The impact of clinical factors and SARS-CoV-2 variants on antibody production in vaccinated German healthcare professionals infected either with the Delta or the Omicron variant
Background: The aim of the rapid introduction of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic was a reduction in SARS-CoV-2 transmission and a less frequent occurrence of severe COVID-19 courses. Thus, we evaluated COVID-19 severity in vaccinated individuals to examine variant-specific symptom characterist...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article (Journal) |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
5 February 2024
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| In: |
Vaccines
Year: 2024, Volume: 12, Issue: 2, Pages: 1-17 |
| ISSN: | 2076-393X |
| DOI: | 10.3390/vaccines12020163 |
| Online Access: | Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12020163 Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-393X/12/2/163 
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| Author Notes: | Catharina Gerhards, Marlene Steingass, Alexandra Heininger, Bettina Lange, Michael Hetjens, Marlis Gerigk, Michael Neumaier, Osman Evliyaoglu and Maximilian Kittel |
| Summary: | Background: The aim of the rapid introduction of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic was a reduction in SARS-CoV-2 transmission and a less frequent occurrence of severe COVID-19 courses. Thus, we evaluated COVID-19 severity in vaccinated individuals to examine variant-specific symptom characteristics and their clinical impact on the serological immune response. Methods: A total of 185 individuals previously vaccinated against and infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta (B.1.617.2) or Omicron (BA.4 and BA.5) variant, were enrolled for anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-N- and anti-RBD/S1-Ig level detection. A structured survey regarding medical history was conducted. Results: In 99.5 percent of cases, outpatient treatment was satisfactory. Specific symptoms associated with variants included ageusia and anosmia in patients with Delta infections and throat pain in Omicron infections. Among Delta-infected individuals with specific symptoms, significantly higher levels of anti-N antibodies were observed. Conclusion: Our study identified variant-specific differences in the amount of SARS-CoV-2 antibody production and COVID-19 symptoms. Despite this, vaccinated individuals with Omicron or Delta infections generally experienced mild disease courses. Additionally, asymptomatic individuals exhibit lower anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels, indicating a clinical correlation between disease-specific antibodies and distinct symptoms, particularly in the case of the Delta variant. In follow-up studies, exploring post-COVID syndrome and focusing on cognitive symptoms in the acute phase of Omicron infections is crucial as it has the potential to longitudinally impact the lives of those affected. |
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| Item Description: | Gesehen am 20.03.2024 |
| Physical Description: | Online Resource |
| ISSN: | 2076-393X |
| DOI: | 10.3390/vaccines12020163 |