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The convalescent sera option for containing COVID-19
Arturo Casadevall, Liise-anne Pirofski
Arturo Casadevall, Liise-anne Pirofski
Published March 13, 2020
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2020;130(4):1545-1548. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI138003.
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The convalescent sera option for containing COVID-19

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Abstract

Authors

Arturo Casadevall, Liise-anne Pirofski

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Figure 1

Schematic of the use of convalescent sera for COVID-19.

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Schematic of the use of convalescent sera for COVID-19.
An individual wh...
An individual who is sick with COVID-19 and recovers has blood drawn and screened for virus-neutralizing antibodies. Following identification of those with high titers of neutralizing antibody, serum containing these virus-neutralizing antibodies can be administered in a prophylactic manner to prevent infection in high-risk cases, such as vulnerable individuals with underlying medical conditions, health care providers, and individuals with exposure to confirmed cases of COVID-19. Additionally, convalescent serum could potentially be used in individuals with clinical disease to reduce symptoms and mortality. The efficacy of these approaches is not known, but historical experience suggests that convalescent sera may be more effective in preventing disease than in the treatment of established disease.

Copyright © 2025 American Society for Clinical Investigation
ISSN: 0021-9738 (print), 1558-8238 (online)

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