University of Missouri research project examines COVID-19 immunity

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The University of Missouri is the hub for a new research project aimed at understanding how the human body’s immune system responds to the virus that causes COVID-19 post-infection.

Students, faculty and staff who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the past have been asked to participate in the study to examine their antibody levels over a period of time.

In a news release from MU Health, Ram Raghavan, the project’s primary investigator, said there is much more to learn about COVID-19.

"How do different members of the population ... develop immunity to this disease, and how long can that immunity be expected to last against possible reinfection?” he said in the news release.

Raghavan said the study allows researchers to track immunity by looking at subjects' immune response at different levels to see how long the antibodies stay in their immune systems.

The MU Health news release said antibody testing will help researchers find long-term protection against COVID-19.

Gerbes Pharmacy is also launching COVID-19 rapid antibody testing at all pharmacy locations, making Kroger the first U.S. retailer to offer the test to customers.

The idea is to let patients know if they have been infected by COVID-19, according to a press release from Kroger Health.

Tests with Kroger are $25 and take 15 minutes to get results back.

Individuals who believe they may have previously had COVID-19 and are not currently experiencing symptoms are eligible for the test.

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