By Franklin Delgado
A group of Argentine scientists demonstrates that carrageenanknown for its effectiveness in fighting SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-12), is also effective against the Epuyén strain of the Andes hantavirus. This discovery comes at a critical moment, since a cruise ship with affected passengers approaches the Spanish coast, reported in Clarín.
Last year, the team’s first findings were presented at the Congress of the Argentine Association of Respiratory Medicine. Subsequently, additional presentations will be made at the Argentine Congress of Virology.
The research was carried out at the National Hantavirus Reference Laboratory of the INEI-ANLIS “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, where the impact of carrageenan on respiratory epithelial cells infected by hantavirus was evaluated.
Mechanism of action of carrageenan
Carrageenan acts as a sulfated polymer that, through electrostatic attraction, envelops the virus and blocks its ability to bind to host cells.
This prevents viral replication and could stop the development of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a disease with a high fatality rate.
Implications in the proper context
With the MV Hondius ship as a possible trial setting, there is an expectation to validate the efficacy of carrageenan in an outbreak context, although protocols could limit this possibility.
The project titled “Role of burbot-carrageenan and sufactant proteins” has obtained a grant, but the researchers are looking for new funds to continue their clinical trials, especially in high incidence areas in Argentina.
It is noteworthy, according to the media Clarionthat one of the scientists involved in this discovery is also recognized for her previous contributions on the transmission of hantavirus from person to person, challenging established beliefs in the scientific community. His work continues to gain relevance as progress is made in the understanding and treatment of hantavirus.
Possible side effects of carrageenan
Carrageenan is a polysaccharide derived from red algae that is being studied as a possible antiviral treatment (including Andes hantavirus), but It is not yet approved as an official therapy nor is its long-term safety in humans well defined..
Use of carrageenan against hantavirus
- In studies in vitro and preliminary experiments, carrageenan has shown the ability to reduce the viral load of the Andes strain by acting as a “trap” for viral particles, preventing them from entering respiratory cells.
- So far, the data comes from laboratory and very limited trials; There are no consolidated protocols for clinical use for hantavirus in humans.
Potential side effects in humans
When used as a food additive and in nasal/antiviral spray formulations, the available experience suggests a relatively safe profile at usual doses, but with certain concerns:
- Digestive and intestinal effects: Some studies and warnings warn that carrageenan could promote intestinal inflammation, increase the permeability of the intestinal barrier and alter the microbiota, particularly in people with previous inflammatory bowel disease.
- Risk of inflammation and injuries: In animal models and experiments, intestinal ulcers, lesions and possible tumor growth have been described under specific conditions, especially with degraded forms or at very high doses, which raises doubts about its long-term use.
Specific considerations for hantavirus
- Recent trials of carrageenan as an antiviral preventative (e.g. during the COVID-19 pandemic) reported low toxicity and few relevant adverse effectswhich motivated exploring its potential use against hantavirus.
- However, Large clinical studies in humans with hantavirus have not yet been published.; That is why experts recommend caution and not use it outside of a supervised clinical protocol.
You may also be interested in:
The hantavirus is highly contagious at the beginning, warns the WHO. Quarantine recommended for suspected cases
· Can hantavirus spread in the US? What you should and shouldn’t worry about, according to the CDC
· Hantavirus reappeared: what is this outbreak about?
