ICL study: SARS-CoV-2 virus can infect with microscopic droplets

The study was carried out by scientists at Imperial College London (ICL, UK). This is the first study on world that volunteers will actively infect with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to the daily The Indian Express (India).

The SARS-CoV-2 virus can infect with droplets 10 micrometers (µm) in diameter, equivalent to the size of blood cells. SHUTTERSTOCK

This form of research is controversial because it intentionally exposes participants to viruses or pathogens. Even with safety measures in place, there are some risks, especially with new strains of the virus.

However, this type of research is valuable because it helps scientists better understand disease progression and how it affects the human body. With most other studies, patients only go to doctors or scientists when symptoms appear. Therefore, what happened in the previous days will not be fully observed.

The study started in March 2021 with 36 volunteers. Their age is between 18 and 30, only allowed to participate in the absence of any serious Covid-19 risk factors such as overweightimpaired liver and kidney function, heart and lung problems, blood diseases and some problems health other.

Volunteers will be infected Covid-19 by passing a drop of liquid containing the virus through a small tube and into the nose. All were medically monitored 24 hours a day for 2 weeks at the laboratory at the Royal Freedom Hospital in London (UK). The research team also prepares antiviral drugs Remdesivir and monoclonal antibodies in case someone has a severe change..

Of the participants, 2 were uninfected. The rest had only mild symptoms such as stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. No one has the virus spread to the lungs and no one Post-Covid-19 symptoms. This could be because they are young and healthy and are only infectious with small amounts of the virus, said infectious diseases doctor Christopher Chiu, lead author of the study at Imperial College London (ICL). The Indian Express.

The study drew important conclusions as a virus-containing droplet with a diameter of 10 micrometers (µm), equivalent to the size of a blood cell, is enough to infect healthy people. 1 meter is equal to 1 million micrometers. A healthy volunteer can recover Covid-19 in 6.5 days. However, some can take up to 12 days.

Also, some people can shed large amounts of the virus without showing any symptoms. Research also again shows that wearing a mask to cover your nose and mouth helps limit the spread of disease very effectively, according to the report. The Indian Express.