Bahrain to begin treating COVID-19 patients using convalescent plasma therapy

TDT | Manama

Bahrain is set to begin clinical trials using convalescent plasma to help treat patients suffering from the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. This was announced yesterday by Infectious Diseases Consultant and Microbiologist at Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Hospital and National Taskforce for Combatting COVID-19 member Lt. Col. Dr Manaf Al Qahtani.

People who have recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies to the disease in their blood. This is called convalescent plasma. It is hoped that by using this convalescent plasma on people with severe cases of COVID-19, it would boost their immune system to help fight the virus.

Dr Al Qahtani said that the Kingdom continues to update its treatment protocols in line with global research provided on the virus, and the experiences of various countries.

The results have shown a significant improvement in symptoms 12 to 24 hours after existing cases received the convalescent plasma. Dr Al Qahtaini revealed that, in the coming days, the clinical trials will be conducted on 20 cases.