Immunological response in health care workers post COVID-19 vaccination

Abstract

To curb SARS-CoV-2, various vaccines received Emergency Authorization Use by copious agencies. These vaccines are administered to health-care workers, front-line workers, elderly individuals and many others. Health care workers were the first to be administered with vaccines, thus, evaluating the antibody response helps to portray a picture of the burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection amid Health Care Workers. The present study aimed to investigate the production of total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 before and after vaccination (2 doses) among Health Care Workers along with associated factors. The present study was conducted on 60 healthcare workers as cases who got vaccinated for COVID-19. The semi-quantitative detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG Ab in the samples was detected using Erba Lisa COVID-19 total antibody indirect ELISA kit using standard protocol as described by the manufacturer. In the present study, co-morbidities such as hypertension was presented in only 8 (12.3%) individuals, diabetes in 4 (6.1%) and Coronary Artery Disease in 1 (1.5%). After first dose of administration, 86.67% HCWs were found seropositive for the anti-SARS-CoV-2 Ab while 13.33% were seronegative, however, after second dose 100% seroprevalence was observed amid HCWs. The statistical analysis depicted a significant difference (p<0.0001) in antibody titres among individuals before and after vaccination. The mean of total antibody levels detected at zero week was (4.1), 4th week, (39.09), 8th week (79.39) and 12th week (105). The present study provides important information on the detectable levels of antibodies induced by COVISHIELD against the SARS-CoV-2 which was independent of gender and age.