People who become infected with a virus such as SARS-CoV-2 usually develop an immune response and produce antibodies against the virus. Antibodies are natural proteins made by the body's immune system that attack viruses and other germs. These antibodies are found in plasma, which is the yellow, clear part of the blood. There have been other studies using plasma to treat other types of viruses that showed some positive results. Human plasma containing antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus is an option for prevention and treatment of COVID-19. This type of treatment, known as passive antibody therapy, could be rapidly available when there are sufficient numbers of people who have recovered from infection and can donate antibody-containing plasma. In contrast to vaccination strategies, which begin to provide protection weeks after administration, antibody-containing plasma would provide its protective benefits immediately. Additionally, passive antibody therapy may be the only way to provide immunity for some immunocompromised patients who do not respond to vaccines.~This research will evaluate the safety of administration of plasma containing antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus (i.e., convalescent plasma). The research will also measure the level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in patient's blood after the administration of the convalescent plasma.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of administration of plasma containing antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus (i.e., convalescent plasma) and if it is able to prevent disease or lessen the severity of disease in individuals who are at high risk of developing COVID-19 due to a recent exposure. This study will also measure the level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in patient's blood after the administration of the convalescent plasma.