Plasma-based COVID-19 treatments in low- and middle-income nations pose a high risk of an HIV epidemic
Leonardo M. R. Ferreira, Mohammed A. Mostajo-Radji
Abstract
Convalescent plasma therapy holds promise as a transient treatment for COVID-19. Yet, blood products are important sources of HIV infection in low- and middle-income nations. Great care must be taken to prevent plasma therapy from fueling HIV epidemics in the developing world.
Topics & Concepts
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Low and middle income countriesHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)PandemicMedicineVirologySevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakDeveloping countryConvalescent plasmaEnvironmental healthEconomic growthInternal medicineEconomicsInfectious disease (medical specialty)OutbreakDiseaseCOVID-19 Impact on ReproductionVaccine Coverage and HesitancyHIV/AIDS Research and Interventions