A Redaction By ARPS Media with MRC The Gambia
A Nature Communications Medicine Journal study found that many Gambians displayed strong immune responses to COVID-19 before the Delta variant despite low case numbers.
Researchers analyzed nasal swabs and blood samples from 349 unvaccinated individuals, revealing that 78% of adults aged 18-49 had evidence of prior infection, compared to 26% of children under five.
Some individuals without detectable antibodies showed T-cell responses, indicating they may have successfully fought the virus without traditional antibody production.
These findings suggest that the immune responses in this population have led to lower disease severity than in high-income countries and highlight the importance of assessing T-cell responses alongside antibodies for understanding COVID-19 immunity.
The study was part of the TransVIR project and funded by a UK Research and Innovation Grant.
Find original article at: New Study Sheds Light on the Immune Responses to COVID-19 in The Gambia,
