UNS – Alumni Association (Keluarga Alumni – KA) Faculty of Medical Science (FK) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta conducted scientific discussion through the online Zoom Meeting and live YouTube broadcast on Sunday (21/6/2020) joined by 80 alumni. The discussion moderated dr. Tonang Dwi Ardyanto, Ph.D. invited dr. Taufik Wally, dr. Rita Evalina, dr. Mohammad Syahril, dr. Slamet Budiarto, and other alumni as speakers. The discussion aims to exchange ideas on Covid-19. Dr. Rita Evalina in her presentation entitled Immunology Vaccination described the function of the immune system.
“The cells that have a role in body protection are Falgocyte cells, basophils and mast cells, and lymphocyte cells. The initial immune response started on non-lymphoid tissue with macrophage and Dendritic Cell (DC) as the main actors. The activation of DC is the start of Primary Immune Response. Then the binding of antigens to DC receptors begins with antigen processing, DC migration to lymph nodes, and DC maturation,” she explained.
The effectiveness of vaccination can be disturbed by the mediator resulted from vaccine stimulation. The relationship between interval and effectiveness of vaccines requires a schedule or interval of vaccination, especially live vaccines. Generally, four weeks interval is sufficient to solve the problem caused by the mediator and cytokines. Problems caused by the activation of primary live vaccines can be neutralized by admitting the second live vaccine less than four weeks after the first live vaccine is admitted.
“Human immunoglobulin consists of many antibodies, including measles. This antibody will neutralize all live vaccines, which is why we can wait for three months until the concentration of the antibody decreases,” she added.
In different materials, dr. Slamet Budiarto discusses the role of Indonesian’s Doctor Association (Ikatan Dokter Indonesia – IDI) in the pandemic and the new normal. IDI has a role to protect the community and its members. It exists at the national and provincial level, and even though it is involved in Covid-19 taskforce, it maintains its objectiveness and criticizes government’s policies in handling Covid-19.
A question on how recovered Covid-19 patient contracted the disease after recovery was asked in the question and answer session. Dr. Rita explained that reinfection occurs due to various factors, including the host’s immune system. If the host has a weak immune system, there is a high opportunity for reinfection. It also depends on the virus and environmental factors. Dr. Stenli also added that dead Covid-19 cells still contain RNA. Laboratory tests can differentiate whether the RNA in the body is living the Covid-19 virus or the remnants of it. Humas UNS/Bayu