Which of the following is associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection?
Which of the following is associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection?
Select an option to attempt
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation
SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) causes COVID-19, a multi-system disease with hallmark features: (1) Pneumonia — SARS-CoV-2 infects ACE2-expressing type II pneumocytes and ciliated airway epithelial cells via S protein-ACE2 binding; inflammatory infiltration causes interstitial pneumonia, diffuse alveolar damage. (2) Lymphopenia — marked reduction in CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and NK cells, due to virus-induced apoptosis, direct infection, and inflammatory cytokine-mediated lymphoid organ damage. (3) Cytokine storm — in severe COVID-19, dysregulated immune activation produces massive IL-6, IL-1, TNF-, IFN-release causing multi-organ dysfunction (ARDS, renal failure, cardiac injury). All three features are central to COVID-19 pathophysiology.