Study Shows Covid Infections Do Not Guarantee Antibodies

Four out of five study participants who took an antibody test after a known COVID-19 infection tested positive for anti-N antibodies – antibodies acquired from a natural infection, according to a new study. , not a vaccination.

The latest analysis from the ZOE COVID study found that one in five participants with a history of infection tested negative for anti-N antibodies.

This indicates that they could be at an increased risk of future infection with COVID-19 compared to those who had developed antibodies, and potentially at the same level of risk as those who were not infected.

Among the 81% of ZOE study participants who tested positive, there was no evidence of a drop in anti-N antibodies for up to 270 days after infection.

This suggests that for those who acquire antibodies, the protection offered by natural infection does not diminish in the same gradual manner that vaccine protection has been shown.

To determine which factors influence the likelihood of gaining antibodies, the data set was analyzed for the effects of demographic and behavioral differences, comorbidities (the presence of one or more additional conditions often co-occurring with a primary condition ), and properties of their past COVID infection, such as number and type of symptoms, time since infection, and incidence levels at the time of infection.

The results showed that there are a number of significant elements that increase the likelihood of having anti-N antibodies: more symptoms during past infection, classic symptoms during past infection. past infection and a higher baseline incidence (number of new daily cases in the population) at the time of the positive test.

The analysis also found two negative predictors – factors indicating that people were less likely to have anti-N antibodies: having one or more co-morbidities (the presence of one or more additional conditions often co-occurring with a condition primary) and be a current smoker.

Age, sex, health care worker status, level of deprivation, and number of days since infection did not find a significant effect on the likelihood of having anti-N antibodies after treatment. COVID-19 infection.

From April 2021 to August 2021, the ZOE COVID study invited contributors who had recorded a previous COVID-19 infection in the app by means of a positive PCR test, for an anti-N antibody test at home .

This analysis is based on a sample of 8,193 adult contributors to the ZOE app who also had at least one symptom report in the app at the time of the previous infection.

ZOE COVID Study Senior Scientist Professor Tim Spector commented on the latest data: “Our data shows the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, even if you have had the virus before. , is to have two doses of vaccine and the booster when offered. While antibodies appear to persist after natural infection, one in five people will not gain any clear protective benefit from their infection, especially if they have had a mild or asymptomatic infection, or if they have co-morbidities or unhealthy habits like smoking. .

“It is interesting to observe that, unlike vaccination, it is not only older, more fragile or overweight adults who obtain the least protection against a previous infection, but rather anyone with poorer overall health. . COVID-19 vaccines are more effective than natural antibodies obtained by infection. “