healthUpdated: Dec 28, 2020, 17:27 ISTScientists have found evidence of protective immunity against Covid-19 in people up to four months after mild or asymptomatic coronavirus infection, providing hope for the long-lasting efficacy of vaccines. The researcher, including those from Queen Mary University of London analysed antibody and T cell responses in 136 healthcare workers in the UK, who had mild or asymptomatic Covid-19 infection dating back to March. The study, published in the journal Science Immunology, found that 89 per cent of healthcare workers analysed carried neutralising antibodies 16-18 weeks after infection. The research also found that T cell responses tended to be higher in those with the classic, defining symptoms of Covid-19, while asymptomatic infection resulted in a weaker T cell immunity than symptomatic infection, but equivalent neutralising antibody responses. The new study also provides reassurance for vaccination efforts, suggesting that even following mild infection, individuals carry antibody and T cell immunity to many parts of the virus, known as epitopes.

Source: Hindustan Times December 28, 2020 11:57 UTC