Rapid and Successful Implementation of a COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Programme-The South African Experience.

Tanya Nadia Glatt,Avril Swarts,Itumeleng Phayane,Johan Koekemoer,Munzhedzi Kutama,Derrick Nelson,Cynthia Nyoni,Caroline Hilton,Ute Jentsch,Penny L Moore,Jabulisile Jaza,Thandeka Moyo-Gwete,Cordelia Mmenu,Ronel Swanevelder,James Cowley,Karin Van Den Berg,Marion Vermeulen,Tinus Brits

doi:10.3390/v13102050

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) has been considered internationally as a treatment option for COVID-19. CCP refers to plasma collected from donors who have recovered from and made antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. To date, convalescent plasma has not been collected in South Africa. As other investigational therapies and vaccination were not widely accessible, there was an urgent need to implement a CCP manufacture programme to service South Africans. Methods: The South African National Blood Service and the Western Cape Blood Service implemented a CCP programme that included CCP collection, processing, testing and storage. CCP units were tested for SARS-CoV-2 Spike ELISA and neutralising antibodies and routine blood transfusion parameters. CCP units from previously pregnant females were tested for anti-HLA and anti-HNA antibodies. Results: A total of 987 CCP units were collected from 243 donors, with a median of three donations per donor. Half of the CCP units had neutralising antibody titres of >1:160. One CCP unit was positive on the TPHA serology. All CCP units tested for anti-HLA antibodies were positive. Conclusion: Within three months of the first COVID-19 diagnosis in South Africa, a fully operational CCP programme was set up across South Africa. The infrastructure and skills implemented will likely benefit South Africans in this and future pandemics.

Highlights

severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, poses a significant threat to global health
The first case of COVID-19 was reported in South Africa on the 5 March 2020
South African National Blood Service (SANBS) Scientific Research Committee and Human Research Ethics Committee approval for the convalescent plasma (CCP) manufacture programme was granted in April 2020, and collections started on the 1 May 2020

Summary

Introduction

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, poses a significant threat to global health. The lack of definitive treatment or widely accessible effective prevention has led many to consider COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) as a potential therapeutic option. CCP refers to plasma collected from donors who have recovered from COVID-19 and, likely to have produced neutralising antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 [1]. Hyperimmune plasma for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and source plasma for intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG’s) from donors are routinely collected by apheresis and produced in. CCP refers to plasma collected from donors who have recovered from and made antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Methods: The South African National Blood Service and the Western Cape Blood Service implemented a CCP programme that included CCP collection, processing, testing and storage. CCP units were tested for SARS-CoV-2 Spike ELISA and neutralising antibodies and routine blood transfusion parameters.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion