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A Swiss pathologist examined the lungs of deceased corona patients and was able to draw conclusions about various courses of the disease. The findings could improve the treatment of Covid-19.
In view of the rapid increase in the number of infections, it is clear: any additional knowledge about the coronavirus is important. Researchers from Switzerland have discovered in autopsies that Covid 19 patients die for two different reasons. The results were published recently in the English journal “Nature Communications”.
Current study: two groups of corona deaths
Since the beginning of the corona pandemic, Dr. Kirsten Mertz, chief physician of the pathology department at Baselland Cantonal Hospital, and his team of people working at the COVID-19– the disease died. The researchers identified two groups among them: patients who die early from a high viral load and those who later succumb to the damage caused by corona infection.
In an interview with the Swiss news portal “Blick”, Mertz explains: “The first group dies at an early stage due to an enormously high viral load in the lungs. Unfortunately, the immune system fails to suppress the virus.” The lung tissue of these deceased patients is said to be practically intact.
“In the second group, however, it looks very different: the body of these patients can initially defeat the virus, but then you can see massive damage to the lungs and other organs,” says the pathologist. These patients would only die after several days or weeks.
The body reacts too violently to the intruder. Then the virus may go away, but the inflammation destroys the tissue and organs. “It’s like when the dentist removes all your teeth because you have cavities. Then the cavities disappear, but also your teeth,” compares the doctor.
Pathologist Calls Coronavirus a “Killer”
When asked what a serious illness depends on, Mertz replied in the “Blick” interview: “Safe from the dose.” The higher the viral load, the stronger the body’s immune response. and more cells would be destroyed. The fact that a person infected with corona should fear a severe course is not only due to factors such as previous diseases and age. The amount of viral load you carry can also be decisive. This is why masks and distance rulers are so useful.
Lungs: SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus can affect all organs. (Icon Image) (Source: sompong_tom / Getty Images)
Mertz also says: “That Coronavirus was and is a murderer. This will continue to be the case in the future. “There have been” slight mutations “since spring, but overall the virus itself hasn’t changed much, according to the pathologist. And the risk groups remain the same, especially older people. and those with previous illnesses, but no one is guaranteed to be saved from serious illness, Mertz says.
Lessons for the treatment of Covid-19
The study’s pathological examinations could make important contributions to Covid-19 research and therapy. By dividing corona deaths into two groups, it would be easier to estimate which drug treatment could be used at what time.
Patients in the early course would be more likely to need anti-inflammatory and antiviral medications. “Remdesivir, for example, the antiviral drug that Donald Trump also received, certainly has a better effect if given well in advance,” Mertz emphasizes.
The use of Remdesivir is allowed in Europe; however, the active ingredient is highly controversial. In some patients it worked, in others no improvement could be seen. Only recently was it made public that the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies remdesivir as ineffective against Covid-19.
Important note: The information is in no way a substitute for the professional advice or treatment of qualified and recognized physicians. The content of t-online cannot and should not be used to independently make diagnoses or initiate treatments.
