Researchers from George Washington University have made a major breakthrough discovery. The scientists have developed a blood test that quickly detects if someone has Covid-19 and predicts how severely the immune system will react to the infection. The study was published in PLOS One.
The findings of the study could one day lead to a powerful tool to help doctors determine the best treatment plan for people with Covid-19. At present, there is no good way to predict how the immune system will respond to the virus that causes Covid-19 or other disease-causing microbes. The immune response could range from mild symptoms, all the way to critically severe symptoms, which can lead to the intensive care unit or even death.
The researchers sequenced whole blood RNA from Covid-19 patients whose symptoms ranged from asymptomatic to severe. They found visible changes in the cells of people with Covid-19. Their analysis also revealed that Covid-19 severity was associated with an increase in neutrophil activity and a decrease in T-cell activity.
Professor of medicine at GW and lead researcher on the project, Timothy McCaffrey said, “This test could prove very valuable during the pandemic, especially as variants continue to spread and doctors need to be confident in identifying the problem and providing effective treatment. When we sequence whole blood RNA, we’re given a fuller, more dynamic picture of what’s happening inside the body, and our test helps identify those who need the more aggressive treatments.”
