Risk reduction in SARS-CoV-2 infection and reinfection conferred by humoral antibody levels among essential workers during Omicron predominance

2024

Antibody Levels and COVID-19 Infection Risk in Essential Workers

Sample size: 963 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Hollister James, Porter Cynthia, Sprissler Ryan, Beitel Shawn C., Romine James K., Uhrlaub Jennifer L., Grant Lauren, Yoo Young M., Fowlkes Ashley, Britton Amadea, Olsho Lauren E. W., Newes-Adeyi Gabriella, Fuller Sammantha, Zheng Pearl Q., Gaglani Manjusha, Rose Spencer, Dunnigan Kayan, Naleway Allison L., Gwynn Lisa, Caban-Martinez Alberto, Schaefer Solle Natasha, Tyner Harmony L., Philips Andrew L., Hegmann Kurt T., Yoon Sarang, Lutrick Karen, Burgess Jefferey L., Ellingson Katherine D.

Primary Institution: University of Arizona

Hypothesis

Higher levels of humoral antibodies confer protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and reinfection among essential workers.

Conclusion

Frontline workers with higher antibody levels following a third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine were at reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection during Omicron predominance.

Supporting Evidence

The odds of first-time post-vaccination infection were reduced by 21% for each 3-fold increase in RBD end titers.
The odds of reinfection were reduced by 58% for individuals with three mRNA vaccine doses following their first infection.
Most participants were female (67%) and non-Hispanic (82%).
Participants submitted weekly nasal swabs for rRT-PCR testing and blood samples quarterly.

Takeaway

This study found that having more antibodies helps protect essential workers from getting COVID-19, especially after vaccination.

Methodology

Two nested case-control studies were conducted within a prospective cohort of frontline workers, analyzing the relationship between antibody levels and SARS-CoV-2 infections.