Current Affairs

Issue

Researchers have indulged in studying the effects of SARS CoV-2 virus on kidney cells of humans in lab settings.

 

Background

Kidney failure and long term organ damage is a common symptom of people infected with Covid-19 as well as those recovered.

 

Details

The study gave observations such as:

• Till now there is no clear evidence to determine if the damage is a direct result of virus infection or response of body to infection.

• The SARS Cov-2 virus was able to replicate in kidney cells when they were infected. This however did not result in death of the cell.

• Already damaged kidney cells are more vulnerable for getting infected from the virus than normal healthy cells.

• Interferon molecules in cells created inflammatory response as a result of infection. Cells that did not contain interferon molecules died and that prevented spread of infection.

 

Take-away

• The studies emphasised that virus was not the primary reason for damage of kidney cells and prior injury may be the main reason.

• If such prior injury already exists in kidneys, the virus makes use of the opportunity and jumps onto such cells. Protection of kidney may prevent fatal damage during infection.