Antibodies are not suitable markers for early diagnosis of COVID-19 infections

Jinhai Wang, M.D., Virologist, Immunologist

Due to the fast progress of coronavirus infection in the acute phase, early diagnosis is paramount. It has been reported that antibodies (IgM, IgG) to COVID-19 only detectable 11, or 12 days later in most patients after infection. Therefore, acute COVID-19 infections would be wrongly diagnosed and not be treated on time by anti-viral drugs Remdesivir, or herb medicine 清肺排毒汤.

CONCLUSION:  Anti-COVID-19 antibodies are not suitable markers for acute phase or early diagnosis of coronavirus infection. These anti-COVID-19 antibody assays may be good for vaccine development, assessing immune status to coronavirus.