In 2020, after the Covid-19 virus was discovered in China, there was panic across the world with lockdowns, restricted travel permits and growing mortality besides morbidity amongst the travelling population.
I have extensively dealt with all the previous strains and variants of Covid-19 virus in particular which essentially were L, B, gamma and the Delta strains. The Alpha, Beta were contagious but Delta strain particularly caused havoc in our country. How the virus jumped into India is not the issue under focus in this essay but to spell out my experience as a microbiologist and virologist in particular to nip in bud the threats posed by the ‘Omicron variant’ of this respiratory pathogen.
History tells us that this variant of the virus orginated in South Africa and Botswana. Now its genome sequencing is also confirmed by scientists in various countries. This data only goes to prove that scientists in these countries have taken upon themselves the arduous task of drawing samples from the random patients screened for determining the spread or the dissemination of this viral entity. Heaven only would know if we in Goa in particular and India in general, have the ‘Omicron’ as a passive pathogen into our population. We have hardly ever done genome sequencing in our country. Except for Pune in particular, there are international research publications in the field of Omicron pathogenesis.
Many armchair scientists in India with no field or laboratory work and trials are commenting about the ‘Omicron viral wave’ more severe and fatal but research to this effect is much in wanting. The scientific reason as to why Omicron variant of the virus is suspected to be deadly is because the pathogen has multiple sites on the spike protein of the virus. This spike protein is the one that attaches itself to the human respiratory site and the cells which allow the virus to multiply without any signs and symptoms of infection.
The use of thermal gun and mandatory masks and social distancing has been considered foolish and counterproductive. There are those amongst us who have been twice vaccinated and have not just got sick once again but ridiculously the death of vaccinated individuals have left scientists confused and the general public happy that over 60% of the population relieved that they are still going strong as ever. Eating balanced food and maintaining good regime of sleep, rest, nutrition and mental health has remained as a popular mantra. Mother Nature has bestowed on mankind numerous types of polyclonal, monoclonal, humoral and cellular antibodies. Human evolution by nature and Mother Earth has been fascinating and effective. It is the combined efforts of neutralizing antibodies, T-Cells, B-Cells, dendrites, opsonins, interferons, interleukins each one separately and in conjunction kept me safe without vaccination.
We must realise that this virus is a retro RNA virus. Unlike most mammals, we have DNA in our cellular nucleus. Thus the pathogen does not infect the nucleus but the reproduction and multiplication is in the cytoplasm. The messenger and transcriptional RNA in the nutrients in cytoplasm is used in viral replication Since the growth of the virus is in the respiratory tract, the pharynx, trachae and larynx get infected causing coughs, sometimes fever shows up. Loss of smell, taste or appetite indicates that the virus is gaining passive control but proper sleep, rest, nutrients and diet are the essentials of home care. The use of steroids, allergy suppressant must be judiciously used. Doctors also prescribe RNA suppressing drugs.
My writings helped me voice my rich experience in my articles and help Goans to take up their approach to challenge and counter the Omicron virus which has ‘thirty two’ mutant sites on the spike protein and would not only make it more contagious and latent super spreader but difficult to make yet another vaccine and a drain in our sagging economy and the GDP growth with rising joblessness.
Whether we sing ‘Que Sera Sera’ or pray to divine interventions or even trust our innate immunity or mental health, depends on our government. Would our government policy ensure on better healthcare welfare and education or dish out slogans of Acchhe din or empty ‘Bivpachi Goroz na’ is a matter for public to note. Would we elect honest and good men to govern us or give mandate to cheaters, scamsters and looters only time will tell us.
