COVID-19, nasal swab predictive of infection severity under study

A study conducted at Emory University (Atlanta, Georgia) and published in Science Translational Medicine has revealed the potential for predicting the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection by observing the presence of autoantibodies in the nasal cavity of infected patients. The study, which followed 125 patients with various levels of SARS-CoV-2 infection (from mild to severe) for approximately two years, demonstrated a positive correlation between antibodies in the nasal airways and a milder clinical picture, enhanced antiviral immunity and more rapid recovery in the patient. To facilitate a more accurate assessment of antibody production at the local nasal level in the event of infection, the research team has developed a novel biotechnological instrument, designated FlowBEAT, for the quantification of diverse antibody types within nasal cavities and other biological samples. This discovery may facilitate the formulation of more tailored treatment plans, thereby furnishing vital data for the prompt implementation of treatment in the most severe infection cases.