Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring Venous Waveforms for Non-Invasive Respiratory Monitoring in Pigs
04:10

Author Spotlight: Exploring Venous Waveforms for Non-Invasive Respiratory Monitoring in Pigs

Published on: March 8, 2024

1.8K

Challenges of convalescent plasma infusion therapy in Middle East respiratory coronavirus infection: a single centre

Jae-Hoon Ko1,2, Hyeri Seok1, Sun Young Cho1

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Antiviral Therapy
|June 21, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Convalescent plasma (CP) infusion is a potential treatment for severe Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Donor plasma with a plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) titre of at least 1:80 is recommended for effective CP therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Convalescent plasma (CP) infusion is explored as a treatment for severe Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
  • The efficacy of CP infusion for MERS-CoV has not been previously evaluated.
  • This study assesses serological responses in MERS patients receiving CP during the 2015 Korean MERS outbreak.

Observation:

  • Thirteen MERS patients with respiratory failure received CP infusions.
  • Only two of the three patients who received four CP infusions showed neutralizing activity.
  • Donor plasma with a PRNT titre of 1:80 showed a meaningful serological response post-infusion, unlike titres of 1:40.

Findings:

  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) IgG predicted neutralization activity with high specificity.
  • An ELISA IgG cutoff optical density (OD) ratio of 1.6 showed >95% specificity for PRNT titres ≥1:80.
  • An ELISA IgG OD ratio of 1.9 demonstrated 100% specificity for PRNT titres ≥1:80.

Implications:

  • For effective MERS-CoV CP therapy, donor plasma should possess a PRNT titre of at least 1:80.
  • ELISA IgG testing can serve as a substitute for neutralization tests in resource-limited settings.
  • These findings guide the selection of effective CP for MERS treatment.

More Related Videos

Infection of Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells Grown at an Air-Liquid Interface to Characterize Human Coronavirus-Host Interactions09:02

Infection of Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells Grown at an Air-Liquid Interface to Characterize Human Coronavirus-Host Interactions

Published on: September 22, 2023

2.2K
Sublingual Immunotherapy as an Alternative to Induce Protection Against Acute Respiratory Infections16:56

Sublingual Immunotherapy as an Alternative to Induce Protection Against Acute Respiratory Infections

Published on: August 30, 2014

17.6K

Related Concept Videos

Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure01:16

Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure

Oxygen therapy has emerged as a significant tool in enhancing the quality of life for patients suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). While this therapy has principally been studied on patients with significant hypoxemia, this therapeutic approach helps prevent potential organ damage and can be administered in the comfort of one's home.
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue,...
633
Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract01:31

Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract

The lower respiratory tract is anatomically composed of several vital structures, including the larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, alveoli, lungs, and pleurae. Each component has a specific function, and all are intricately connected to ensure efficient respiration.
The Larynx
It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the...
3.8K
The Respiratory System01:16

The Respiratory System

The respiratory system is comprised of the organs that enable breathing. Air enters the nostrils and mouth, followed by the pharynx (throat) and larynx (voice box), which lead to the trachea (windpipe). In the thoracic cavity, the trachea splits into two bronchi that allow air to enter the lungs. The bronchi split into progressively smaller bronchioles and terminate in small groups of tiny sacs in the lungs called alveoli, where gas exchange occurs.
89.5K
What is an Experiment?01:12

What is an Experiment?

An experiment is a planned activity carried out under controlled conditions. The purpose of an experiment is to investigate the relationship between two variables. When one variable causes change in another, we call the first variable the explanatory or independent variable. The affected variable is called the response or dependent variable. In a randomized experiment, the researcher manipulates values of the explanatory variable and measures the resulting changes in the response variable. The...
19.0K
Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract01:29

Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract

The upper respiratory tract plays a vital role in the respiratory system, comprising several structures that facilitate air intake and prepare air for the lungs. It also serves as the first line of defense against pathogens and particles. This tract includes the nose and nasal cavity, the oral cavity, the paranasal sinuses, and the pharynx, each with specific functions and features.
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract....
5.4K
Gene Therapy00:59

Gene Therapy

Gene therapy is a technique where a gene is inserted into a person’s cells to prevent or treat a serious disease. The added gene may be a healthy version of the gene that is mutated in the patient, or it could be a different gene that inactivates or compensates for the patient’s disease-causing gene. For example, in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) due to a mutation in the gene for the enzyme adenosine deaminase, a functioning version of the gene can be...
27.7K