Sars Virus May Be Mutating
Efficacy of Anti-Viral Drug Called Into Question
As scientists discover more about the molecular
characteristics of the virus that causes Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), some disturbing facts are
emerging.
First of all, this is a hardy virus that can survive for
days outside its host. Unlike the HIV or hepatitis
C viruses, SARS has many potential transmission routes, which
helps explain why so many healthcare workers have contracted
it from their patients.
Since the SARS virus can survive on common surfaces at room
temperature for hours or even days, people can catch this
deadly infection without face-to-face contact with a sick
person. One study showed the virus survived for at least 24
hours on a plastic surface at room temperature. This means it
might be possible to become infected from touching a tabletop,
doorknob or other object.
Disinfecting areas that you touch may be ineffective, as
German scientists found a common detergent failed to kill the
virus. Japanese scientists concluded that the virus could live
for extended periods in the cold, suggesting it could survive
the winter.
What has doctors most concerned, however, is that the SARS
virus may easily mutate into a form that is resistant to
anti-viral therapies. About six samples of the virus have been
genetically unraveled and no two are exactly alike. This makes
finding an effective vaccine or anti-viral drug therapy that
much more difficult.
Physicians initially reported encouraging results with a
multi-drug cocktail that included the anti-viral drug
ribavirin and an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid drug. SARs
patients who were given these drugs in the disease's early
stages showed the best response. Initiating anti-viral drug
therapy early in a viral disease process has proven efficacy.
For example, if a person was exposed to the influenza virus,
the FDA approved drug Tamiflu® can prevent most infections
if taken before symptoms manifest. If Tamiflu is taken as soon
as flu symptoms develop, the average duration of illness can
be reduced.
As SARS strikes a growing number of people residing in
China, however, it is becoming apparent that some individuals
are dying even if they are given ribavirin. A group of French
researchers has shown that ribavirin is not useful in killing
a version of the SARS virus in cell culture. The Canadian
government initially included ribavirin in its SARS protocol,
but has withdrawn that recommendation pending further
study.
There is so much contradictory information being released
about SARS that it is not possible to publish a therapeutic
protocol for SARS at this time. In the event a member of The
Life Extension Foundation contracts SARS, please call the
health advisor help line at 1-800-226-2370 and ask that a Life
Extension physician return your call on an emergency
basis.
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