Convalescent Plasma as a Plausible Therapeutic Option for nCOVID-19: A Review

Abstract

The world is battling a pandemic caused by the newly emerged strain of coronavirus; upon identification SARSCoV-2 and in interim named nCOVID-19 by the World Health Organization (WHO). The contagion has sparked a war against humanity with the current global toll of 1,12,241 human lives. Till date no definitive treatment against SARS-CoV-2 has been established. Similar picture of lack of licensed definitive therapy can be traced back to Ebola outbreak and the WHO directed for considering convalescent plasma (CP) therapy for its control. The history of CP as therapeutics dates back to 20th century which renders a scope for consideration in the management of nCOVID-19. Experience from prior outbreak of SARS-CoV-1 has shown that convalescent sera contain neutralizing antibodies to the relevant virus. The core principle of this passive antibody therapy is based on retrieving virus neutralizing antibodies from recovered patients with all ethical considerations and using it as prophylaxis in exposed cases or as therapy in infected patients. It is more effective as prophylaxis than as a treatment modality for the disease. However, when used in early phase of disease, the evidences have reported a decrease in mortality. Cocktails with monoclonal antibodies have also been reported beneficial, but calls for establishing pros and cons in further detail. The sole objective of this review article is to explain how and why the convalescent plasma can serve as a plausible therapeutic modality. In addition, it renders a bird’s eye view on current clinical trials for the same.