Effect of COVID-19 and Its Vaccine: Hematological and Immunological Study of Recovered Individuals Based on Gender

Abstract

Abstract Background: The necessary urgent global response measures were implemented to contain the rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Vaccination has been the most effective way to combat this pandemic. Objective: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the hematological parameters and COVID-19-specific antibodies in a healthy population with different COVID-19 and vaccination backgrounds, taking gender into account. Materials and Methods: The study involved 80 healthy adults who were categorized into four groups based on their COVID-19 and vaccination status. The male and female categorization was later added to these groups. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for COVID-19-specific antibodies, IgG and IgM, and complete blood count parameters. The samples were collected in Karbala, Iraq. Results: The results showed that the IgG levels of IV and NIV subsets were higher than INV NINV subsets at P value < 0.001. No significant differences were found in white blood cell parameters except for lymphocytes, neutrophils, and their ratio between the four groups. However, when gender was taken into account, few significant differences were observed in white blood cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils between the groups. The platelet indices showed no significant changes within the individual groups or genders. Red blood cell variables also showed no significant changes between groups, but variations in red blood cells, hematocrit, and hemoglobin were found for each gender-divided group specifically (P value < 0.001). Conclusion: The present study concludes that vaccination mimics infection. No changes were observed for most hematological parameters between the four explored subsets. However, the study revealed gender-specific responses to red blood cell counts and other related parameters, reinforcing the importance of complete blood count testing and advocating a deeper exploration into gender-specific responses, especially for patients with specific hematological conditions.