'Seems the grace of God is insufficient'

THE SITUATION AT HAND:

Oh my! It's almost a semester since the Wuhan strain got a new habitat, Kenya. 

It's getting hot, unfading African optimism fading, tension in various sectors continues to rise, talk of politics, the economy, spiritual (Oh no, call it religion for now), and the social arena. Various agencies are faced with tough decisions to rest upon. The government for example has to weigh between the economic recovery or its citizens succumb to the virus. The clergy is risking losing it's flock. The flock is only left at the mercy of the owner, the Good shepherd. Partners (my friend included) are risking losing their besties too. It's worrying.

Allow me to make a few point outs. Kindly join me.

Memorable events, relationships, brainstorming discussions, weekend matches, fancy visits, exiles, etc. I know the very latter word sums it, comrade life. A Monday used to be a man day, to others, a mad day, you know what they title themselves? Ultra legends. Now I tend to wonder, how are comrades surviving? It's quite hard outhere. But they say communication sustains a relationship. Based on my observation, mobile phones are ingranulating the gap. Sex chatting has been the order of the night, p*rn summing the list. Oh my! It's worrying. Others due to inaccessibility of network, power, data, etc are opting for village to village tour seeking Angelas to devour. You know who they are? High school students. Guardians be on the look out!

African religionians are seventh day worshippers. You know what I mean? One day in a week. Or should I say christians? It sucks to use the word in such a context. We live in an era whereby Sabbath day preachings are what maintains us. That's how christianity is currently. The clergy is crying to the political class to re-open the 'places of worship'. I tend to wonder, who should be crying to the other in such a crisis we are facing? Some annointed servants of God can't even take a second to share the Word with their own biological families. Reason being? Their Jerusalem is unkept. Religious leaders are even opting for other businesses to sustain them. Seems the grace of God is now insufficient. That's the leader, what about their flock? It's worrying.

It's painful to see generations getting wasted. My brothers and sisters in the primary and post-primary levels, oh my! Completely diverted lives. I still wonder whether the slogan, 'When I grow up, I would like to be a...' is still recited. God have mercy. Sexual assault among school-going young girls, child labour, etc. Last week, a young Kipsigis girl was saved from a forced marriage. The young mind is still under developed so the effect left from the tragedy will be tremendous. It's so unfortunate that out of a hand-to-mouth situation left by the pandemic has led to recklessness among guardians. These minors are only taking part in enabling their familes meet their rising unmeetable unlimited wants. What is the fate of their future? The rate of school drop outs will alarm us once schools reopen.

Social media! To be specific, Facebook. Surveys shows that a good percentage are yet to attain the age of majority. And what do they post? Just non sensible nasty stuffs. Unfortunately most of us waste much of our precious time on facebook. How many hard copy books or even ebooks have you read so far? How many educative, informative clips have you watched on YouTube? I bet none. Did you know the Bible is the best story book if you want a story? Try it out. To me, I think this should be a time of self reflection, remoulding, self-learning, and re-learning. It's time to grab and grasp that new skill, new habit, new idea, new perception. This is the time to work on that weakness. Do you know who will conquer the world post corona? Those who will silently and privately remain sober and alert. One thing we forget is that at the end of the day, you are competing with yourself. Work on yourself first.

They say there is light at the end of the tunnel. But I believe there is light within this tunnel. Right there, the light illuminates the whole tunnel. Do you know who is this light? Jesus Christ. As John writes in the Gospels, he says, 'the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.' Invest in reading the word of God, God Himself. He is our sole solution. Let's wholly trust in Him. If we abide in Him, He too will abide in us. And if we have Him who is Light then we have light. 

Thank you for reading.

Welcome to my next blog post. THANK YOU!

INSIDE-COVID-19-DETECTION

INSIDE COVID-19 DETECTION

 “Go to that chamber and once attended to, come back.” Where to?

And by the way, it’s not titrations or oscillations here, no  -- it’s COVID – SARS – Diagnostic Lab.  I know what comes to your mind – syringe, sample, gloves, what else? When was your last check to that white coat? It’s indisputable that to most (if not all) was after messes emanated, right? With the recent pandemic, it’s calculable that in one way or another, we might land in there. Let’s dissert through this COVID detection:-

Please review my previous article by clicking the link below to get acquainted.
(https://mentormartinke.blogspot.com/2020/03/corona-why-we-are-doing-it.html)

Diagnosing a disease – evidence based medicine -- is key to better patient management. A disease is better treated once what’s causing it is identified. Disease – abnormal body functioning. And now, this necessitates testing. SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain novel Coronavirus. Its detection, obvious through testing, has not been a walk in the park worldwide.

The following article highlights the most recent plus the gold standard testing procedures undertaken by various laboratories in different countries. Two broad categories are addressed: Molecular and Serological.

MOLECULAR METHODS:

CDC 2019-nCoV Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel

Courtesy: CDC

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is an Atlanta-based institute whose mandate is to promote public health and safety through control and prevention of infectious diseases. This was the first COVID-19 testing procedure to receive Emergency Use Authorization from FDA. It’s used for the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in respiratory specimens from patients who have met the clinical and epidemiological criteria stipulated by CDC and WHO.

The very first step is the extraction of nucleic acid from respiratory samples collected followed by purification. From your Form 1 biology – nucleus – An organelle that controls all body functions. Nucleic acids are two: DNA and RNA. They’re housed in this organelle. In step 1, the sample is subjected to authorized extraction methods which can either be alcohol-based or membrane-based. Step 2 – real time RT-PCR. Remember, SARS-CoV-2 contains RNA genome, and so we’ll extract the RNA. This RNA genome undergoes reverse transcription into a complementary DNA (cDNA). The cDNA is then amplified (many DNA copies) following sequential thermal cycling procedures. The DNA is rapidly increased to detectable levels using specific probes.

Courtesy: NPHL

In Kenya, all COVID-19 testing services are centralized. Testing is done at the National Influenza Centre, which is a department within the National Public Health Laboratories-KNH Complex, KEMRI, private class F referral laboratories such as Pathologists Lancet Kenya, Aga Khan University Hospital, etc. All these diagnostic centres are using this method which remains to be the gold standard test for SARS-CoV-2 recommended by CDC. This PCR diagnostic method takes 2-6hrs.

And by the way, PCR means Polymerase Chain Reaction. Generally, it involves the following: Denaturation, Annealing, and Extension. RT means Reverse Transcriptase – RNA dependent DNA Polymerase -- An enzyme which converts RNA to DNA (disobeying the Central Dogma).

For further reading:
CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel

 

CEPHEID’s Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 Test

Cepheid is a US based medical diagnostic company. The Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 is a rapid test for the qualitative detection of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid (molecular-based) from respiratory samples either as swabs or aspirates. 

Courtesy: Cepheid

Testing using Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 is however run on the GeneXpert Systems. The sample is loaded onto a cartridge and then run on a GeneXpert machine. Four samples can be run simultaneously. This method takes only 45 minutes to deliver the results. It’s also a point-of-care test with an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from FDA.

For further reading:
CEPHEID's Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 Test

ABBOTT’s ID NOW COVID-19 System

Abbott is an Illinois-based medical and healthcare provider company. On March, 2020, this company inaugurated a rapid molecular-based SARS-CoV-2 detection method. This method has already received U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization in order to urgently help in the fight against this menace. It is the most effective method developed so far as positive results are relayed within 5 minutes. It only takes 15 minutes for negative results.

Courtesy: ABBOTT

This new invention comes following United States, a superpower, disappointment in its fight against COVID-19.  This method is set up on the ID NOW platform which is currently the most widely used molecular-based point-of-care-testing especially in the USA. The ID NOW Platform is portable, small, very accurate, and therefore it’s highly needed by the healthcare fraternity. Point-of-care testing means that patient’s results can be received right at the doctor’s room, Emergency Unit, etc. without necessarily sending the samples to the central lab. Abbott works at one single temperature as opposed to repeated thermal cycling procedures in routine PCR methods.

Here’s how it works (simplified)

1. A nasal, nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab is collected for testing.
2. The collected sample is then mixed with reagents provided by the manufacturer. They disintegrate the virus in order to release the viral RNA genetic material.
3. The reagents recognize a unique section of the Coronavirus genome, while ignoring other viruses even if they are similar strains.
4. The SARS-CoV-19 viral genome is then replicated in turn making the virus more detectable. 
5. ABBOTT molecular test reads and displays the result to the healthcare personnel present.

From April 1, ABBOTT diagnostic company began shipping about 50,000 ID NOW COVID-19 diagnostic gadgets per day globally.

For further reading:
ABBOTT's ID NOW COVID-19 Test

Other rapid molecular methods include:

1. Cobas SARS-CoV-2 by Roche Molecular Systems (RMS)
2. Simplexa COVID-19 Direct Assay by DiaSorin Molecular LLC
3. TaqPath SARS-CoV-Assay by Quidel Corporation
4. PerkinElmer New Coronavirus Nucleic Acid Detection Kit by PerkinElmer Inc.
5. Lyra SARS-CoV-2 Assay by Quidel Corporatic
6. Biofire COVID-19 Test by BioFire Defense, LLC
7. COV-19 IDX Assay by Ipsum Diagnostic, LLC
8. COVID-19 RT-PCR Test by LabCorp

It is worth noting that these methods outlined above have a geographical limitation.

SEROLOGICAL METHODS:

SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM Rapid Test

This diagnostic method was developed by Cellex -- a North Carolina based biotechnology company. This is a rapid test for the qualitative detection of IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in whole blood, plasma, and serum from individuals showing clinical signs and symptoms of COVID-19 disease plus epidemiological factors such as geography, exposure, etc.

Courtesy: BioMedomics

Once your body is exposed to foreign substances, it develops an immune response – fight against ‘incoming outsiders’. These foreign substances are called antigens, right? Now, the body develops certain protein molecules called antibodies to eradicate these antigens from your body. Following exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus, the body recognizes them as foreign, and in turn, develops antibodies to clear them. Immunoglobulin Mu (IgM) is the first antibody to develop after initial infection while Immunoglobulin Gamma (IgG) develops later following infection.

The test cassette has both IgM and IgG bands in order to increase the test’s sensitivity and effectiveness. Remember, concentration or antigen-antibody ratio is a very critical factor influencing serological reactions. And therefore molecular methods remain to be more effective to this serological method.  Actually, only certified laboratories under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Ammendments of 1988 (CLIA) are allowed to perform this diagnostic test.

For further reading:

qSARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM Rapid Test

CONCLUSION

Molecular testing remains to be the gold standard method for COVID-19 diagnosis. We all need to salute all the molecular biologists, virologists, epidemiologists, microbiologists, and the medical laboratory scientists at large for this critical diagnostic role. Early detection is key to better diagnosis and management. So in case of any clinical signs such as dry cough, dyspnea, fever, headache, etc, have a ‘date’ with a healthcare provider. And together, we shall overcome.

Welcome to my next blog post. THANK YOU!

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CORONA: THE-WHY-WE-ARE-DOING-IT

CORONA: THE-WHY-WE-ARE-DOING-IT

Corona – COVID 19 – I’m 99.99% (if not 100%) sure that these terms are familiar to you, right? Its Wuhan origin, symptoms, prevention and control measures are also on your fingers (if not fingertips), right?

Courtesy: CDC

The following article provides scientific basis to some of the measures stipulated by various bodies such as the government, Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) in response to COVID-19 -- The-Why-We-Are-Doing-It. Please join me below.

Use of soap and running water

Soap is a detergent. Corona virus belongs to a family of viruses called Coronaviridae. These group of viruses are enveloped (they have an outer membrane). I know you are asking, what are the components of this envelope then? The envelope is made of fats (phospholipids, etc), proteins, and glycoproteins. Soap acts on the fats making the envelope lose its integrity. The glycoproteins surround the envelope and their role is to attach and fuse with the host cell. Once the envelope loses its integrity, the glycoproteins will obviously disintegrate. This therefore prevents the virus from binding to the cells rendering it ‘non infectious’. Use of running water will clear this ‘non inectious‘ virus.

Use of warm compresses or drinks

Viruses exist in two phases: as a virion or on a living organism. When the virus is in the environment (for example, after sneezing or coughing), it’s not living – it’s just a particle called virion. Now, this virion becomes infective form once it gets a suitable host (human) to live in. By this time, it’s now called a virus—an infectious obligate intracellular organism. The virion is a protein particle, and therefore, use of hot substances disintegrates the protein  thereby inhibiting its transformation into an infectious form --  virus. Warm/hot substances also melts the fats making up the viral evelope.

Social distancing

At least a 1 metre social distancing has been recommended. Corona virus is shed in air droplets after coughing, sneezing, Inside these air droplets are virions. How do non infected people acquire them? Through direct contact with these droplets after infected ones sneeze or cough, contact with fomites such as clothes with the contaminated droplets, handkerchiefs, hands of infected persons, etc. Once you come into contact with the corona droplets and introduce them into your nose, eyes, you provide a suitable requirement for transformation of the virions into viruses (now infectious). Therefore, maintaining social distance is key to curbing this menace. #StayHome.

Source: searchenginejournal.com

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT COVID-19

It’s caused by a bacteria.

My goodness! Nooo…. It’s caused by a virus. The virus is called SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus-2). SARS-CoV-19 or nCoV-19 was first discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Coronaviruses are generally 4 groups: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta.
SARS-CoV-19 belongs to Betaviruses.

COVID-19 is the virus.

Nooo… COVID-19 is COronaVIrus Disease of 2019. The disease caused by the virus.

Corona virus is Air-borne.

No. The mode of transmission is through contact with cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person.

You die instantly after infection.

No. Symptoms range from mild to moderate to severe. It’s possible to recover if your immunity is strong. Actually, your immune system can eradicate it. Vitamin C is needed to boost our immunity. How do you acquire Vitamin C? Take a lot of fruits especially bananas.

Only children and the Aged can get COVID-19.

This is 100% wrong… Age doesn’t matter here. Everyone can be infected once you come in contact with contaminated droplets. But note this – Children and the elderly are more prone to infection. Age is a risk factor.

COVID-19 vaccine is available.

Currently, there is no treatment available for COVID-19. Doctors and clinicians are using already available therapy. These include: Chloroquine, Azithromycin, Paracetamol, and some antiviral drugs.  Further research to isolate the Corona viral proteins in order to develop a vaccine is ongoing in different laboratories.

After 14 days of Quarantine, Corona infection is impossible.

Noo… In case one comes in contact with the Corona virus contaminated droplets, infection is possible. Actually, this includes those who might be having a COVID-19 infection before. A secondary infection can occur if the proper preventative measures are not followed.

Hantavirus is a new strain of Corona virus.

Noo… These two viruses belong to different families. Corona virus belongs to Coronaviridae while Hantavirus belongs to Bunyaviridae. Person to person transmission is possible for Corona viruses but it’s not possible for Hantaviruses. Humans get infected with Hantaviruses after coming into contact with rodent’s body fluids such as feces, urine, and saliva.

Sweating at night means I have COVID-19

Nooo… The symptoms of COVID-19 include the following: coughing, sneezing, difficulty in breathing (dyspnea), fever, etc. You might have obvious reasons for your night sweats, you know them? But If your symptoms persist, seek medical advice.

SARS-CoV-19 was developed in the lab.

We might differ on this. Rumours have it that it was made in the lab as a biological tool by some countries. Get it from me -- viruses undergo evolution. It can be through selection, release of progeny virions, production of mutant strains, etc. This virus has natural origins. And this explains why development of a vacccine is almost impossible.
(For more info https://scitechdaily.com/no-evidence-covid-19-coronavirus-was-genetically-engineered-in-a-lab-epidemic-has-a-natural-origin/)

From: Dr. Margaret Muturi LinkledIn page

My people, please observe the 3S – Sanitize, Social-distance, Stay home.

Welcome to my next blog post. THANK YOU.

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