Question

1. What organ system does COVID-19 infect?

2. Specifically, this virus destroys the cilia in our airways. What is the role of cilia?

3. In addition, COVID- 19 causes a hyperreactive inflammation response. Normally, inflammation is a defense mechanism. What is inflammation and how is this protective? Why is the case of COVID-19 is this over-reaction of inflammation a bad thing?

4. Scientists are working around the clock to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. In the meantime, one current treatment is to inject antibodies from COVID-19 survivors into the blood of those currently suffering from the virus. Why is this helpful and which specific type of immunity is this?

Answer 1

1. COVID-19 infects the respiratory system of the body.

2. Cilia are hair-like projections present in the bronchus of the lungs. They move microbes and debris up and out of the airways. They work together with goblet cells which secrete mucus and helps to protect the lining of the bronchus and trap microorganisms.

3. Inflammation is a vital part of the immune system's response to injury and infection. It is the body's way of signalling the immune system to heal and repair damaged tissue as well as defend itself against foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria.

When inflammation occurs, chemicals from the body's leucocytes are released into the blood or affected tissues to protect our body from foreign substances. This release of chemicals increases the blood flow to the area of injury or infection and may result in redness and warmth.

The case of COVID-19 is this over-reaction of inflammation a bad thing as the inflammation can make it difficult for oxygen to pass through the alveoli into the bloodstream and the patient feel difficult to breathe.

4. This is a type of Artificial passive immunity. In this, antibodies that have been produced by the infected host or produced in vitro are given to the patients suffering from the same infection.

These type of immunity provide immediate protection to the patient as readymade antibodies are being transferred to them.