Figure 3 | Scientific Reports

Figure 3

From: Impact of prophylactic hydroxychloroquine on ultrastructural impairment and cellular SARS-CoV-2 infection in different cells of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of COVID-19 patients

Figure 3

Type II pneumocytes from the BALF of intubated COVID-19 patients. (a) Mild infection (non-ARDS) HCQ− group (b) Severe infection (ARDS) without HCQ (HCQ−) and (c) Severe infection (ARDS) with prophylactic HCQ (HCQ+) group. These cells showed a membrane projection, a characteristic feature of type II pneumocytes. The infection was highest in group B patients, followed by groups A and C. This indicates the effectiveness of HCQ in protecting the infection in these cells from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. SEM imaging confirms the presence of a microvilli-like structure along with virus-like particles on the surface (arrow). The characteristics of the lamellar body were intact and had clear, distinguishable morphology in group C; however, these were released in group B patients. N Nucleus, M Mitochondria, L Lipid body, LB Lamellar body, arrows SARS-CoV-2 virus.

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