Unexpected defense reaction to severe infections observed – healing practice

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Unexpected defense reactions against SARS-CoV-2

For the first time, a German team of doctors documented an unexpected defense reaction in a 60-year-old patient with COVID-19. The reaction is completely untypical to a virus infection and is more likely to occur in the case of other diseases such as allergies or parasite infestation. According to the working group, this case opens up new options for treating the disease.

Doctors at the Magdeburg University Medical Center discovered a special form of an inflammatory reaction in the lungs of a COVID-19 patient. The previously unknown defense reaction in this context offers a possible approach to the development of new therapies for COVID-19 sufferers with severe courses, the team recently reported in “Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology“.

Unexpected COVID-19 defense reaction in the lungs

In a 60-year-old man who was being treated for a severe COVID-19 infection in the intensive care unit of the Magdeburg University Medical Center, the doctors discovered for the first time an unusual reaction to the virus that has not yet been documented. It is a special type of inflammatory reaction in the blood vessels of the lungs.

The patient’s condition was critical

Professor Dr. Jens Schreiber, Director of the University Clinic for Pneumology, explains the course of the patient’s disease: “He came to us in a critical condition and with severe COVID-19. Previously, he had been mechanically ventilated for six days. He suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes and was a long-time smoker. There was no previous allergic illness or asthma. He had to undergo emergency surgery due to massive bleeding into his lungs. “

Emergency surgery exposed unexpected inflammatory reaction

During the emergency operation, the doctors discovered pronounced inflammation of the blood vessels and acute damage to the lung structure. “The inflammation of the blood vessel system of the lungs differed from the forms described so far,” adds senior physician Dr. Eva added a gap. The team also found an increased concentration of so-called eosinophilic granulocytes in the patient’s lungs and blood.

What are eosinophils?

Eosinophils are a subgroup of white blood cells. As the working group explains, as part of the body’s immune system, they fight infections by causing inflammation in the body. These immune cells are usually not found in viral infections. They are typical for allergies, bacterial infections or parasites. “Such an increased number of eosinophils is atypical for a viral infection. The exact cause is still unclear. However, we suspect a connection with the severe course of the disease, ”summarizes Dr. Gap together.

Practice and theory go hand in hand

The working group sees the findings surrounding the case as potential new options for the treatment of those affected with severe COVID-19. According to Professor Schreiber, the case also clearly shows how important it is for hospitals to work closely with scientific institutions. (vb)

Also read: Coronavirus: weak point found in SARS-CoV-2 – new point of attack unmasked.