Clearance of Persistent SARS-CoV-2 RNA Detection in a NFκB-Deficient Patient in Association with the Ingestion of Human Breast Milk: A Case Report

  • Janine S. Sabino
  • , Mariene R. Amorim
  • , William M. de Souza
  • , Lia F. Marega
  • , Luciana S. Mofatto
  • , Daniel A. Toledo-Teixeira
  • , Julia Forato
  • , Rodrigo G. Stabeli
  • , Maria Laura Costa
  • , Fernando R. Spilki
  • , Ester C. Sabino
  • , Nuno R. Faria
  • , Bruno D. Benites
  • , Marcelo Addas-Carvalho
  • , Raquel S.B. Stucchi
  • , Dewton M. Vasconcelos
  • , Scott C. Weaver
  • , Fabiana Granja
  • , José Luiz Proenca-Modena
  • , Maria Marluce Dos S. Vilela

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Currently, there are no evidence-based treatment options for long COVID-19, and it is known that SARS-CoV-2 can persist in part of the infected patients, especially those with immuno-suppression. Since there is a robust secretion of SARS-CoV-2-specific highly-neutralizing IgA antibodies in breast milk, and because this immunoglobulin plays an essential role against respiratory virus infection in mucosa cells, being, in addition, more potent in neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 than IgG, here we report the clinical course of an NFκB-deficient patient chronically infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Gamma variant, who, after a non-full effective treatment with plasma infusion, received breast milk from a vaccinated mother by oral route as treatment for COVID-19. After such treatment, the symptoms improved, and the patient was systematically tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Thus, we hypothesize that IgA and IgG secreted antibodies present in breast milk could be useful to treat persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunodeficient patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number1042
JournalViruses
Volume14
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2022

Keywords

  • IgA
  • NFκB-deficiency
  • breast milk
  • immunosuppression
  • persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

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