The Facts
A new study published in Lancet Microbe has provided a wide range of information on the viral transmission of COVID, notably showing that a relatively small group of “supershedders” spews far more pathogens into the air, spreading the disease, than others.
The controversial “challenge study” — which involved intentionally infecting subjects with the virus — observed 36 healthy, young patients (ten female and 26 male), 18 of which became infected. Notably, two participants emitted 86% of the total airborne virus.
The Spin
Narrative A
Challenge trials create a moral dilemma and are directly contrary to the all-important Hippocratic Oath to do no harm. With a disease as novel as COVID, there is not enough information to provide patients with the appropriate knowledge to provide informed consent. These types of studies have a dark history as humans were used as lab rats in the past, and they can even be used today to exploit vulnerable populations. Challenge studies do not provide enough value to offset the moral questions.
Narrative B
While there are obvious reasons to question the ethics of challenge trials, scientists have developed a model that can conduct them in a way that gives vital information on vaccine research and development while keeping subjects safe. Challenge trials on COVID have already paved the way for some of the world’s most innovative research all while keeping the participants safe. Doctors and scientists must do everything they can to pursue knowledge in the safest way possible.