SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Response in Patients with Co-morbidities in Kashmir’s Ethnic Population: An Observational Cohort Study

Abstract

Introduction: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection risks in co-morbid patients are still unknown two years after the pandemic began. The prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 infection is crucial for determining disease preventive and mitigation strategies. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and chronic cardiovascular disease can raise the risk of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19), which has a greater morbidity and fatality rate. Aim: To determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID19) antibodies and their relationship to co-morbidities in Kashmir's ethnic population. Material and Methods: The present observational cohort study was done in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Chest Disease Hospital Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, from September 2020 to September 2021 and 1,846 co-morbid unvaccinated patients were chosen for the study. As per standard methodology, a cohort study was undertaken, a questionnaire was prepared, and demographic and associated parameters were recorded. All participants had their immune profiles tested, and the existence of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 was determined using the chemiluminisence immunoassay technique. Chi-square and Fischer exact test were used for stastical analyses and p-value <0.05 were taken as statistically significant. Results: As per the present study estimates, demographic and socio-economic characteristic affected test attendants. The SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody response among co-morbid patients were found to be 54.3%. The hypertension and diabetes were most prevalent co-morbidity found in the individuals (p<0.001). Conclusion: Co-morbidities including hypertension and diabetes in an individual are more likely have COVID-19 which can lead to death. COVID-appropriate conduct is required to limit infection transmission in the community, and immunisation is of paramount importance for all individuals. More research is needed to determine the risk of co-morbidities among Kashmir's ethnic community.