Serology tests have become the thing most people are talking about. Why? Because this is finally people’s pass to go back to work or mandate to stay home, or so they think. Serology tests looks for signs of an immune response by detecting antibodies for a particular pathogen, in this case COVID-19. Some tests are developed for IgM antibodies, IgG antibodies, IgA antibodies, or all three. These tests are not created equal, however, because the detection of IgM antibodies only means a partial activation of B cells by the virus, meaning a full infection may not have taken place to give someone full immunity. IgG and IgA antibodies are created later after a B cell is fully activated during a full blown infection. As IgG antibodies rise, IgM antibodies lower. IgA antibodies, present in mucosal tissues such as the inner lining of the lung, are known to be important for fighting respiratory infections such as influenza, and are likely to be central in coronavirus infection, too.
Even if a person is found to have higher grade antibodies, such as IgG or IgA, this does not necessarily mean they are ready to return to work. Immunity lies on a spectrum, and while some diseases, such as varicella-zoster, provide full lifelong immunity after infection, others, such as Clostridium tetani, offer no protection. Even routine vaccinations for tetanus require continuous booster shots. Research on COVID-19 is still in its very early stages, and knowledge about where SARS-CoV-2 lies on the immunity spectrum is minimal to none. While the coronavirus seems to be producing antibodies, we simply don’t know what it takes to be effectively protected.
Researchers are struggling to answer these major questions of this virus. How long do COVID-19 antibodies remain in the body? Do they protect against reinfection? These uncertainties hang in the balance while the nations wait. This waiting time is vital, however, and jumping back into work before the allocated time will end in further infection and death.
micro biology 