In another study, also published online in October, researchers discovered autoantibodies to carbohydrates made by the body in COVID-19 patients, which could explain neurological symptoms. The gathering research raises the worrying possibility that lingering autoantibodies might lead to autoimmune disease in some people infected with the coronavirus. Of 15 patients who died during the study, 14 had autoantibodies to at least one constituent of the immune system. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases via The New York Times)Some of the antibodies seemed to be the result of inborn defects in the immune system. Several researchers, including Bhadelia and Iwasaki, are following patients over time to see how long autoantibodies persist and whether they wreak permanent damage.

Source: bd News24 January 28, 2021 16:52 UTC