Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Vaccinated Health Care Workers Analyzed by Coronavirus Antigen Microarray

Front Immunol. 2022 Apr 12:13:817345. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.817345. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Recent studies provide conflicting evidence on the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 immunity induced by mRNA vaccines. Here, we aim to quantify the persistence of humoral immunity following vaccination using a coronavirus antigen microarray that includes 10 SARS-CoV-2 antigens. In a prospective longitudinal cohort of 240 healthcare workers, composite SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels did not wane significantly over a 6-month study period. In the subset of the study population previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2 based on seropositivity for nucleocapsid antibodies, higher composite anti-spike IgG levels were measured before the vaccine but no significant difference from unexposed individuals was observed at 6 months. Age, vaccine type, or worker role did not significantly impact composite IgG levels, although non-significant trends towards lower antibody levels in older participants and higher antibody levels with Moderna vaccine were observed at 6 months. A small subset of our cohort were classified as having waning antibody titers at 6 months, and these individuals were less likely to work in patient care roles and more likely to have prior exposure to SARS-CoV-2.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; antibodies; healthcare workers; mRNA; microarray; serology; vaccine.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Infant
  • Prospective Studies
  • SARS-CoV-2*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Immunoglobulin G