Team Leader:

Prof. dr Violeta Mihailović-Vučinić, School of medicine, University of Belgrade

Team members from Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković":

Dr. Ilijana Grigorov, Department for molecular biology IBISS

Abstract:

By measuring the quantitative level of IgM and IgG antibodies in SARS-CoV-2 survivors, and following-up patients who survived acute respiratory distress syndrome, it will be possible to monitor for how long the antibodies persist after infection, and establish the possible correlations of the primary clinical manifestation and post-infection fibrotic tissue development in relation to ABO blood types. By estimating indicators of erythrocytes hemolysis, inflammation and oxidative stress in serum, the Project will test the hypothesis that SARS-CoV-2 attacks heme, causing early hypoxia that leads to respiratory distress and blood coagulation disorder. Project results will gain a new understanding of disease incidence, development and complications, providing recommendations on the future COVID-19 vaccination, and criteria for assessing whether a person with an antibody response may serve as a convalescent plasma donor. Suppose the hypothesis about the effect of the virus on hemoglobin proves to be correct; in that case, Project results will lead to recommendations to change the current clinical practice in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 patients.