A recent discovery coming from the Belgian scientists is hitting the world. They have recently announced that llama blood could be useful in neutralizing COVID-19. The research was conducted at the Vlaams Institute for Biotechnology in Ghent, as per new reports.
The team of scientists discovered that the antibodies for the llama blood behave like an asset against the deadly virus. This theory has already been proven for the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome that have affected the world in the past years.
According to the scientists, the small size of the antibodies is responsible for targeting the microscopic viruses more efficiently, being defined as nanobody technology. Back in 1980, the scientists used these antibodies for the treatment of HIV. These resourceful properties were discovered in the blood of camels, llamas, and alpacas, being found by the Brussels University back in 1989.
COVID-19 Cure Might Reside In Llama Blood
Sunday Times has reported that this groundbreaking discovery is food for thought for scientists and would deserve more attention. Other scientists are suggesting that camelids are not the only species of animals to prove efficient during the coronavirus outbreak. A research coming from South Korea is stating that ferrets respond the same as humans when infected with COVID-19.
This would prove valuable in the event of an antiviral treatment test such as vaccines or medicines.
Hong Kong researchers have reported a Syrian hamster that had a similar reaction to the virus as humans, showing upper and lower respiratory infections. The study was performed on eight hamsters who lost weight, developed rapid breathing, and became lethargic.
In addition to this, Oxford University is continuing its research towards finding a coronavirus vaccine. The tests on chimpanzees have shown impressive results. Therefore, the researchers are confident that they will provide either a vaccine or a COVID-19 cure soon. Nonetheless, public health officials state that this target may be too ambitious, indicating that the standard period for producing such medicine takes from one year to 18 months.
