Clearance of Persistent SARS-CoV-2 RNA Detection in a NFκB-Deficient Patient in Association with the Ingestion of Human Breast Milk: A Case Report

Viruses. 2022 May 13;14(5):1042. doi: 10.3390/v14051042.

Abstract

Currently, there are no evidence-based treatment options for long COVID-19, and it is known that SARS-CoV-2 can persist in part of the infected patients, especially those with immunosuppression. Since there is a robust secretion of SARS-CoV-2-specific highly-neutralizing IgA antibodies in breast milk, and because this immunoglobulin plays an essential role against respiratory virus infection in mucosa cells, being, in addition, more potent in neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 than IgG, here we report the clinical course of an NFκB-deficient patient chronically infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Gamma variant, who, after a non-full effective treatment with plasma infusion, received breast milk from a vaccinated mother by oral route as treatment for COVID-19. After such treatment, the symptoms improved, and the patient was systematically tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Thus, we hypothesize that IgA and IgG secreted antibodies present in breast milk could be useful to treat persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunodeficient patients.

Keywords: IgA; NFκB-deficiency; breast milk; immunosuppression; persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Eating
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Milk, Human
  • NF-kappa B
  • Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
  • RNA, Viral
  • SARS-CoV-2* / genetics

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • NF-kappa B
  • RNA, Viral

Supplementary concepts

  • SARS-CoV-2 variants