Evidence supporting the use of: Serum
For the health condition: Contagious Diseases

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5

Serum therapy, particularly the use of convalescent serum or plasma, is a scientifically validated approach in the treatment and support of various contagious diseases. The principle behind serum therapy is the passive transfer of antibodies from individuals who have recovered from a disease to those who are currently infected or at risk. This method was first used successfully in the late 19th and early 20th centuries against diseases such as diphtheria and tetanus, where antitoxins derived from serum saved countless lives before the advent of modern vaccines and antibiotics.

More recently, serum therapy has been employed during outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases, including Ebola, SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. For instance, convalescent plasma was widely administered during the COVID-19 pandemic, and several clinical trials demonstrated that early administration of high-titer plasma could reduce the severity and duration of disease in certain patient populations. The World Health Organization and other health authorities have recognized the potential of serum as a stopgap treatment, especially when specific antiviral agents or vaccines are not yet available.

The strength of evidence supporting serum therapy varies depending on the disease and timing of administration, but the general concept is well established in immunology and infectious disease medicine. Thus, the use of serum in supporting or treating contagious diseases is justified by robust scientific evidence, though its effectiveness is contingent on several factors, including the quality and specificity of the antibodies present in the serum.

More about Serum
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Other health conditions supported by Serum

Acne
Blood Poisoning
Conjunctivitis
Contagious Diseases

Products containing Serum

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.