Today’s Current Affairs: AstraZeneca Covid Vaccine Linked To Rare Blood Clotting Disorder
If you’re keeping up with the latest news, you might have heard about the recent findings regarding the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. Researchers have discovered a rare but fatal blood clotting disorder known as vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) linked to the vaccine.
The vaccine, developed in collaboration with Oxford University, has been sold as Covishield in India and Vaxzevria in Europe. The discovery of VITT has raised concerns about the safety of the vaccine, with researchers identifying a dangerous blood autoantibody directed against a protein called platelet factor 4 (PF4) as the culprit.
This new research has important implications for vaccine safety and development, as well as shedding light on the genetic risk factors associated with the disorder. AstraZeneca has acknowledged the rare side effect and has taken steps to address the issue, including withdrawing the vaccine from certain markets.
Stay informed about the latest developments in today’s current affairs to stay ahead of the curve.
1. What is the rare but fatal blood clotting disorder associated with AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine?
– A. Vaccine-induced thrombosis and thrombocytopenia
– B. Vaccine-related allergic reaction
– C. Vaccine-induced fever and fatigue
– D. Vaccine-associated muscle pain
Answer: A. Vaccine-induced thrombosis and thrombocytopenia
2. What is the name of AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine in India?
– A. Covaxin
– B. Covishield
– C. Comirnaty
– D. Moderna
Answer: B. Covishield
3. In a research published in the New England Journal of Medicine, what did international experts identify in the PF4 antibodies associated with blood clotting disorders?
– A. Different molecular fingerprints
– B. Common genetic risk factors
– C. New antigen targets
– D. Unique vaccine components
Answer: B. Common genetic risk factors
4. What rare side effect has been linked to the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine, causing blood clots and low blood platelet count?
– A. Thrombocytosis
– B. Thrombosis
– C. Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Syndrome (TTS)
– D. Thrombophlebitis
Answer: C. Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Syndrome (TTS)
What is the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine known as in India?
The AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine was named CoviShield in India.
What is VITT and how is it related to the AstraZeneca vaccine?
VITT stands for vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, which is a rare but fatal blood clotting disorder. It has been found to be related to the adenovirus vector-based Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, sold as Covishield in India and Vaxzevria in Europe.
What was found to be the reason for VITT in relation to the AstraZeneca vaccine?
An unusually dangerous blood autoantibody directed against a protein termed platelet factor 4 (or PF4) was found to be the reason for VITT in relation to the AstraZeneca vaccine.
What have researchers discovered in a new study regarding PF4 antibodies?
Researchers in a new study have found that the PF4 antibodies in both adenovirus infection-associated VITT and classic adenoviral vector VITT share identical molecular fingerprints or signatures. They also noted that the pathways of lethal antibody production in these disorders must be virtually identical and have similar genetic risk factors.
What important clinical implications have researchers mentioned regarding their findings?
Researchers have noted that the findings regarding VITT have important clinical implications for rare cases of blood clotting after adenovirus (a common cold) infections, as well as implications for vaccine development. Lessons learned from VITT can be applicable to these cases and can help improve vaccine safety.
Today's current affairs bring to light a concerning discovery regarding the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. Researchers have found that the vaccine may increase the risk of a rare but fatal blood clotting disorder known as vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT). This disorder, caused by an autoantibody targeting a protein called platelet factor 4 (PF4), has been linked to the adenovirus vector-based AstraZeneca vaccine, sold as Covishield in India and Vaxzevria in Europe.
Further research has shown that the PF4 antibodies in VITT after adenovirus infection and in classic adenoviral vector-induced VITT share identical molecular fingerprints. This has led experts to believe that the pathways of lethal antibody production in these disorders are virtually identical. The implications of these findings extend to improving vaccine safety and understanding rare cases of blood clotting after adenovirus infections.
These revelations come after AstraZeneca acknowledged in a legal document submitted to the High Court that its Covid vaccine can, in very rare instances, cause Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Syndrome (TTS). This rare side effect has been associated with the deaths of at least 81 people in the UK, as well as a number of serious injuries. As a result, the company has voluntarily withdrawn the Marketing authorization of its Covid vaccine from Europe and other global markets.
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