In my last post, I discussed what this epidemic has been like for me, but this week I want to investigate COVID-19 and share some information about antibody responses and potential vaccines that scientists are creating. This strain of coronavirus has been named SARS-CoV-2 and can be spread via respiratory droplets, close contact, and can even be spread asymptomatically. Doctors have used information about SARS and MERS to help discover and compare the antibody response in SARS-CoV-2. In a preliminary study by Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology, one patient showed IgM antibodies 9 days after the onset of the illness and class switching to IgG by 14 days. This knowledge will help scientists neutralize the disease with a potential vaccine. Also, Journal has found that coronaviruses evade immune detection and immune response.
We have learned in class that antibodies are unique and different ones recognize specific structures on an antigen and when they attach, a specific immune response is mounted to ensure destruction of the pathogen. The initial response produces mainly IgM antibodies. Then, after the infection, IgG antibodies are created to remember the specific bacterium or viral particle in order to respond stronger the next time. So, what does this mean regarding COVID-19? Biospace.com recently reported that the FDA approved of antibody tests to see if patients have recovered from the illness, mounted appropriate immune response, and therefore, cannot get the illness again. The test detects IgM and IgG antibodies, so if IgM antibodies are detected, this means that the infection is in initial phases while the presence of both IgM and IgG antibodies indicate the infection is in active or recovery phase. If the patient’s blood detects only IgG antibodies, this could mean the patient had the infection previously and recovered.
This test is good news because scientists and doctors can assess when people can return to work or if quarantine should continue. These tests will be used to collect the plasma of recovered patients to treat ill patients, and can also be beneficial for healthcare providers because they can test to see who has antibodies and allow those people to treat ill patients. I think this is amazing news because it will help to identify those who amounted an immune response and can be used to help patients. I’m curious as to how quickly the vaccine will be made for this disease as it is affecting many lives and has changed the world as we know it. Either way, scientists are working tirelessly to help and save the lives of others, and it’s so encouraging. Thanks for reading and come back next week for more microbiology news!! Stay safe 🙂
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