Quantitation of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein after two doses of CoronaVac in healthcare workers

Quantitation of antibodies to the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was performed for the detection of adaptive immune response in healthcare workers (HCWs) vaccinated with CorovaVac. We prospectively recruited HCWs from a university hospital in Turkey. Serum samples from 1072 HCWs were obtained following 28 days of the first, and 21 days of the second dose. Detection and quantitation of SARS-CoV-2 antispike antibodies were performed by the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant; Abbott). Results greater than or equal to the cutoff value 50.0 AU/ml were reported as positive. After the first dose, antispike antibodies were detected in 834 of 1072 (77.8%) HCWs. Seropositivity was higher among females (84.6%) than males (70.6%) (p < 0.001) and was found to be highest in both women and men between the ages of 18-34. After the second dose, antibodies were detected in 1008 of 1012 (99.6%) HCWs. Antibody titers were significantly higher in those who had coronavirus disease-2019 before vaccination than those who did not (p < 0.001). Antibody positivity and median antibody titers were significantly less in HCWs with chronic diseases compared to those without (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, our findings indicated that a relatively high frequency (99.6%) of humoral immunity was produced in HCWs aged 18-59 after two doses of CoronaVac. Quantitation of antibodies may help facilitate longitudinal monitoring of the antibody response, which will be especially useful in deciding the dose of the vaccine in vulnerable groups such as those over 60 years of age and those with chronic diseases.

Automated summary

The study conducted antibody quantitation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in healthcare workers in a university hospital in Turkey who were vaccinated with two doses of CoronaVac. It found a relatively high frequency of humoral immunity in HCWs aged 18-59 after vaccination. Antibody levels were significantly higher in individuals who had COVID-19 before vaccination and significantly lower in those with chronic diseases, suggesting the importance of monitoring antibody response for vaccine dosage decisions, especially in vulnerable groups.