to Viral infection. Note: CORONA VIRUS can survive in the host cells as they can produce double membrane vesicles that does not contain PRR ( pattern Recognition Sequences) and the hosts Immune System cannot recognize them. Diagnosis: The diagnosis include- History, CT Scan, And ELISA . But for Conformation Real Time PCR is used . Treatment: there is no Set treatment but inhibitors to target the RNA Replications are gibven, such as – Ramdesivir . Some patients have been treated with plasma therapy but still Clinicians are not fully successful in doing it.