COVID-19 Updates – Rapid Antibody Decline, Ultraviolet Light, Kidney Failure and the Earliest Vaccine Date

As studies continue, our knowledge of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and the COVID-19 Pandemic it causes keeps growing. Here we share the latest published developments.

A rapid decline in antibody levels was observed

New research shows that the amount of antibodies (proteins produced by the immune system against the virus) in people with mild COVID-19 halves within 36 days. The study involved 34 people with an average age of 43, providing clear figures on rapid antibody decline and reporting a much faster fall than with other infections.

However, Dr. Buddy Creech notes that antibody production is only part of the story: “When we mount an immune response against a pathogen, we build immunity not only for that moment but also for the future. On reexposure, immune cells, T and B cells, activate and respond. Even if antibody levels fall, other branches of the immune response remain ready for future infections.” Dr. Creech says that studies demonstrating rapid antibody decline also highlight other issues: “Unless we distinguish the novel coronavirus from infections such as the common cold and focus on its seriousness, COVID-19 will remain widespread”, he comments. The study also provided information about plasma isolated from people who have had COVID-19 and used to help acutely ill patients in convalescent plasma therapy. Based on the findings, it was stated that plasma should be collected within the first few months after recovery to capture the most antibodies for convalescent plasma therapy, which was thought likely to be highly effective against COVID-19.

Ultraviolet light is effective at preventing disease spread

A century-old approach to eliminating infectious diseases is ultraviolet (UV) light delivered at the right dose to inactivate viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms. UV used for this purpose is called germicidal UV. Longtime researcher David Sliney describes its applicability: “Although not perfect, it probably offers the best solution for direct air disinfection”.

Research shows that approximately 90% of airborne particles of the earlier coronavirus (SARS-CoV-1) can be inactivated within about 16 seconds of exposure to a certain UV dose. Other viruses, such as adenovirus, require a higher dose. UV can only help prevent infection, however; people can still become ill from the larger, heavier droplets spread through coughing and sneezing.

Infection rates are higher than reported

A new study by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC) COVID-19 Response Team suggests that, between late March and mid-May, the number of coronavirus infections was likely 10 times more than the reported case count.

Researchers studied blood samples from more than 16,000 people in 10 different areas and reported infection numbers between 6 and 24 times the reported case count. No association was found between antibody presence and age or sex, and antibodies were undetectable in many of the collected samples.

The main problem is that people with mild symptoms or no symptoms of COVID-19 contribute most to the outbreak's spread. It is therefore extremely important for everyone to take protective measures.

No virus found in kidney biopsies from patients with kidney damage

Acute kidney injury occurs in a substantial minority of severe COVID-19 patients. However, researchers studying a small subset found no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 in kidney biopsies.

In an interview, Dr. Purva Sharma explains the study's significance: “We found kidney damage in more than one-third of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. However, our kidney biopsy study indicates that kidney injury during COVID-19 results from disease-related complications rather than direct viral infection”.

The earliest date given for a vaccine: 2021

Researchers are advancing very quickly in developing a COVID-19 vaccine. For studies including candidate vaccines in phase 3 clinical trials, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that despite rapid progress, initial use would not begin before early 2021. WHO emergency program head Mike Ryan said: “We are making good progress. Several vaccines under investigation are now in phase 3 clinical trials, and none has so far failed in terms of safety or ability to produce an immune response”.

WHO said work continues to broaden access to potential vaccines and increase production capacity. Reemphasizing that this is a global problem, Ryan said successful vaccines are for everyone and equitable distribution is therefore extremely important.

Ryan also warned that decisions about reopening schools under current conditions require great care. Everything possible should be done to return children to school, he said, with controlling the disease the most effective step.

Conclusion

New data published each day increase our knowledge of the COVID-19 Pandemic. During this period, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones through hand hygiene, social distancing and masks when needed, even indoors at home.

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