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Schädler J, Lütgehetmann M, Schröder AS, Edler C, Püschel K, Ondruschka B, Fitzek A. Pilot study in Hamburg on the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections and pandemic survey in the German funeral industry. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024; 20:500-507. [PMID: 37354275 PMCID: PMC11297150 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00661-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Funeral home and crematorium workers are an important occupational group in the corona crisis. The occupational setting led to concerns about an increased risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2. The seroprevalence in this occupational group is unclear. A questionnaire-based retrospective survey of funeral home and crematorium staff was conducted in December 2020. A second survey of funeral and crematorium staff was conducted 6 months later, in June 2021, to determine changes in pandemic management. Seroprevalence or vaccination status for SARS-CoV-2 was determined at these two time points. In December 2020, a seroprevalence of 2.3% (n = 1/44) was detected in funeral home and crematorium workers. In June 2021, one additional participant tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid. Of the participants, 48.5% (n = 16) were vaccinated at this time. The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection for funeral home and crematorium workers is more similar to that of the general population in Hamburg, Germany. We found no evidence of an increased risk of infection at these two time points in our cohort. Further education on communicable diseases or appropriate protective measures in this occupational group for other infectious diseases would be useful in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Schädler
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marc Lütgehetmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology, and Hygiene, University Medical Center, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ann Sophie Schröder
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Edler
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Püschel
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Ondruschka
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Antonia Fitzek
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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2
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Titers of antibodies against ancestral SARS-CoV-2 correlate with levels of neutralizing antibodies to multiple variants. NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:174. [PMID: 36585405 PMCID: PMC9801350 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00586-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic assays currently used to monitor the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines measure levels of antibodies to the receptor-binding domain of ancestral SARS-CoV-2 (RBDwt). However, the predictive value for protection against new variants of concern (VOCs) has not been firmly established. Here, we used bead-based arrays and flow cytometry to measure binding of antibodies to spike proteins and receptor-binding domains (RBDs) from VOCs in 12,000 serum samples. Effects of sera on RBD-ACE2 interactions were measured as a proxy for neutralizing antibodies. The samples were obtained from healthy individuals or patients on immunosuppressive therapy who had received two to four doses of COVID-19 vaccines and from COVID-19 convalescents. The results show that anti-RBDwt titers correlate with the levels of binding- and neutralizing antibodies against the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon and Omicron variants. The benefit of multiplexed analysis lies in the ability to measure a wide range of anti-RBD titers using a single dilution of serum for each assay. The reactivity patterns also yield an internal reference for neutralizing activity and binding antibody units per milliliter (BAU/ml). Results obtained with sera from vaccinated healthy individuals and patients confirmed and extended results from previous studies on time-dependent waning of antibody levels and effects of immunosuppressive agents. We conclude that anti-RBDwt titers correlate with levels of neutralizing antibodies against VOCs and propose that our method may be implemented to enhance the precision and throughput of immunomonitoring.
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Brehm TT, Ullrich F, Thompson M, Küchen J, Schwinge D, Spier A, Huber S, Knobloch JK, Aepfelbacher M, Addo MM, Lohse AW, Lütgehetmann M, Schulze zur Wiesch J. Three Separate Spike Antigen Exposures by COVID-19 Vaccination or SARS-CoV-2 Infection Elicit Strong Humoral Immune Responses in Healthcare Workers. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10071086. [PMID: 35891249 PMCID: PMC9317472 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10071086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The immunogenicity of different COVID-19 vaccine regimens and combinations in naïve and convalescent individuals has not been formally tested in controlled studies, and real-life observational studies are scarce. Methods: We assessed the SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination-induced immunity of 697 hospital workers at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf between 17 and 31 January 2022. Results: The overall prevalence of anti-NC-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies indicating prior infection was 9.8% (n = 68) and thus lower than the seroprevalence in the general population. All vaccinated individuals had detectable anti-S1-RBD-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (median AU/mL [IQR]: 13,891 [8505–23,543]), indicating strong protection against severe COVID-19. Individuals who received three COVID-19 vaccine doses (median AU/mL [IQR]: 13,856 [8635–22,705]) and those who resolved a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and had received two COVID-19 vaccine doses (median AU/mL [IQR] 13,409 [6934–25,000]) exhibited the strongest humoral immune responses. Conclusions: The current study indicates that three exposures to the viral spike protein by either SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination are necessary to elicit particularly strong humoral immune responses, which supports current vaccination recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Theo Brehm
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (F.U.); (M.T.); (J.K.); (D.S.); (S.H.); (M.M.A.); (A.W.L.); (J.S.z.W.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.K.K.); (M.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-4074100
| | - Felix Ullrich
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (F.U.); (M.T.); (J.K.); (D.S.); (S.H.); (M.M.A.); (A.W.L.); (J.S.z.W.)
| | - Michelle Thompson
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (F.U.); (M.T.); (J.K.); (D.S.); (S.H.); (M.M.A.); (A.W.L.); (J.S.z.W.)
| | - Julia Küchen
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (F.U.); (M.T.); (J.K.); (D.S.); (S.H.); (M.M.A.); (A.W.L.); (J.S.z.W.)
| | - Dorothee Schwinge
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (F.U.); (M.T.); (J.K.); (D.S.); (S.H.); (M.M.A.); (A.W.L.); (J.S.z.W.)
| | - Anthea Spier
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (A.S.); (M.A.)
| | - Samuel Huber
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (F.U.); (M.T.); (J.K.); (D.S.); (S.H.); (M.M.A.); (A.W.L.); (J.S.z.W.)
| | - Johannes K. Knobloch
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.K.K.); (M.L.)
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (A.S.); (M.A.)
| | - Martin Aepfelbacher
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (A.S.); (M.A.)
| | - Marylyn M. Addo
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (F.U.); (M.T.); (J.K.); (D.S.); (S.H.); (M.M.A.); (A.W.L.); (J.S.z.W.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.K.K.); (M.L.)
- Institute for Infection Research and Vaccine Development, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ansgar W. Lohse
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (F.U.); (M.T.); (J.K.); (D.S.); (S.H.); (M.M.A.); (A.W.L.); (J.S.z.W.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.K.K.); (M.L.)
| | - Marc Lütgehetmann
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.K.K.); (M.L.)
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (A.S.); (M.A.)
| | - Julian Schulze zur Wiesch
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (F.U.); (M.T.); (J.K.); (D.S.); (S.H.); (M.M.A.); (A.W.L.); (J.S.z.W.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.K.K.); (M.L.)
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Cords L, Knapp M, Woost R, Schulte S, Kummer S, Ackermann C, Beisel C, Peine S, Johansson AM, Kwok WWH, Günther T, Fischer N, Wittner M, Addo MM, Huber S, Schulze zur Wiesch J. High and Sustained Ex Vivo Frequency but Altered Phenotype of SARS-CoV-2-Specific CD4 + T-Cells in an Anti-CD20-Treated Patient with Prolonged COVID-19. Viruses 2022; 14:1265. [PMID: 35746736 PMCID: PMC9228841 DOI: 10.3390/v14061265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we longitudinally assessed the ex vivo frequency and phenotype of SARS-CoV-2 membrane protein (aa145-164) epitope-specific CD4+ T-cells of an anti-CD20-treated patient with prolonged viral positivity in direct comparison to an immunocompetent patient through an MHC class II DRB1*11:01 Tetramer analysis. We detected a high and stable SARS-CoV-2 membrane-specific CD4+ T-cell response in both patients, with higher frequencies of virus-specific CD4+ T-cells in the B-cell-depleted patient. However, we found an altered virus-specific CD4+ T-cell memory phenotype in the B-cell-depleted patient that was skewed towards late differentiated memory T-cells, as well as reduced frequencies of SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ T-cells with CD45RA- CXCR5+ PD-1+ circulating T follicular helper cell (cTFH) phenotype. Furthermore, we observed a delayed contraction of CD127- virus-specific effector cells. The expression of the co-inhibitory receptors TIGIT and LAG-3 fluctuated on the virus-specific CD4+ T-cells of the patient, but were associated with the inflammation markers IL-6 and CRP. Our findings indicate that, despite B-cell depletion and a lack of B-cell-T-cell interaction, a robust virus-specific CD4+ T-cell response can be primed that helps to control the viral replication, but which is not sufficient to fully abrogate the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Cords
- Infectious Diseases Unit I, Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (L.C.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (C.A.); (C.B.); (M.W.); (M.M.A.); (S.H.)
| | - Maximilian Knapp
- Infectious Diseases Unit I, Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (L.C.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (C.A.); (C.B.); (M.W.); (M.M.A.); (S.H.)
| | - Robin Woost
- Infectious Diseases Unit I, Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (L.C.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (C.A.); (C.B.); (M.W.); (M.M.A.); (S.H.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Sophia Schulte
- Infectious Diseases Unit I, Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (L.C.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (C.A.); (C.B.); (M.W.); (M.M.A.); (S.H.)
| | - Silke Kummer
- Infectious Diseases Unit I, Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (L.C.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (C.A.); (C.B.); (M.W.); (M.M.A.); (S.H.)
| | - Christin Ackermann
- Infectious Diseases Unit I, Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (L.C.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (C.A.); (C.B.); (M.W.); (M.M.A.); (S.H.)
| | - Claudia Beisel
- Infectious Diseases Unit I, Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (L.C.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (C.A.); (C.B.); (M.W.); (M.M.A.); (S.H.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Sven Peine
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | | | - William Wai-Hung Kwok
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, WA 98101, USA; (A.M.J.); (W.W.-H.K.)
| | - Thomas Günther
- Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology (HPI), 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Nicole Fischer
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
- Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology (HPI), 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Wittner
- Infectious Diseases Unit I, Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (L.C.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (C.A.); (C.B.); (M.W.); (M.M.A.); (S.H.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Marylyn Martina Addo
- Infectious Diseases Unit I, Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (L.C.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (C.A.); (C.B.); (M.W.); (M.M.A.); (S.H.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Samuel Huber
- Infectious Diseases Unit I, Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (L.C.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (C.A.); (C.B.); (M.W.); (M.M.A.); (S.H.)
| | - Julian Schulze zur Wiesch
- Infectious Diseases Unit I, Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (L.C.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (C.A.); (C.B.); (M.W.); (M.M.A.); (S.H.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
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Sapkota B, Saud B, Shrestha R, Al-Fahad D, Sah R, Shrestha S, Rodriguez-Morales AJ. Heterologous prime-boost strategies for COVID-19 vaccines. J Travel Med 2022; 29:taab191. [PMID: 34918097 PMCID: PMC8754745 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taab191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Heterologous prime-boost doses of COVID-19 vaccines ('mix-and-match' approach) are being studied to test for the effectiveness of Oxford (AZD1222), Pfizer (BNT162b2), Moderna (mRNA-1273) and Novavax (NVX-CoV2373) vaccines for COVID in 'Com-Cov2 trial' in UK, and that of Oxford and Pfizer vaccines in 'CombivacS trial' in Spain. Later, other heterologous combinations of CoronaVac (DB15806), Janssen (JNJ-78436735), CanSino (AD5-nCOV) and other were also being trialled to explore their effectiveness. Previously, such a strategy was deployed for HIV, Ebola virus, malaria, tuberculosis, influenza and hepatitis B to develop the artificial acquired active immunity. The present review explores the science behind such an approach for candidate COVID-19 vaccines developed using 11 different platforms approved by the World Health Organization. METHODS The candidate vaccines' pharmaceutical parameters (e.g. platforms, number needed to vaccinate and intervals, adjuvanted status, excipients and preservatives added, efficacy and effectiveness, vaccine adverse events, and boosters), and clinical aspects must be analysed for the mix-and-match approach. Results prime-boost trials showed safety, effectiveness, higher systemic reactogenicity, well tolerability with improved immunogenicity, and flexibility profiles for future vaccinations, especially during acute and global shortages, compared to the homologous counterparts. CONCLUSION Still, large controlled trials are warranted to address challenging variants of concerns including Omicron and other, and to generalize the effectiveness of the approach in regular as well as emergency use during vaccine scarcity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binaya Sapkota
- Nobel College Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bhuvan Saud
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Janamaitri Foundation Institute of Health Sciences, Lalitpur, Nepal
- Central Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal
| | - Ranish Shrestha
- Infection Control Unit, Outbreak Investigation and Response Sub-committee, Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Lalitpur, Nepal
- Nepal Health Research and Innovation Foundation, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Dhurgham Al-Fahad
- Department of Pathological Analysis, College of Science, University of Thi-Qar, Thi-Qar, Iraq
| | - Ranjit Sah
- Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sunil Shrestha
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Alfonso J Rodriguez-Morales
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundacion Universitaria Autonoma de las Americas, Pereira, Colombia
- Master of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru
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Souan L, Sughayer MA, Abualhour MM, Siag M, Al-Badr S, Al-Atrash T. Comparison of the Immunogenicity and Protective Efficacy of Various SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines among Healthcare Workers: Are Our White Coat Armies Protected? Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10050642. [PMID: 35632398 PMCID: PMC9143190 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The effective immunization of healthcare workers (HCWs) plays a vital role in preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. There is limited data on the immune response to vaccination among HCWs. We aim to determine seroprevalence rates and neutralizing IgG antibody response to various immunizations among HCWs. Methods: This study was conducted between July and September 2021, in which blood samples were obtained from HCWs and SARS-CoV-2 IgG neutralizing antibodies were measured. Data regarding vaccination status with Pfizer/BioNTech, Sinopharm, or AstraZeneca vaccines, occupation, and prior COVID-19 infection were analyzed. Results: COVID-19 infection post-vaccination was associated with higher mean antibody titers, regardless of vaccine type. Pfizer/BioNTech vaccination produced higher mean antibody titers for HCWs with prior COVID-19 infection (p < 0.00001) than other types of vaccines. Although 96% of HCWs were vaccinated, 3% were seronegative. For HCWs who were seropositive, there were no significant differences between the mean antibody titers when comparing occupations and blood indices. Conclusion: Awareness of the immunity status of HCWs is key to protecting this important group against SARS-CoV-2, especially those without prior COVID-19 infection. Further public health efforts regarding booster vaccination for HCWs are crucial to provide necessary antibody protection.
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Abas AH, Marfuah S, Idroes R, Kusumawaty D, Fatimawali, Park MN, Siyadatpanah A, Alhumaydhi FA, Mahmud S, Tallei TE, Emran TB, Kim B. Can the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Confer Natural Immunity against COVID-19? Molecules 2022; 27:2221. [PMID: 35408618 PMCID: PMC9000495 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is still ongoing, with no signs of abatement in sight. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is the causative agent of this pandemic and has claimed over 5 million lives, is still mutating, resulting in numerous variants. One of the newest variants is Omicron, which shows an increase in its transmissibility, but also reportedly reduces hospitalization rates and shows milder symptoms, such as in those who have been vaccinated. As a result, many believe that Omicron provides a natural vaccination, which is the first step toward ending the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on published research and scientific evidence, we review and discuss how the end of this pandemic is predicted to occur as a result of Omicron variants being surpassed in the community. In light of the findings of our research, we believe that it is most likely true that the Omicron variant is a natural way of vaccinating the masses and slowing the spread of this deadly pandemic. While the mutation that causes the Omicron variant is encouraging, subsequent mutations do not guarantee that the disease it causes will be less severe. As the virus continues to evolve, humans must constantly adapt by increasing their immunity through vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Hawil Abas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado 95115, North Sulawesi, Indonesia; (A.H.A.); (S.M.)
| | - Siti Marfuah
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado 95115, North Sulawesi, Indonesia; (A.H.A.); (S.M.)
| | - Rinaldi Idroes
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Kopelma Darussalam, Banda Aceh 23111, Aceh, Indonesia;
| | - Diah Kusumawaty
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung 40154, West Java, Indonesia;
| | - Fatimawali
- Pharmacy Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado 95115, North Sulawesi, Indonesia;
| | - Moon Nyeo Park
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegidong Dongdaemungu, Seoul 05253, Korea;
| | - Abolghasem Siyadatpanah
- Ferdows School of Paramedical and Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand 97178-53577, Iran;
| | - Fahad A. Alhumaydhi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 52571, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Shafi Mahmud
- Department of Genome Science, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia;
| | - Trina Ekawati Tallei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado 95115, North Sulawesi, Indonesia; (A.H.A.); (S.M.)
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong 4381, Bangladesh
| | - Bonglee Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegidong Dongdaemungu, Seoul 05253, Korea;
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8
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Duengelhoef P, Hartl J, Rüther D, Steinmann S, Brehm TT, Weltzsch JP, Glaser F, Schaub GM, Sterneck M, Sebode M, Weiler-Normann C, Addo MM, Lütgehetmann M, Haag F, Schramm C, Schulze Zur Wiesch J, Lohse AW. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination response in patients with autoimmune hepatitis and autoimmune cholestatic liver disease. United European Gastroenterol J 2022; 10:319-329. [PMID: 35289983 PMCID: PMC9004241 DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims In this observational study, we explored the humoral and cellular immune response to SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and patients with cholestatic autoimmune liver disease (primary sclerosing cholangitis [PSC] and primary biliary cholangitis [PBC]). Methods Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody titers were determined using the DiaSorin LIAISON and Roche immunoassays in 103 AIH, 64 PSC, and 61 PBC patients and 95 healthy controls >14 days after the second COVID‐19 vaccination. The spike‐specific T‐cell response was assessed using an activation‐induced marker assay (AIM) in a subset of individuals. Results Previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was frequently detected in AIH but not in PBC/PSC (10/112 (9%), versus 4/144 (2.7%), p = 0.03). In the remaining patients, seroconversion was measurable in 97% of AIH and 99% of PBC/PSC patients, respectively. However, in 13/94 AIH patients antibody levels were lower than in any healthy control, which contributed to lower antibody levels of the total AIH cohort when compared to PBC/PSC or controls (641 vs. 1020 vs. 1200 BAU/ml, respectively). Notably, antibody levels were comparably low in AIH patients with (n = 85) and without immunosuppression (n = 9). Also, antibody titers significantly declined within 7 months after the second vaccination. In the AIM assay of 20 AIH patients, a spike‐specific T‐cell response was undetectable in 45% despite a positive serology, while 87% (13/15) of the PBC/PSC demonstrated a spike‐specific T‐cell response. Conclusion Patients with AIH show an increased SARS‐CoV‐2 infection rate as well as an impaired B‐ and T‐cell response to SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine compared to PBC and PSC patients, even in the absence of immunosuppression. Thus, antibody responses to vaccination in AIH patients need to be monitored and early booster immunizations considered in low responders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Duengelhoef
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Hartl
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Darius Rüther
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Silja Steinmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas T Brehm
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Philipp Weltzsch
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Glaser
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - G M Schaub
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martina Sterneck
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marcial Sebode
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christina Weiler-Normann
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marylyn M Addo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg, Germany.,Department for Clinical Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marc Lütgehetmann
- Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Haag
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schramm
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany.,Martin-Zeitz Center for Rare Diseases, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julian Schulze Zur Wiesch
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany.,Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg, Germany.,Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), Hamburg, Germany
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SARS-CoV2-specific Humoral and T-cell Immune Response After Second Vaccination in Liver Cirrhosis and Transplant Patients. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 20:162-172.e9. [PMID: 34509643 PMCID: PMC8427908 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Detailed information on the immune response after second vaccination of cirrhotic patients and liver transplant (LT) recipients against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is largely missing. We aimed at comparing the vaccine-induced humoral and T-cell responses of these vulnerable patient groups. METHODS In this prospective cohort study, anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike-protein titers were determined using the DiaSorin LIAISON (anti-S trimer) and Roche Elecsys (anti-S RBD) immunoassays in 194 patients (141 LT, 53 cirrhosis Child-Pugh A-C) and 56 healthy controls before and 10 to 84 days after second vaccination. The spike-specific T-cell response was assessed using an interferon-gamma release assay (EUROIMMUN). A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of low response. RESULTS After the second vaccination, seroconversion was achieved in 63% of LT recipients and 100% of cirrhotic patients and controls using the anti-S trimer assay. Median anti-SARS-CoV-2 titers of responding LT recipients were lower compared with cirrhotic patients and controls (P < .001). Spike-specific T-cell response rates were 36.6%, 65.4%, and 100% in LT, cirrhosis, and controls, respectively. Altogether, 28% of LT recipients did neither develop a humoral nor a T-cell response after second vaccination. In LT recipients, significant predictors of absent or low humoral response were age >65 years (odds ratio [OR], 4.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48-14.05) and arterial hypertension (OR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.10-5.68), whereas vaccination failure was less likely with calcineurin inhibitor monotherapy than with other immunosuppressive regimens (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.13-0.99). CONCLUSION Routine serological testing of the vaccination response and a third vaccination in patients with low or absent response seem advisable. These vulnerable cohorts need further research on the effects of heterologous vaccination and intermittent reduction of immunosuppression before booster vaccinations.
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10
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Loh E, Michael S, Beetson R, Schmidt A. Case for mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for workers in health and aged care settings: a guide for leaders. BMJ LEADER 2021; 6:143-145. [DOI: 10.1136/leader-2021-000572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundThis brief paper provides an overview of the analysis in support of mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for all workers in health and aged care settings in Australia. Leaders of health and aged care organisations have a duty of care under work health and safety legislation to eliminate and/or control the risk of transmission of vaccine-preventable disease in their facilities, including COVID-19.MethodsKey issues that should be considered by healthcare leaders when mandating that all health and aged care workers be vaccinated against COVID-19 were analysed by executives from a large Australian national health and aged care provider and discussed in this paper.ResultsThis paper summarises the medical/scientific, ethical, legal, work health and safety, workers’ compensation and industrial relations considerations when mandating COVID-19 vaccination for healthcare workers.ConclusionLeaders of health and aged care organisations must provide a safe environment and workplace for all those who work for them, as well as for those who receive care or treatment at one of their facilities. It is hoped that this paper will assist leaders of healthcare organisations in making their own decisions during this time.
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