As an example, we test HIV patients via an antibody test but they still retain the viral particles and suffer from the disease. Their antibodies do not protect the patient from the disease or passing the disease on. We don't yet know if covid-19 antibodies are protective. In the case of Covid-19, giving people cards of immunity may be a red herring, even if they are free of the virus. They might again contract the virus, becoming asymptomatic carriers, mildly symptomatic carriers, or having severe Covid-19 disease (all, despite having antibodies). Of course, these antibodies may be protective for a year or two or for a lifetime (hopefully).
Therefore, it is also possible that their plasma may not be useful in the treatment of seriously and critically ill patients. The functioning of the immune system is even difficult to understand for most physicians. If you are interested, here is a good article on the immune system:
No comments:
Post a Comment