Dynamic changes in the concentration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies within 12 months after recovery from COVID-19

Abstract

Generation and maintenance of immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is essential for overcoming the pandemic of the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19. The study was aimed to assess the dynamic changes in the levels of IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) with the use of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits, calibrated using the International Standard for anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin (IS-SARS-CoV-2). The concentrations of anti-RBD-IgG were measured in the cohort of individuals, who had recovered from COVID-19, with an interval of a month for 6 months, and at a time point of 12 months, using the ELISA kits, calibrated with the use of IS-SARS-CoV-2; the results were expressed in binding antibody units (BAU) per 1 mL. A total of 97 blood serum samples, obtained from 20 individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection, confirmed by PCR, were collected. The geometric mean titer (GMT) of anti-RBD-IgG was 433 BAU/mL (range 36-25,900 BAU/mL) within a month after the infection. The concentration of anti-RBD-IgG gradually decreased with time and reached the GMT value of 68 BAU/mL by the 12th month; anti-RBD-IgG persisted in 13 individuals (93%) out of 14, examined 12 months after the infection. The standardized quantitative serological data play a vital part in monitoring the immune response and make in easier to compare the studies, providing the basis for seeking the common serological correlate of the protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2.