Microbiologist: SARS now attacking intestines

The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH.com.au) ^ | April 23, 2003 | DPA

[EternalHope]

Microbiologist: SARS now attacking intestines

April 23 2003

The deadly SARS virus is now attacking the intestines as well as the respiratory system, a leading Hong Kong microbiologist said yesterday.

Speaking on Hong Kong radio station RTHK, Professor Malik Peiris of Hong Kong University said the change might indicate the virus had mutated, as many experts feared.

Professor Peiris is one of the microbiologists at the forefront of the Hong Kong research into the SARS virus, which killed another five people in the territory yesterday, bringing the total number of deaths to 99.

His comments come amid growing concern that the virus is becoming more virulent, with many doctors noting changes in the way the disease behaves and whom it kills.

A number of deaths over the past week have occurred in younger, previously healthy people - one being a 34-year-old pregnant women.

An increasing number of those infected with SARS are now suffering from diarrhoea. As many of two thirds of the residents who contracted SARS in the outbreak at the Amoy Gardens high-rise had diarrhoea, according to health officials.

Tom Buckley, the head of the intensive care unit at Hong Kong's Princess Margaret Hospital, said organ failure was also now becoming more common.

"Initially patients were presenting with just respiratory failure," Dr Buckley said. "Now we're seeing renal failure and other organ failure."

Hong Kong recorded 32 new infections yesterday - 10 more than Monday - taking the total to 1434. The latest deaths were all of people over the age 65, with four having an history of chronic illness.

Announcing the latest figures, health secretary E K Yeoh said he believed SARS would not go away and the Government had to concentrate on controlling it.

"We do not anticipate that it will be eradicated completely because this virus is highly infectious," he said. "So our primary task is to reduce the size of the viral load in the community and prevent outbreaks."

DPA

This story was found at: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/04/22/1050777263907.html

[mabelkitty]

It is killing those with a weakened immune system. That could also include those who were already under a doctor's care for other, unrelated illnesses.

I'm talking about the deaths in this country.

[Beck_isright]

Bookmark for later fretting.

[mel]

On the other hand, we don't have data for the nontea Chinese drinkers who have SARS.

[mabelkitty]

Would one be silver?

This is ticking me off because of the West Nile virus last year. Our area went West Nile crazy and it was ridiculous.

Prior to that, we had flesh-eating bacteria.

I'm thinking West Nile is a derivative of this SARS. What do you think?

[aruanan]

we're screwed

You don't use your intestines for that, do you?

[Dog Gone]

This is a very bad development, not only because it's now attacking other organs besides the lungs, but because diarrhea is a very effective form of transmission in third world countries. Just think of all the people who wash their clothes in the Ganges River in India, for example.

[vetvetdoug]

Looking more and more like the FIP of cats everyday. This is really looking gloomy.

[mabelkitty]

Have you read where this virus attacked animal handlers first? Are you aware that Asians eat monkey brains, and the first cases where Chefs who prepared this delicacy?

Are you aware that Toronta has the highest Asian population/tourism in the Continent outside of San Francisco?

Stay away from monkey brains and those that eat them.

[ZULU]

I'm beginning to think this is a "designer virus", manufactured in a Red Chinese biolab which escaped.

[Frank_Discussion]

No. I mean drop shipment of a more regional cure... </evil grin>

[EternalHope]

Good point. As I recall, China also has a few regions where "river washing" is common.

Unless mankind has lots of people who are naturally immune (not likely with a brand new disease), or SARS dies out naturally (no sign of this so far), then China is in for a very rough ride.

I don't see how it can be contained to just China, either.

[Frank_Discussion]

ROFLMAO!!

[RummyChick]

He has been a good actor is several films...but true to form..his ego got out of control and has caused problems with his films..American X may have been when it started but it certainly hasnt let up.

[RummyChick]

oh crap..wrong thread

[kinghorse]

Begging your pardon but the retro terror groups want the western economies destroyed. China is the locus of western investment. China is a perfect launching pad for a bug bomb.

The fundamentalists want a world of despair. It brings them power because it puts them at equal footing with advanced societies.

Mumps measles cocktails do not spring forth from the wild.

[kinghorse]

I bet people with herpes aren't getting this virus. Only because herpes acts a lot like the mumps.

[_Jim]

How can the doctors tell if it is the SARS virus itself to blame, and not some other opportunistic infection that sets in?

My sentiments exactly ...

[Geezerette]

You have FReepMail! The maladies you list, West Nile, etc. are virii. These anti-virals I referred to would work on ALL virii, I would think. I'm no expert, but have seen wonderful things happen from using Oil of Oregano and Sambucol.

Yes, Colloidal silver is good, but a little iffy. I understand you shouldn't use it on a prolonged basis. I bought some SeaSilver liquid vitamins but only used one bottle.

g

[_Jim]

This virus is killing normally those most expected to survive - young people in their 20s and 30s.

Hysteria out-of-proportion to reality ...

[First Amendment]

I have read that some Russian biologists say that SARS is a mumps/measles mix, others like Patricia Doyle say it looks man made, and others saying it can't possibly be. I would like to hear informed educated guesses here.... I have no science background, but I know there are people here with such background and education. What do you smart folks out there theorize?