It is characterized by a progressive malfunction of the lungs, especially in its gas exchange capabilities. ARDS is often precipitated by trauma, sepsis, pneumonia, shock, or other severe illnesses. The symptoms of ARDS are severe acute hypoxemia, pulmonary edema, and the formation of hyaline membranes, which are proteinaceous connective tissue.
Treatment includes mechanical ventilation with fluid removal and supportive breathing.
Histological sections of the lungs show the presence of hyaline membranes, hemorrhage, edema, and diffuse cellular infiltration. The Reovirus genome consists of 10 individual genes that code for 11 individual proteins. The S1 gene codes for the sigma 1 protein, which has been found to be the cell attachment protein.