Researchers say the MMR vaccine could protect against COVID-19

By NewsDesk @ bactiman63

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine was theorized to provide protection against COVID-19. In a new study published in mBio, an open access journal of the American Society for Microbiology, the researchers provide further evidence for this by showing that mumps IgG titers, or IgG antibody levels, are inversely related to severity in recovered COVID-19 patients previously vaccinated with the MMR II vaccine manufactured by Merck. MMR II contains Edmonston measles strain, Jeryl Lynn mumps strain (level B) and Wistar RA 27/3 rubella strain.

“We found a statistically significant inverse correlation between mumps titer levels and COVID-19 severity in people under 42 who had MMR II vaccinations,” said study lead author Jeffrey E. Gold, president. of the World Organization, in Watkinsville, Georgia. “This adds to other associations showing that the MMR vaccine may be protective against COVID-19. It could also explain why children have a much lower COVID-19 case rate than adults, as well as a much lower death rate. Most children receive their first MMR vaccination around 12-15 months of age and a second between 4 and 6 years old. “

In the new study, the researchers divided 80 subjects into 2 groups. The MMR II group consisted of 50 US-born subjects who would have primarily MMR antibodies from the MMR II vaccine. A comparison group of 30 subjects had no MMR II vaccination records and would have mainly MMR antibodies from other sources, including previous measles, mumps, and / or rubella diseases. The researchers found a significant inverse correlation (rs = -0.71, P <0.001) between mumps titers and COVID-19 severity in the MMR II group. There were no significant correlations between mumps titers and disease severity in the comparison group, between mumps titers and age in MMR II group, or between severity and measles or rubella titers in either group.

Within the MMR II group, mumps titers ranging from 134 to 300 AU / ml (n = 8) were found only in those who were functionally immune or asymptomatic. All with mild symptoms of COVID-19 had mumps titers below 134 AU / mL (n = 17). All with moderate symptoms had mumps titers below 75 AU / mL (n = 11). All those who were hospitalized and needed oxygen had mumps titers below 32 AU / mL (n = 5). Titers were measured by Quest Diagnostics using their standard diagnostic protocol.

“This is the first immunological study to evaluate the relationship between the MMR II vaccine and COVID-19. The statistically significant inverse correlation between mumps titers and COVID-19 indicates that there is a relationship involved that deserves further investigation, ”said co-author David J. Hurley, PhD, professor and molecular microbiologist at the University of Georgia. “MMR II vaccine is considered a safe vaccine with very few side effects. Whether it has the ultimate benefit of preventing COVID-19 infection, preventing the spread of COVID-19, reducing its severity, or a combination of any or all of these. , is an intervention with a low risk ratio and a very high reward. Maximum seropositivity is achieved through two vaccinations at least 28 days apart. Based on our study, it would be prudent to vaccinate those over 40 regardless of whether they already have titers or not. elevated serum MMR “.