Coronavirus: Men produce more Covid-19 antibodies than women, study shows

NHS study assessing whether plasma donations can be effective in generating immune response in those struggling to fight off infection

Men appear to produce more Covid-19 antibodies than women, new research suggests.

Those who have been infected with the virus are being asked to donate blood plasma as part of an ongoing trial conducted by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).

The study is assessing whether convalescent plasma donations can be effective in generating an immune response in those struggling to fight off the infection.

After more than a month of trials, the research has established that 43 per cent of male donors had plasma rich enough in antibodies to be used for transfusions, compared with 29 per cent of women.

Professor David Roberts, associate director for blood donation at NHSBT, said: “We’d still like to hear from anybody who had coronavirus or the symptoms. More plasma donors are needed.

“But we’d especially want to hear from men. We test every plasma donation and men have higher antibody levels, which means we’re more likely to be able to use their plasma to save lives.

“Initially your immune system will try and fight off a virus with white blood cells. If you become more ill, your immune system needs to produce more antibodies that neutralise or kill the virus.

“Our studies, and many others around the world, show men with Covid-19 are more likely to become seriously ill than women. This makes them better plasma donors once they have recovered.”

Last week it was announced that anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 through the national testing programme will be asked to join a blood plasma trial.

NHSBT said people confirmed with the virus through the “pillar 2” national testing programme will receive a text message 21 days after their result to see whether they are willing to donate plasma.

The texts will now be sent on a weekly basis to anyone who tests positive through the national testing programme. People will receive them 21 days after their result.

The plasma from former patients is rich in the antibodies that develop as a person recovers from an illness.

It is transfused into people who are seriously ill with Covid-19 and struggling to develop their own antibodies.

Donating takes about 45 minutes, as the blood is filtered through a machine to remove the plasma. The process is known as plasmapheresis.

The transfusions are being delivered in collaboration with Remap-Cap, an international trial platform helping evaluate a number of Covid-19 treatments.

The blood plasma is collected no sooner than 28 days after recovery, to ensure discharged patients have developed a good antibody response – a process which can take up to a month.

If the trial proves successful, blood plasma treatment could become a widespread practice in hospitals.

Simon Callon, of St Helens, survived Covid-19 but lost his father Noel to the disease. He described the decision to donate his blood plasma as a “no-brainer”.

“I don’t want anybody going through what happened to my dad,” he said.

“He died on a hospital ward with no family or friends, with a nurse holding his hand. Only 10 people were allowed at his funeral.

“He’d had a fall at home but the paramedics found his oxygen levels were low and he had a high temperature so they took him in.

“He had been with my mum for more than 60 years. He was ex-RAF and a long-distance lorry driver but also an amateur painter who taught classes. His students formed a socially-distanced guard of honour with their paintbrushes.

“To me, donating plasma was a no-brainer. If you can save somebody or help somebody, you would do it.

“The donation was easy, no pain. The staff were brilliant. I hope I can help someone.”

Additional reporting by PA