COVID-19 is a new disease whose development is constantly being watched by researchers around the world. In terms of mutations, transmission, symptoms, treatment, and the antibodies produced, COVID-19 continues to develop.
Recently, a unique case came from a neighboring country, namely Singapore. A 31-year-old woman who has been infected with the coronavirus gave birth to a child with antibodies to COVID-19. However, the antibodies in the mother itself are known to be lost. How is the medical explanation for this?
A Mother Gives Birth to a Child with COVID-19 Antibodies
Reported News, the woman known as Celine Ng-Chan gave birth to her second child on November 7, 2020 at the National University Hospital (NUH).
The baby, named Aldrin, was born free of COVID-19 and even has coronavirus antibodies. These antibodies indicate that Aldrin has immunity to the corona virus.
Ng-Chan explained that his COVID-19 antibodies were missing. Doctors suspect Ng-Chan's body transferred COVID-19 antibodies to her baby during pregnancy.
Previously, Ng-Chan was known to have contracted COVID-19 after returning from a trip to Europe in March 2020. When diagnosed with COVID-19, Ng-Chan was 10 weeks pregnant.
Ng-Chan and his first child contracted COVID-19 and only experienced mild symptoms. They were allowed to go home from the hospital after being treated for 2.5 weeks.
Can the Mother Give COVID-19 Antibodies to the Fetus?
Responding to this case, dr. Dyah Novita Anggraini or familiarly called dr. Vita has a different opinion. The problem with the loss of antibodies in Ng-Chan's own body is probably related to the duration of this protection.
"According to the latest journal, COVID-19 antibodies only last for 3-6 months after exposure to COVID-19. So, maternal antibodies are lost not only due to the transfer of antibodies to the fetus, but indeed the time the antibodies remain in the body is no longer than 6 months. "Maybe, the fetus forms COVID-19 antibodies on its own because it was exposed to the corona virus while in the womb," said dr. Vita.
Even so, some medical experts have not been able to confirm about Ng-Chan's case, including the alleged transfer of antibodies from mother to baby through the placenta.
It should be noted that there are two antibodies associated with COVID 19, namely IgG and IgM antibodies. IgG antibodies are said to be transferred passively from mother to fetus via the placenta.
How Long Can These COVID-19 Antibodies Protect Babies?
According to dr. Vita, how long the COVID-19 antibodies will protect the child, the possibility can occur for 3 to 6 months.
Meanwhile, quoting from the BBC , researchers from Imperial College London found that the level of antibodies infected with the corona virus would actually decrease quite quickly. In fact, someone who already has COVID-19 antibodies is at risk of contracting the corona virus again.
"Immunity decreases quite rapidly, only three months after the test was conducted by the first researcher and has shown a 26 percent reduction in antibodies," said Prof. Helen Ward, one of the researchers.
Thus, research on transfer and how long COVID-19 antibodies can last in the human body must continue. Given that COVID-19 is a new disease that is constantly changing.
Until now, a powerful way to prevent transmission of COVID-19 is to implement good health protocols. Wash your hands with soap and water, keep out of crowds, and wear a mask!
