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November 16, 2020

Researchers from the Higher Institute of Health (ISS) have demonstrated the persistence of antibodies that block the "spike" protein of the SARS-Cov-2 virus in people who have contracted the infection.

The data emerged on the basis of serological tests carried out on a sample of about 7,000 people from five municipalities in Trentino who were particularly exposed to the first pandemic wave.

The news was communicated in a video press conference by Giovanni Rezza, from the Directorate General for Prevention of the Ministry of Health.

The study was carried out, in collaboration with the Automa Province of Trento, following the epidemiological investigation conducted during the summer in Canazei, Campitello di Fassa, Vermiglio, Borgo Chiese and Pieve di Bono-Prezzo, where a average incidence of intention equal to 23%, with a mortality of 2%.

"The research on the persistence of antibodies, coordinated by Paola Stefanelli on the basis of one of the largest samples at the international level, showed that after four months from infection, antibodies to the 'spike' (surface) protein remained in the vast majority of people, while other antibodies tended to disappear, "Rezza said.

The presence of neutralizing antibodies reportedly opens up positive scenarios for the actual protection of incoming vaccines.

"In vaccination terms, it means that most of the people who have these antibodies are protected. We have to be cautious anyway, because we still have little scientific evidence outside the labs," concluded Rezza.