Dynamics of anti-Spike IgG antibody level after full BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccination in health care workers

IntroductionThe administration of a third vaccine is ongoing in many countries, but the evaluation of vaccine-induced immunity is still insufficient. This study evaluated anti-spike IgG levels in 373 health care workers six months after the BNT162b2 vaccination. MethodsDynamics of anti-spike IgG levels six months after the 2nd vaccination were assessed in 49 participants (Analysis-1). A cross-sectional assessment of anti-spike IgG level was performed in 373 participants (Analysis-2). Participants positive for anti-nucleocapsid IgG or IgM and receiving immunosuppressants were excluded from Analysis-2. ResultsIn Analysis 1, the median anti-spike IgG level was lower in the older age group and decreased consistently after the second vaccination regardless of age. In Analysis-2, the anti-spike IgG level was significantly negatively associated with age (r = -0.35, p < 0.01). This correlation remained statistically significant (r = -0.28, p < 0.01) even after adjusting for sex, BMI, smoking habits, alcohol drinking habits, allergies, and the presence of fever or other adverse reactions at the time of the vaccination. Alcohol drinking habit was also associated with the anti-spike IgG level; daily alcohol drinkers had significantly lower anti-spike IgG levels than never alcohol drinkers. Sex, smoking habit, allergy, and fever and other side effects after the vaccination were not associated with anti-spike IgG levels six months after the 2nd vaccination. ConclusionsSix months after the vaccination, the anti-spike IgG level was substantially low among older persons and daily alcohol drinkers.

Using Microscopic Examination of Sputum for Early Detection of <I>Aspergillus</I> Hyphae to Successfully Treat Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in a Patient with Hemophagocytic Syndrome / General Medicine

ABSTRACT: The prognosis of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised hosts is extremely gruesome. We described a 56-year-old man who suffered from invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. He had immunological impairment caused by neutropenia due to hemophagocytic syndrome and high dose glucocorticoid therapy. On the day after his chest radiograph revealed abnormal shadow in the left lung, we detected<I>Aspergillus</I>hyphae in his Gram's-stained sputum under a microscope. Thanks to this prompt diagnosis, we could save him without any sequelae. Microscopic examination of sputum without delay is highly recommended when invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is suspected in patients at risk for this macabre disease.