LONDON: The virus behind the common cold is effective in preventing coronavirus entry and clearing it from the cells of the human body, according to a new study by scientists at the University of Glasgow in the UK.
Some viruses fight against each other to be the first to be captured by the body, and scientists say that rhinovirus, the infectious agent that can cause a common cold, causes defeating coronavirus in the race.
When a virus enters the body, it can allow other pathogens to enter, or prevent further entry as a means of survival. Flu will almost always follow the last strategy, scientists have said.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, scientists have questioned how Sars-CoV-2, the agent behind coronavirus, can succeed in the world of virus battles.
But given the prevalence of social distance and other health measures around the world, and the subsequent decline in viral infections, scientists have found it difficult to see the phenomenon.
But as part of the new study, scientists fabricated a replica of the body’s airways and supplemented it with Sars-CoV-2 and rhinovirus, allowing them to closely monitor their interactions between the two.
The team found that if rhinovirus and Sars-CoV-2 are released at the same time, the first one will be successful, closing the competition. Even with a 24-hour headstart, Sars-CoV-2 is neutralized by rhinovirus activity.
Dr. Pablo Murcia from the Glasgow team told BBC News: “Sars-CoV-2 will never take off, it is severely blocked by rhinovirus. This is very encouraging because if you have a high frequency of rhinovirus, it may stop new Sars-CoV-2 infections. “
Later findings showed that rhinovirus stimulated immune responses within infectious cells, inhibiting the ability of Sars-CoV-2 to clone itself as an infectious agent. But the human body will still be infected once the common cold subsides.
Murcia said: “Vaccination, hygiene measures and the interaction between viruses can significantly reduce the incidence of Sars-CoV-2, but the greatest side effects come from vaccines.”
Prof. Lawrence Young of Warwick School of Medicine said the study suggests “this common disease may affect the coronavirus… burden especially over the autumn and winter months when seasonal colds are more common.”