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1.
Front Immunol ; 13: 896151, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1952332

ABSTRACT

Background: Since the introduction of various vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 at the end of 2020, infection rates have continued to climb worldwide. This led to the establishment of a third dose vaccination in several countries, known as a booster. To date, there has been little real-world data about the immunological effect of this strategy. Methods: We compared the humoral- and cellular immune response before and after the third dose of BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine BNT162b2, following different prime-boost regimen in a prospective observational study. Humoral immunity was assessed by determining anti-SARS-CoV-2 binding antibodies using a standardized quantitative assay. In addition, neutralizing antibodies were measured using a commercial surrogate ELISA-assay. Interferon-gamma release was measured after stimulating blood-cells with SARS-CoV-2 specific peptides using a commercial assay to evaluate the cellular immune response. Results: We included 243 health-care workers who provided blood samples and questionnaires pre- and post- third vaccination. The median antibody level increased significantly after the third vaccination dose to 2663.1 BAU/ml vs. 101.4 BAU/ml (p < 0.001) before administration of the booster dose. This was also detected for neutralizing antibodies with a binding inhibition of 99.68% ± 0.36% vs. 69.06% ± 19.88% after the second dose (p < 0.001). 96.3% of the participants showed a detectable T-cell-response after the booster dose with a mean interferon-gamma level of 2207.07 mIU/ml ± 1905 mIU/ml. Conclusion: This study detected a BMI-dependent antibody increase after the third dose of BNT162b2 following different vaccination protocols. All participants showed a significant increase in their immune response. This, in combination with the low rate of post-vaccination-symptoms underlines the potential beneficial effect of a BNT162b2-booster dose.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Viral Vaccines , Antibodies, Neutralizing , Antibodies, Viral , BNT162 Vaccine , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Vaccines , Humans , Immunity, Humoral , Interferon-gamma , SARS-CoV-2
2.
Vaccines (Basel) ; 10(5)2022 May 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1928677

ABSTRACT

Little is known about the longevity of antibodies after a third dose of the mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine BNT162b2 (BioNTech/Pfizer, Mainz, Germany). Therefore, serum antibody levels were evaluated after a third dose of BNT162b2 in healthy adult healthcare workers in Germany. These antibody levels dropped significantly within a short period of 11 weeks from 4155.59 ± 2373.65 BAU/mL to 2389.10 ± 1433.90 BAU/mL, p-value < 0.001 but remained higher than after the second dose (611.92 ± 450.31 BAU/mL). To evaluate the quality of the humoral immune response, we additionally measured neutralizing antibodies, which also showed a small but significant decrease within this short period. These data underline the positive effect of a third dose of BNT162b2 concerning antibody re-induction but also shows a drop of Anti-SARS-CoV-2-IgG within a short span of time.

3.
Front Immunol ; 13: 839922, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1753371

ABSTRACT

Background: The mRNA-based vaccine BNT162b2 of BioNTech/Pfizer has shown high efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection and a severe course of the COVID-19 disease. However, little is known about the long-term durability of the induced immune response resulting from the vaccination. Methods: In a longitudinal observational study in employees at a German hospital we compared the humoral and cellular immune response in 184 participants after two doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine (BNT162b2) with a mid-term follow-up after 9 months. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 binding antibodies were determined using both a quantitative and a semi-quantitative assay. For a qualitative assessment of the humoral immune response, we additionally measured neutralizing antibodies. Cellular immune response was evaluated by measuring Interferon-gamma release after stimulating blood-cells with SARS-CoV-2 specific peptides using a commercial assay. Results: In the first analysis, a 100% humoral response rate was described after two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine with a mean antibody ratio of 8.01 ± 1.00. 9 months after the second dose of BNT162b2, serological testing showed a significant decreased mean antibody ratio of 3.84 ± 1.69 (p < 0.001). Neutralizing antibodies were still detectable in 96% of all participants, showing an average binding inhibition value of 68.20% ± 18.87%. Older age (p < 0.001) and obesity (p = 0.01) had a negative effect on the antibody persistence. SARS-CoV-2 specific cellular immune response was proven in 75% of individuals (mean Interferon-gamma release: 579.68 mlU/ml ± 705.56 mlU/ml). Conclusion: Our data shows a declining immune response 9 months after the second dose of BNT162b2, supporting the potentially beneficial effect of booster vaccinations, the negative effect of obesity and age stresses the need of booster doses especially in these groups.


Subject(s)
BNT162 Vaccine , COVID-19 , Antibodies, Neutralizing , Antibodies, Viral , COVID-19 Vaccines , Health Personnel , Humans , Immunity, Humoral , Interferon-gamma , Obesity , SARS-CoV-2
4.
Vaccine ; 40(2): 206-212, 2022 01 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1550129

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Following a year of development, several vaccines have been approved to contain the global COVID-19 pandemic. Real world comparative data on immune response following vaccination or natural infection are rare. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal observational study in employees at a secondary care hospital affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Comparisons were made about the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunglobulin G (IgG) antibody ratio after natural infection, or vaccination with one or two doses of BioNTech/Pfizer (BNT162b2), or one dose of AstraZenca (Vaxzevria) vaccine. RESULTS: We found a 100% humoral response rate in participants after 2 doses of BNT162b2 vaccine. The antibody ratio in participants with one dose BNT162b2 and Vaxzevria did not differ significantly to those with previous PCR-confirmed infection, whereas this was significantly lower in comparison to two doses of BioNTech/Pfizer. We could not identify a correlation with previous comorbidities, obesity or age within this study. Smoking showed a negative effect on the antibody response (p = 0.006) CONCLUSION: Our data provide an overview about humoral immune response after natural SARS-CoV-2 infection or following vaccination, and supports the usage of booster vaccinations, especially in patients after a natural SARS-CoV-2 infection.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Antibody Formation , BNT162 Vaccine , COVID-19 Vaccines , Health Personnel , Humans , Pandemics , Vaccination
5.
J Clin Med ; 10(23)2021 Nov 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1542600

ABSTRACT

Even though several SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have shown high effectiveness in the prevention of COVID-19 in healthy subjects, vaccination response in patients with plasma-cell-related disorders (PCD) remains widely unknown. Here, we report on an analysis describing the serological response after prime-boost SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in PCD patients, as compared to a healthy control group, and on possible influencing factors of serological responses. Blood samples were analyzed for the presence of quantitative anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD Ig. A total of 82 patients were included; 67 received mRNA-, eight vector-based and four heterologous vaccinations. SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers (SP-AbT) were assessed in a mean of 23 days (SD ± 11 days) after the first and in a mean 21 days (SD ± 9) after prime-boost vaccination. A positive SP-AbT was detected in 31.9% of PCD patients after the first vaccination, and in 88.9% (44/49) after prime-boost vaccination, which was significantly less likely than that in the control group (100%, 78/78) (p = 0.008). Furthermore, we have been able to validate our previously suggested threshold of 30 CD19+ B lymphocytes/µL as being predictive for SP-AbT development. Despite anti-CD38 directed therapy, quadruplet treatment, higher age and missing deep remission, which correlated negatively with SP-AbT appearance, SP-AbT formation is possible in a majority of myeloma patients after prime-boost vaccination.

6.
Int J Environ Res Public Health ; 18(20)2021 10 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1477942

ABSTRACT

COVID-19, which is caused by SARS-CoV-2, is an occupational health risk, especially for healthcare employees due to their higher exposure and consequently higher risk of symptomatic and asymptomatic infections. This study was designed to determine the longitudinal seroprevalence of specific immunoglobulin-G (IgG) antibodies in employees in a hospital setting. All employees in a secondary care hospital, including healthcare and non-healthcare workers, were invited to participate in this single-center study. After an initial screening, a 6-month follow-up was carried out, which included serological examination for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies and a questionnaire for self-reported symptoms, self-perception, and thoughts about local and national hygiene and pandemic plans. The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was 0.74% among 406 hospital employees (0.75% in healthcare workers, 0.72% in non-healthcare workers), initially recruited in April 2020, in their follow-up blood specimens in October 2020. In this study, 30.54% of the participants reported using the official German coronavirus mobile application and the majority were content with the local and national rules in relation to coronavirus-related restrictions. At the 6-month follow-up, the 0.74% seroprevalence was below the reported seroprevalence of 1.35% in the general German population. The prevalence in healthcare workers in direct patient care compared with that in workers without direct patient contact did not differ significantly. Further follow-up to monitor the seroprevalence in the high-risk healthcare sector during the ongoing global pandemic is essential.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Antibodies, Viral , Health Personnel , Hospitals , Humans , Personnel, Hospital , Seroepidemiologic Studies
7.
Int J Environ Res Public Health ; 18(18)2021 09 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1409563

ABSTRACT

The new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting response measures have led to severe limitations of people's exercise possibilities with diminished physical activity (PA) and increased sedentary behavior (SB). Since for migrant groups in Germany, no data is available, this study aimed to investigate factors associated with changes in PA and SB in a sample of Turkish descent. Participants of a prospective cohort study (adults of Turkish descent, living in Berlin, Germany) completed a questionnaire regarding COVID-19 related topics including PA and SB since February 2020. Changes in PA and SB were described, and sociodemographic, migrant-related, and health-related predictors of PA decrease and SB increase were determined using multivariable regression analyses. Of 106 participants, 69% reported a decline of PA, 36% reported an increase in SB. PA decrease and SB increase seemed to be associated with inactivity before the pandemic as well as with the female sex. SB increase appeared to be additionally associated with educational level and BMI. The COVID-19 pandemic and the response measures had persistent detrimental effects on this migrant population. Since sufficient PA before the pandemic had the strongest association with maintaining PA and SB during the crisis, the German government and public health professionals should prioritize PA promotion in this vulnerable group.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pandemics , Adult , Cohort Studies , Exercise , Female , Germany/epidemiology , Humans , Prospective Studies , SARS-CoV-2 , Sedentary Behavior
9.
Cancers (Basel) ; 13(15)2021 Jul 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1335006

ABSTRACT

Few data are available regarding the efficacy of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with hematological malignancies, and particular, plasma cell neoplasia. This ongoing single-center study aimed to describe the level of post-vaccination anti-SARS-CoV-2-antibodies depending on B lymphocyte count, current therapy, and remission status of patients with multiple myeloma and related plasma cell dyscrasia, after the first dose of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. The 82 patients included in this study received SARS-CoV-2 vaccines (including mRNA- and vector-based vaccines) as a routine measure. After the first vaccination, a positive SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody titer (SP-AbT) was detected in 23% of assessable patients. SARS-CoV-2 SP-AbT was significantly higher in patients with higher CD19+ B lymphocyte counts. A cut-off value of ≥30 CD19+ B cells/µL was significantly positive correlating with higher SARS-CoV-2 SP-AbT. In contrast, current treatment with anti-CD38-antibodies has led to significantly reduced SP-AbT titers. Furthermore, in multivariable linear regression, higher age and insufficiently controlled disease significantly correlated negatively with SARS-CoV-2 SP-AbT. Conversely, treatment with immunomodulatory drugs did not harm the development of antibody titers. Based on our results, the majority of myeloma patients respond poorly after receiving the first dose of any anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and need booster vaccination.

10.
Int J Infect Dis ; 102: 136-143, 2021 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1060129

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes the pulmonary disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19, which has challenged health care facilities worldwide. The sustainability of health care systems is largely reliant on the health status of their health care workers (HCW). This study aimed to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus and specific antibodies among HCWs in a German hospital as a model system for the potential spread of the pandemic. METHODS: Between March and June 2020, we used a combination of RT-PCR testing to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies among HCWs in a German hospital based on repetitive oropharyngeal swabs (OPSs) and blood samples. RESULTS: In total, 871/1081 employees participated in this prospective longitudinal study. During the study period of 9 weeks, 5329 OPSs and 2136 blood samples were analyzed. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in three participants (0.34%). Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were detected in 38 (4.36%) participants. CONCLUSION: Our study determined a low prevalence of COVID-19 in HCW, which may reflect the effectiveness of hygiene protocols. However, it could also indicate a low prevalence of SARS CoV-2 in hospital employees. Our study protocol may serve as an instructive example for future pandemic containment protocols in hospitals.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral/blood , COVID-19/epidemiology , Personnel, Hospital , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , COVID-19/prevention & control , Female , Germany/epidemiology , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Secondary Care , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Young Adult
11.
Front Public Health ; 8: 568287, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-902452

ABSTRACT

In an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19, Germany has gradually implemented mobility restrictions culminating in a partial lockdown and contact restrictions on 22 March. The easing of the restrictions began 1 month later, on 20 April. Analysis of the consequences of these measures for mobility and infection incidence is of public health interest. A dynamic cohort of about 2,000 individuals in Germany aged 16-89 years provided individual information on demographic variables, and their continuous geolocation via a smartphone app. Using interrupted time series analysis, we investigated mobility by age, sex, and previous mobility habits from 13 January until 17 May 2020, measured as median daily distance traveled before and after restrictions were introduced. Furthermore, we have investigated the association of mobility with the number of new cases and the reproduction number. Median daily distance traveled decreased substantially in total and homogeneously across all subgroups considered. The decrease was strongest in the last week of March followed by a slight increase. Relative reduction of mobility developed parallel with number of new cases and the daily estimated reproduction number in the weeks after contact restrictions were implemented. The increase in mobility from mid-April onwards, however, did not result in increased case numbers but in further decrease. Other behavioral changes, e.g., wearing masks, individual distancing, or general awareness of the COVID-19 hazards may have contributed to the observed further reduction in case numbers and constant reproduction numbers below one until mid-July.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Communicable Disease Control , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Germany/epidemiology , Humans , Middle Aged , SARS-CoV-2 , Travel , Young Adult
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