Follow-up study of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody response in COVID-19 patients up to 6 months after infection.

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between lung involvement of SARS-CoV-2 and antibody levels of COVID-19 patients 3 and 6 months from the disease. Methods: A total of 156 participants were divided into two groups, Group 1: lung involvement (LI)-positive and Group 2: LI-negative. Biochemical parameters and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels were measured. Results: The results showed that mean levels of urea, LDH, CRP, ferritin, neutrophil count and D-dimer were significantly higher in the LI-positive group. In addition, mean antibody levels in the 3rd and 6th months were higher in the LI-positive group (p < 0.005). Discussion: High antibody levels in LI-positive patients correlated with some immunologic and biochemical parameters. Further studies should be performed to determine protective antibody levels against reinfection, how long protective titers last and the mechanisms by which COVID-19 symptoms, demographics and comorbidities may drive higher antibody levels.