Monthly Archives: June 2020
A viruses’ survival requires a balance between transmissibility and morbidity. SARS and MERS coronaviruses caused a rapid onset of severe symptoms and had a high fatality rate, which limited the spread of the virus. A surge of new covid-19 cases has been reported, and the news suggested the rate of Covid-19 patients may be 10x’s higher than reported. If the rate of covid-19 is 10x’s higher than reported, it suggests transmissibility may be higher and the fatality rate may…..
Research suggests childhood vaccines (MMR, BCG, and polio) may provide cross-reactivity and some protection against covid-19. Most people under 50 have received the MMR and polio vaccines. Starting in the 1990’s, children received two MMR vaccinations rather than one, when two was reported to give greater protection. Cross-reactivity with childhood vaccines could explain lesser symptoms or the absence of symptoms in children and younger adults; could provide an opportunity for stop-gap measures to control covid-19; and could provide new opportunities…..
Most emerging diseases arise from cross-species transmission of viruses and bacteria, which are then transmitted from animals to humans. Live animal markets foster the spread and evolution of unstable viruses across animal species, leading to emerging disease and pandemics. We must recognize the danger and address transmission of animal pathogens across species, to prevent chronic disease and to prevent future pandemics. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/19/science/coronavirus-rats-vietnam.html
Every pandemic in history has had the greatest impact on poor and marginalized communities, going back to the Black Death—communities deprived of adequate nutrition, healthcare, and safe housing; and most likely to have chronic underlying conditions. Viral and bacterial co-infection can lead to more severe disease. Patients with chronic chlamydia pneumonia can develop heart problems; patients with chronic strep or other types of chlamydia can develop kidney problems. Influenza patients can develop a stroke months after acute influenza has resolved……
Skin, like eyes, can provide important clues to health and aid in the diagnosis of disease. The skin is our largest organ in terms of volume. The skin protects us from pathogens entering the body, unless the skin is broken; although some pathogens, such as hookworm, can enter through bare skin, when walking barefoot in grass and coming in contact with hookworm. Pathogens can be transferred from the mouth and nose to the skin; and to our devices, and then…..
Observational science goes back to Galileo. Dr. Elazer Edelman, Director of the Harvard-MIT Biomedical Engineering Center, spoke in September 2017, on the topic of “Reverse Translational Medicine”, which was defined as scientific discovery by observing what works in practice, and finding understanding from experience and observation. He emphasized the importance of scientific advocacy, and gave his own personal motto of, “Priam sciere”, or “Above all, seek to understand.” In writing the “Origin of Disease: The War Within”, we try…..
In our medical research system, researchers, institutions, charitable organizations, and manufacturers engage in joint contracts to share patents and profits. Researchers at academic institutions do research and make observations and findings; but, seldom make conclusions on causation or offer solutions for patients. Results are turned over to manufacturers to find treatments, for vague observations or findings; and some manufacturers have been known to manipulate clinical studies to reach a positive and profitable outcome. The FDA inconsistently claims overarching authority…..
Viruses are a string of dead proteins surrounded by a membrane. A virus can only replicate intracellularly, using the energy created by the infected cell. Viruses do not act—viruses react, and infect any available host, including intracellular bacteria. When a virus infects intracellular bacteria, the damaging effect of the virus may be consistent with the predilection of the bacterial host. Pathogens can act synergistically to spread throughout the body with divergent effects, cause more severe disease in acute viral illnesses…..