Cross-sectional evaluation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody response to AZD1222 recombinant vaccine deployment in the Bono region, Ghana

Abstract

BackgroundPreliminary data across the globe shows that the AZD1222 recombinant vaccine was highly effective in preventing not only the symptoms but also the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In Ghana, data on the immune response generated by different vaccination doses is lacking. The present study aimed to compare the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody response among single and double-vaccinated versus unvaccinated individuals. MethodsA case-control design was employed for this study. Seventy-nine participants (35 vaccinated, 44 unvaccinated) were recruited from the Sunyani West municipality and screened for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG and IgM antibodies in plasma samples using a Standard COVID IgG and IgM Combo immunoassay test. Data analysis was carried out with STATA (version 21). ResultsThe current study showed that mean IgG levels among vaccine groups (Group 1: Not vaccinated, Group 2: 1 dose, Group 3: 2 doses) differed significantly (F2, 76=11.457, p<.001) between Group 1 and Group 3; and between Group 2 and Group 3. Participants in Group 2 and Group 3 were 4.1 and 12.5 times more likely to develop stronger antibody responses compared to their counterparts in Group 1 respectively. ConclusionThis baseline study demonstrated that in the short term, individuals who received either one or two doses of the AZD1222 recombinant vaccine generated a higher antibody response compared to individuals who did not receive any dose of the vaccine. Further studies are needed to understand how long the generated immune response will last in this population and whether a booster shot could be a useful strategy.