Anyone can catch the SARs-CoV-2 virus, but by now we all know that certain groups of people are more prone to severe COVID-19 infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people who are older than 60 years or who have health conditions like lung or heart disease, diabetes or conditions that affect their immune system are more susceptible to severe illness. For such vulnerable groups, vaccines have provided a certain amount of protection. It is said to prevent severe illnesses, hospitalisation, and can reduce the spread of the virus by building immunity in individuals.
Interestingly, a new study reveals a subsection of people who continue to be most at risk of coronavirus infection and had no antibodies even after three or more COVID vaccinations. Here are the details...
Study Details
The MELODY research, conducted by a team of doctors and researchers from Imperial College London, The Universities of Southampton, Nottingham, and Cambridge, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, and NHS Blood and Transplant among others, involved more than 23,000 people, with suppressed immune systems and those who had received at least 3 COVID-19 vaccine doses.
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Participants also provided personal details, such as their age, gender and ethnicity, information about their condition, and their COVID-19 history, including number of vaccinations.
Lead researcher Dr Michelle Willicombe from the Department of Immunology and Inflammation, said, “We know from previous research that people who have a weakened immune system were more likely to catch COVID-19. They were also more likely to need to go into hospital for treatment or die from COVID-19.”
“Vaccines trigger the immune system to make antibodies. But if your immune system is weak, you may not produce enough antibodies needed to fight infection and prevent serious illness. Clinically vulnerable patients who are at increased risk are encouraged to attend if they are invited for a booster vaccine, in order to get the best protection against COVID-19," she added.
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Findings Of The Research
The study published in The Lancet Rheumatology found that around one in five people with solid organ transplant, rare autoimmune disease or blood cancer affecting lymphocytes had no COVID-19 antibodies after three or more vaccinations.
In addition, certain medications that weaken the immune system also reduced the likelihood of having antibodies, the study said.
On the contrary, people who were found to have more COVID antibodies included:
- Younger people
- Those who had more vaccine doses (for example five vaccines instead of three)
- People who had previously had COVID-19
The study aims to enable 'rapid identification' of individuals who are less likely to have COVID antibodies and to provide antibody testing and targeted interventions like COVID vaccine doses.
Role Of Antibodies
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), play a crucial role in the immune system's defence against infections and foreign invaders. They recognise and bind to antigens, which are molecules on the surface of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances, and neutralise their harmful effects by preventing them from entering or infecting healthy cells.
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Furthermore, after an infection or vaccination, the immune system retains memory B cells that "remember" the specific antigens. If the same pathogen enters the body again, memory B cells can quickly produce a strong antibody response, leading to faster and more effective elimination of the invader.
COVID antibodies play a crucial role in the immune response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. They recognise and neutralise the virus, preventing its entry into cells and aiding in its clearance. Antibodies also contribute to immune memory, providing protection against future infections and guiding vaccine development.
Conclusion
While we’ve all adapted to the post-COVID era, new variants and sub-variants of the SARs-CoV-2 virus continue to emerge, urging us to take necessary precautions. Wearing masks, maintaining social distance from those who are infected, following proper hand hygiene remains crucial. Most importantly, getting vaccinated when required is key.