A first  preliminary study carried out with macaques suggests that those cases that overcome the infection by coronavirus COVID-19 do not get the same disease again, according to research carried out by a group of scientific centers in China (a place where before and with greater extent the coronavirus epidemic has spread) referred to  the publications archive of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory USA.

“Our results indicate that primary SARS-Cov-2 infection could protect from subsequent exposures [to the virus],” concludes the study, which warns that this is a first scientific approach, which should be reviewed. 

The experiment was launched when several cases of people discharged after passing COVID-19 were detected in China and returned positive in laboratory tests for coronavirus. It was therefore unclear whether these patients were at risk of “relapse” from their original infection or whether they had, on the contrary, been reinfected.

This was important in determining whether overcoming the disease gives the patient immunity against the same virus. To investigate this aspect, the scientists infected a group of four monkeys with their adults who developed the symptoms of this coronavirus. Once these symptoms were alleviated, half of the primates received the same dose of SARSCOV-2 as in the first exposure.

The researchers found no viral loads. Virological, radiological and pathological follow-up showed that there was no recurrence of COVID-19. This discovery about the likely immunity after passing the infection “has vital implications for the design of a vaccine.”

“Regarding the phenomenon of patients discharged who returned positive, it can be attributed to a false negative in the PCR test before discharge”, which would require, concludes the work, that “diagnostic techniques be adjusted, antibody monitoring and sample testing to cure the virus. ” However, they finish, “it is necessary to consider more complex aspects to find the causes of this phenomenon.”

Information is more necessary than ever

In the newsroom of eldiario.es we are dedicated to covering the coronavirus epidemic and its social and economic consequences. In these exceptional days, it is crucial to inform fully, didactically and carefully. And open to all. Thanks to the support of our partners, our coverage will be accessible at all times to all readers. The best public service information depends on committed readers like you.