Differential antibody production by symptomatology in SARS-CoV-2 convalescent individuals

Sharada Saraf, Xianming Zhu, Ruchee Shrestha, Tania S. Bonny, Owen R. Baker, Evan J. Beck, Reinaldo E. Fernandez, Yolanda Eby, Olivia Akinde, Jessica E. Ruff, Patrizio Caturegli, Andrew D. Redd, Evan M. Bloch, Thomas C. Quinn, Aaron A.R. Tobian, Oliver Laeyendecker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The association between COVID-19 symptoms and antibody responses against SARSCoV-2 is poorly characterized. We analyzed antibody levels in individuals with known SARS-CoV-2 infection to identify potential antibody-symptom associations. Convalescent plasma from 216 SARS-CoV-2 RNA+ individuals with symptomatology information were tested for the presence of IgG to the spike S1 subunit (Euroimmun ELISA), IgG to receptor binding domain (RBD, CoronaCHEK rapid test), and for IgG, IgA, and IgM to nucleocapsid (N, Bio-Rad ELISA). Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of having a COVID-19 symptom from the antibody response, adjusting for sex and age. Cough strongly associated with antibodies against S1 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.33; 95% CI from 1.51 to 18.86) and RBD (aOR = 4.36; CI 1.49, 12.78). In contrast, sore throat significantly associated with the absence of antibodies to S1 and N (aOR = 0.25; CI 0.08, 0.80 and aOR = 0.31; 0.11, 0.91). Similarly, lack of symptoms associated with the absence of antibodies to N and RBD (aOR = 0.16; CI 0.03, 0.97 and aOR = 0.16; CI 0.03, 1.01). Cough appeared to be correlated with a seropositive result, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals exhibiting lower respiratory symptoms generate a robust antibody response. Conversely, those without symptoms or limited to a sore throat while infected with SARS-CoV-2 were likely to lack a detectable antibody response. These findings strongly support the notion that severity of infection correlates with robust antibody response.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere0264298
JournalPloS one
Volume17
Issue number6 June
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Differential antibody production by symptomatology in SARS-CoV-2 convalescent individuals'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this