Long-Term Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 in Healthcare Workers of Allied Hospital Faisalabad: A Post-Infection Analysis

Long-Term Antibody Response to SARS-COV-2

  • Farwa Batool Shamsi Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Allied Hospital/Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad Pakistan
  • Armana Azam M. Phil student, Institute of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad Pakistan
  • Nasim Aslam Ghumman Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Rashid Latif Khan University Medical College, Lahore Pakistan
  • Tuba Mujahid Medical Lab Technologist, BSL-III Lab/Department of Pathology, Allied Hospital/Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad Pakistan
  • Rizwan Hayder Medical Lab Technologist, BSL-III Lab/Department of Pathology, Allied Hospital/Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad Pakistan
  • Muhammad Owais Medical Lab Technologist, BSL-III Lab/Department of Pathology, Allied Hospital/Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad Pakistan
  • Hafiz Ali Raza Medical Lab Technologist, BSL-III Lab/Department of Pathology, Allied Hospital/Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad Pakistan
  • Zahra Kalim BSL-III Lab/Department of Pathology, Allied Hospital/Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad Pakistan
  • Muhammad Shafique Associate Professor, Institute of Microbiology, Government College University, Faisalabad Pakistan
Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Antibody persistence, Respiratory infections, Healthcare workers, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Abstract

Background: Analyzing SARS-CoV-2 antibody persistence is crucial for optimizing public health and deepening our understanding of immunity. Addressing geographic gaps is necessary for comprehensive insights into antibody persistence post-infection. Objective: To evaluate the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies post-infection among healthcare workers (HCWs) at Allied Hospital, Faisalabad Pakistan. Study Design: Longitudinal study. Settings: BSL-III Laboratory/Department of Pathology, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad Pakistan. Duration: July, 2020 to June, 2021. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from naturally infected individuals two weeks after their PCR-positive diagnosis providing informed consent. The detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were conducted utilizing the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to ascertain the IgG antibody levels. Results: A total of 94 HCWs were included with a mean age of 30 years. The antibody persistence was observed in 39% of participants with a mean age of 35 years. The study also highlighted a decrease in antibody reactivity across all age brackets over time particularly noticeable in young adults, with all groups demonstrating a decrease to approximately 60% reactivity by the end of the twelfth month. Conclusion: The study revealed a similar distribution among both genders. A notable finding is an overall decrease in antibody reactivity over time in all age groups, particularly in young adults, with a general decline to about 60% by the twelfth month. This study provides vital insights for public health policies and clinical management of SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare professionals.

Published
2024-06-30
How to Cite
Shamsi, F. B., Azam, A., Nasim Aslam Ghumman, Mujahid, T., Hayder, R., Owais, M., Hafiz Ali Raza, Kalim, Z., & Muhammad Shafique. (2024). Long-Term Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 in Healthcare Workers of Allied Hospital Faisalabad: A Post-Infection Analysis : Long-Term Antibody Response to SARS-COV-2. Annals of Punjab Medical College, 18(2), 111-115. https://doi.org/10.29054/apmc/2024.1582