Can anti-IgE and anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibodies be protective against household transmission of SARS-CoV-2?

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the general term used for pneumonia caused by acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Keeping the infected individuals in quarantine is very effective in preventing the spread of the disease but isolation and quarantine period increase the risk of household transmission. By December 2020, the rate of household transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has reached up to 85%. Both omalizumab and mepolizumab are used for the treatment of severe persistent asthma. In addition, omalizumab also has an indication for use in chronic urticaria. Both medications have been shown to have some antiviral effects. So, we aimed to discuss potential protective effects of these agents against household transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by reporting six different patients who remained uninfected despite PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) (+) SARS-CoV-2 individuals at home and were being treated with monoclonal antibodies.