Existing treatment options are proving to be ineffective in controlling the rising COVID-19 cases and deaths. Special vaccines and drugs are being designed but may take a year before it hits the market. Clinicians across the world, including India, have now started exploring if CPT (Convalescent Plasma Therapy) can serve as a stopgap and bring in respite.
What is CPT?
When someone develops an infection, the body – as part of its auto-defence system – produces antibodies to fight off the disease-causing-pathogens. These antibodies more often than not win the battle sooner or later and remain active in the body for some time even after the war is over.
CPT involves inviting the newly and totally recovered patients for blood donation, drawing plasma (plasma contains antibodies) from the blood and infusing it into the bloodstream of critically ill patients suffering with the same medical conditions.
How does it work?
When a sick person receives antibodies’ shot, disease fighting ability of the body goes up and health condition improves.
Now, how much difference it makes depends on, among others, the criticality of the patient’s medical condition, his own immunity level and the disease he is fighting with. Brought to use many times, the approach has produced mixed results during the Ebola, the Swine Flu, the MERS and the SARS outbreaks. It’s efficacy is yet to be seen against the COVID-19 disease.
Let’s hope for the best.
What you can do?
If you had COVID-19 and have recovered from the illness, consider donating your blood when called for at a nearby government authorised centre.
Disclaimer: Indian Health Bureau does not claim any responsibility for the information contained in this article. The information may not hold good for everyone. The post is for general awareness only and should not be construed as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Please consult your doctor to know what is good for you.
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