Antibodies for COVID-19 Could Persist at Least Nine Months Post Infection

Antibodies effective against COVID-19 might persist at least nine months after infection, found a new study by researchers from the University of Padua and Imperial College London.

The study team tested more than 85 percent of the 3,000 residents of Vo', Italy, in February/March 2020 for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and performed three types of antibody tests among them again in May and November 2020 for antibodies against the virus.

‘Around 99% of people who had COVID-19 showed measurable levels of antibodies after about nine months from the infection. Antibody levels between symptomatic and asymptomatic infections did not differ significantly.’

Around 99% of people who had COVID-19 during February/March 2020 showed detectable levels of antibodies in November.

"We found no evidence that antibody levels between symptomatic and asymptomatic infections differ significantly, suggesting that the strength of the immune response does not depend on the symptoms and the severity of the infection. However, our study does show that antibody levels vary, sometimes markedly, depending on the test used. This means that caution is needed when comparing estimates of infection levels in a population obtained in different parts of the world with different tests and at different times," said Lead author Dr.Ilaria Dorigatti.

The team also investigated the status of infection among the household members of the patients and found that about 1 in 4 persons infected with SARS-CoV-2 passes the infection to a family member.

"It is clear that the epidemic is not over, neither in Italy nor abroad. Moving forward, I think that it is of fundamental importance to continue administering first and second vaccine doses as well as to strengthen surveillance including contact tracing. Encouraging caution and limiting the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 will continue to be essential," concluded Dr.Dorigatti.

The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications .



Source: Medindia