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
Author:
Gerhards Catharina1ORCID, Steingass Marlene1, Heininger Alexandra2, Lange Bettina2ORCID, Hetjens Michael3, Gerigk Marlis4, Neumaier Michael1, Evliyaoglu Osman1ORCID, Kittel Maximilian1
Affiliation:
1. Institute for Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany 2. Department of Hygiene, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany 3. Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health Baden-Württemberg, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg of University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany 4. Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
Abstract
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.
Subject
Pharmacology (medical),Infectious Diseases,Drug Discovery,Pharmacology,Immunology
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