The antibodies are called “autoantibodies,” and they target genetic material from human cells instead of from a virus. Other viral illnesses also trigger autoantibodies, experts told the Times.
Autoantibodies were found in almost half of 52 patients from Emory HealthCare in Atlanta in a study published Oct. 23 in the preprint server MedRxiv. The study has yet to be published in a scientific journal, the Times reported.
All of the study’s patients had severe or critical COVID-19 and no history of autoimmune disorders. But Akiko Iwasaki, PhD, an immunologist at Yale University, told the Times it’s possible that people with moderate or mild COVID-19 could see the same kind of autoantibody response.
The findings may explain why COVID-19 “long haulers” have lasting problems months after the virus leaves their bodies, experts told the Times. By using tests that detect autoantibodies, physicians may be able to identify COVID-19 patients who could benefit from treatments for autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Ann Marshak-Rothstein, PhD, an immunologist and lupus expert at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester told the Times that if COVID-19 autoantibodies turn out to be long-lasting, they may result in lifelong problems for some COVID-19 survivors.
Read the full article here.
More articles on public health:
25 states where COVID-19 is spreading fastest, slowest: Oct. 27
COVID-19 hospitalizations by state: Oct. 27
Only 25 ICU beds open in North Dakota; US sees most new COVID-19 cases in 1 week — 6 updates
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.