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Innate Disease Tolerance and COVID-19

respiratory research in Canada: the Meakins-Christie Laboratories

Dr. Maziar Divangahi, Associate Director of RI-MUHC’s Meakins-Christie Laboratories, is an expert on tuberculosis and well known in the field of innate disease tolerance. In a recent interview with Markham Heid of Elemental.Medium.com, Dr. Divangahi confirms that tuberculosis is one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. Nevertheless, a great number of people who are infected with the bacteria do not exhibit any symptoms. They have developed an innate disease tolerance for the virus. Could we teach our bodies innate disease tolerance towards the SARS CoV-2 virus?

Dr. Divangahi explains how the body of some people reacts when the tuberculosis virus reaches their lower airways:

“Either the bacteria will be eliminated during the early phase of the infection, or the host will wall off (the virus) by forming granulomas.”

“We’ve developed very successful mechanisms that allow us to live with (this virus).”

“Rather than trying to eliminate the bug, we basically keep it in check.”

The elimination of the SARS CoV-2 virus would be ideal, however, the interview with Dr. Divangahi suggests that there may be acceptable alternatives.

Read the full interview:

Some People’s Bodies Learn to Live With Covid-19. Elemental.Medium.com. By. Markham Heid. Sept 30, 2020.