To what extent are people immune to SARS-CoV-2 following an infection with the virus? The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITG) aims to answer this question with a new study. Over the course of one year, the researchers monitor the situation of 150 healthcare workers who became infected during the first wave. Mensura is providing the coordination and execution of medical examinations for the participants active in Jessa Hospital.

The study’s focus is twofold. "On the one hand, we want to know how long immunity lasts after experiencing COVID-19," explains ITG virologist Kevin Ariën in Het Belang van Limburg (Dutch only). "On the other hand, we're investigating whether that potential immunity offers sufficient protection against a new infection."

Worldwide, there is no known case of a second infection. We also know very little about immunity following infection with the virus. Ariën: "With other corona viruses, immunity is often short-lived, sometimes only two to three years. We know that for the new virus, the number of antibodies decreases drastically after several months, which may suggest that the immunity does not last long. It's much more complex than that, however, which is why further research is required."

150 healthcare workers who became infected during the first wave are taking part in the study: 125 from Jessa Hospital in Hasselt and 25 from the Antwerp University Hospital. "We deliberately chose healthcare workers as they are at greater risk of exposure to a new infection during the second wave," Ariën explains. “For a period of one year, we'll take a blood sample every three months. If we suspect infection, we will closely monitor the situation of the person in question."

The research results can also provide important information in the search for a vaccine. "If it turns out, for example, that people are only immune for six to seven months following a natural infection, then a vaccine will have to make a strong entrance. In that case, we may need to consider yearly vaccination, as with the flu vaccine. To be clear, though, we haven’t got that far yet," Ariën concludes.

Read the full article with a testimonial of Jessa employee Cindy Govarts here (Dutch only).