Abstract
Passive immunotherapy with convalescent COVID-19 plasma (CCP) is used as a therapeutic procedure in many countries, including Serbia. In this study, we analyzed the association between demographic factors, COVID-19 severity and the reactivity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (Abs) in Serbian CCP donors. Individuals (n = 468) recovered from confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, and who were willing to donate their plasma for passive immunization of COVID-19 patients were enrolled in the study. Plasma samples were tested for the presence of IgG reactive to SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (S1) and nucleocapsid antigens. Individuals were characterized according to age, gender, comorbidities, COVID-19 severity, ABO blood type and RhD factor. Total of 420 candidates (420/468; 89.74%) reached the levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG that qualified them for inclusion in CCP donation program. Further statistical analysis showed that male individuals (p = 0.034), older age groups (p < 0.001), existence of hypertension (p = 0.008), and severe COVID-19 (p = 0.000) are linked with higher levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Abs. These findings will guide the selection of CCP donors in Serbia. Further studies need to be conducted to assess the neutralization potency and clinical efficiency of CCP collected from Serbian donors with high anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG reactivity.
Highlights
IntroductionSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), appeared in Wuhan, China in late 2019 [1]
We found no difference in ABO blood type frequency in convalescent COVID-19 plasma (CCP) donors compared to declined candidates (χ2(3) = 6.653, p = 0.084)
Concerning donor-specific parameters that are associated with anti-SARS-CoV-2 reactivity, we found that the age of CCP donor candidates in Serbia is in negative correlation with anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG reactivity
Summary
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), appeared in Wuhan, China in late 2019 [1]. The outbreak of the disease grew very quickly into a pandemic that was officially declared by the World Health. Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020 [2]. In April 2020, the epicenter of the pandemic moved from China to the United States (US) and Europe, while the first COVID-19 death case in Europe was recorded one month earlier [3]. The severity of COVID-19 varies from asymptomatic infection to severe illness accompanied by pneumonia, hyperinflammation, Int. J.
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