Covide 19 – convalescent plasma as a optional treatment
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Covide 19 – convalescent plasma as a optional treatment
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Komal Satav, Trusha Shangrapawar and Dr. Ashok Bhosale
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Covide 19 – convalescent plasma as a optional treatment
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20206-17575
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The emergence of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in late 2019 has posed a significant public health crisis globally, characterized by high transmission rates and severe respiratory illnesses. The disease, termed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), has escalated to millions of cases and numerous fatalities worldwide. Due to the lack of specific antiviral treatments approved for COVID-19, researchers have turned to alternative therapeutic approaches, one of which is convalescent plasma therapy. This therapy utilizes plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients, which contains antibodies capable of targeting and neutralizing the virus in infected individuals.
Convalescent Plasma Therapy: An Overview
Convalescent plasma therapy leverages the immune response of individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. The concept relies on drawing blood from these recovered patients, isolating the plasma, and transfusing it into patients currently battling the virus. The plasma from recovered patients contains neutralizing antibodies that can provide immediate immune support to those infected. Historical usage of this therapy has been documented during past viral outbreaks, including Ebola and H1N1 influenza, where it has shown potential efficacy in decreasing viral load and improving patient outcomes.
Mechanism of Action and Patient Eligibility
The therapy operates on the principle that the antibodies present in the convalescent plasma can bind to the virus and prevent it from infecting healthy cells, thus aiding recovery in affected individuals. To qualify for receiving convalescent plasma, patients must meet specific criteria, including severe symptoms and high viral loads despite other treatments. The ideal donors of the plasma are individuals who have fully recovered from COVID-19, typically assessed by the presence of a high level of neutralizing antibodies. For optimal results, the plasma must be collected a few weeks post-recovery to ensure adequate antibody levels.
Challenges and Controversies in Efficacy
Despite the anecdotal success of convalescent plasma therapy in certain cases, its efficacy remains a topic of debate within the medical community. Various studies have yielded mixed results, indicating that while some patients show improvement after receiving plasma transfusions, others do not experience significant benefits. Factors contributing to these varied outcomes include differences in antibody titers among donors, the timing of plasma administration, and the severity of the recipient's condition. Moreover, the need for standardized protocols for donor selection and plasma processing is crucial for optimizing therapeutic effectiveness.
Conclusion
As the world continues to grapple with the fallout from COVID-19, convalescent plasma therapy emerges as a potential short-term solution amidst the search for definitive treatments. This approach allows for the utilization of natural immunity developed by recovered patients, providing a window of relief for severely ill individuals. While much remains to be understood about the therapy's long-term effectiveness and best practices, convalescent plasma represents a hopeful avenue in the broader fight against COVID-19 as researchers explore more effective treatments and vaccines for this relentless virus.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is convalescent plasma therapy used for?
Convalescent plasma therapy is used to treat infections, including COVID-19. It involves transfusing plasma from recovered patients, which contains neutralizing antibodies that can help fight the virus in those currently infected.
How is convalescent plasma collected from donors?
Plasma is collected through a process called apheresis, where blood is drawn from recovered COVID-19 patients, separated, and screened for antibodies. The donation process takes about an hour and requires certain eligibility criteria.
What criteria must be met to donate convalescent plasma?
Donors must be symptom-free for at least 14 days post-recovery, have a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, and meet specific health requirements such as age and weight.
Is convalescent plasma treatment effective for COVID-19?
While convalescent plasma therapy shows promise in helping patients recover from COVID-19, its overall effectiveness remains under investigation. Some patients have reported significant clinical improvements after treatment.
What precautions are taken during plasma transfusion?
Before transfusion, donor and recipient compatibility is confirmed, and the plasma is tested for neutralizing antibody titers. Additionally, safety measures are implemented, including pathogen reduction techniques.
What role do antibodies play in convalescent plasma therapy?
Antibodies present in convalescent plasma recognize and attack the virus causing COVID-19. By introducing these antibodies into infected patients, it helps to boost their immune response against the illness.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Covide 19 – convalescent plasma as a optional treatment”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Viru:
The term 'viru' refers to viruses, which are microscopic infectious agents that can only replicate inside the living cells of an organism. In the context of the article, it specifically relates to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Understanding the nature of viruses is crucial for developing effective treatments and preventive measures.
2) Disease:
'Diseases' refer to health conditions caused by pathogens, genetic factors, or environmental influences. The article examines COVID-19 among other viral diseases, illustrating the importance of understanding viral behavior to develop effective remedies and discussing historical parallels with past diseases treated using convalescent plasma.
3) Blood:
Blood is a vital bodily fluid that carries oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to cells and removes waste products. In relation to the article, blood is essential for convalescent plasma therapy, which involves using the plasma from recovered patients to provide antibodies to those fighting infections like COVID-19.
4) Drug:
In pharmacology, 'drugs' are substances that alter physiological functions for therapeutic benefits. The article discusses multiple drugs that were tested for COVID-19 and contrasts these conventional pharmaceutical approaches with the application of convalescent plasma to offer an alternative method for treating patients affected by the virus.
5) Death:
'Death' signifies the cessation of all biological functions that sustain life. In the context of the article, it discusses the grave threat posed by COVID-19 as the disease causes significant mortality, stressing the urgency of treatment innovations like convalescent plasma therapy to reduce death rates among infected individuals.
6) Science (Scientific):
'Science' is a methodical enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge through empirical evidence. The article emphasizes scientific inquiry regarding the SARS-CoV-2 virus, treatments, and public health strategies, revealing the essential nature of rigorous scientific research to combat diseases like COVID-19 effectively.
7) Fight:
'Fight' in the context refers to the efforts of the medical community and society to battle viral infections like COVID-19. This encompasses developing treatments, like convalescent plasma therapy, as a means to support affected patients and reduce the spread and impact of the disease on public health.
8) Cina:
'China' is significant in the article as it identifies the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during an outbreak in Wuhan. The country's experience with the virus serves as a critical case study in understanding the pandemic and implementing public health measures to mitigate further spread.
9) Pune:
'Pune' is a city in India, mentioned in the context of the research institution involved in studying COVID-19. It symbolizes local efforts in combating the pandemic through scientific research and capacity building among medical professionals in a rapidly evolving public health crisis.
10) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
'Antibiotic' refers to a type of medication used to treat bacterial infections. The article mentions antibiotics in the context of treating COVID-19, although they are ineffective against viral infections like SARS-CoV-2, underscoring the need for antiviral treatments and exploring alternatives such as convalescent plasma therapy.
11) Epidemic:
'Epidemic' describes an increase in the number of disease cases in a population beyond normal expectations. The article discusses COVID-19 as an epidemic, highlighting its rapid spread and the urgency for effective treatments like convalescent plasma to help control the outbreak and assist patients.
12) Activity:
'Activity' refers to biological processes or actions. In the article, it relates to the immune activity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is crucial for recovery. Understanding antibody activity is essential for the development and application of treatments such as convalescent plasma therapy for COVID-19 patients.
13) Surface:
'Surface' refers to the outermost layer or boundary of an object. In the context of SARS-CoV-2, surface properties can influence how the virus interacts with host cells and its transmission through surfaces in the environment, highlighting critical concerns in epidemiology and infection control measures.
14) Quality:
'Quality' pertains to the standard of medical products, including plasma therapy. The article emphasizes the importance of high-quality convalescent plasma with effective neutralizing antibodies, which is critical for ensuring that treatments provide the necessary support to patients recovering from COVID-19.
15) Animal:
'Animal' is a broader term generally describing multicellular organisms that can respond to stimuli and heterotrophically obtain energy. In the narrative of viral outbreaks, understanding specific animal sources or vectors is instrumental in addressing public health threats posed by emerging zoonotic viruses like COVID-19.
16) Family:
'Family' signifies a group with shared characteristics. Here, it refers to the family of coronaviruses, where SARS-CoV-2 belongs. Understanding the evolutionary relationships within the coronavirus family helps researchers identify common traits, making it easier to develop targeted treatments and vaccines against related pathogens.
17) India:
'India' plays a crucial role as a case example of COVID-19's impact, with specific statistics highlighting the number of cases and responses to manage the pandemic. The article captures India's healthcare challenges and efforts to implement treatments like convalescent plasma amid the ongoing crisis.
18) Fever:
'Fever' is a common symptom associated with infections, indicating the body's response to fight pathogens. In the article, fever is cited as one of the manifestations of COVID-19, underlining the importance of recognizing this symptom for diagnosis and guiding treatment decisions like convalescent plasma therapy.
19) Earth:
'Earth' refers to the planet we inhabit. The article frames the COVID-19 pandemic as a global crisis threatening health systems worldwide. Understanding the worldwide nature of the outbreak emphasizes the collective human responsibility to explore various treatment strategies, including convalescent plasma among affected populations.
20) Bird:
'Bird' signifies a specific group of avian species that can harbor viruses harmful to other species, including humans. The historical context of coronaviruses deriving from birds indicates the ecological interplay and zoonotic potential, underscoring the need for vigilant monitoring of wildlife to prevent viral spillover.
21) Sign:
'Sign' refers to an indication or symptom of a condition. In relation to COVID-19, the article discusses clinical signs such as cough and fever that signal infection, crucial for public health responses and guiding treatment choices like the use of convalescent plasma therapy for affected patients.
22) Male:
'Male' refers to the sex that produces small, mobile gametes known as sperm. In the context of the article, it potentially illustrates demographic factors when discussing cases of COVID-19, highlighting the need to consider gender differences in immune response and treatment outcomes in clinical settings.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Covide 19 – convalescent plasma as a optional treatment’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Supportive care, Viral load, Clinical improvement, Immunologic Response, Antiviral treatment, Mechanical ventilation, Oxygen inhalation, Ebola outbreak, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, Neutralizing antibodies.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.