Living with a COVID-19 case results in worse symptoms and a stronger antibody response

Heterogeneous coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe respiratory coronavirus syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which was first detected in Wuhan, China in late December 2019. While the disease and the extent of antibody response after SARS-CoV-2 infection is highly variable, it is recognized that the amount of viral transmission of SARS-CoV-2 may contribute to the severity of the disease.

The viral exposure involves the presence of an inoculum virus, closer contact, and a longer duration. And more disease may be linked to stronger antibody responses in the infectious stage of the disease.

In a recent study, researchers found that individuals living with COVID-19 sufferers showed greater symptom depth and a stronger antibody response. When compared to individuals who were seropositive but not living with a known COVID-19 case, a greater magnitude of clinical manifestation and immune response was found.

This study suggests that high levels of virus contribute to increased disease and stronger antibody responses. The comments from this study are published on the medRxiv * preprint server.

“It may be exposed to SARS-CoV-2 inside the home longer, closer to the body, and unlicensed by personal protective equipment compared to non-invasive public exposures.”

Such a link between the exposure dose and the severity of the disease has previously been proven for other respiratory viruses, such as the flu, respiratory infection. In addition, it has also been shown that the higher viral load of SARS-CoV-2 during infectious infection in humans has been linked to increased disease.

In a previous study, the researchers reported that people who reported more symptoms in a community-based sample of seropositive adults had a higher concentration of immunoglobulin G antibodies (IgG).

Participants of this study tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the Screening Study for Coronavirus Antibodies in Neighbors (SCAN). Through diverse recruitment methods, participants were recruited from neighborhoods throughout the Chicago area and staffed at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (FSM) in Chicago.

To find out the extent to which they are living with COVID-19 participants were asked the following question, “From 1 March 2020, has anyone in your household been told by health care provider that COVID-19 is, or is they, likely to include yourself when answering this question. ” October 23, 2020 was the median date for inclusion in the study (Range: June 30, 2020 to January 20, 2021).

“The results of our study demonstrate the importance of comprehensive sampling strategies that capture an appropriate range of variation in the context of exposure, signal depth, and acquired immunity.”

This is an important study where the researchers confirmed that coexisting seropositive symptoms with COVID-19 had significantly greater symptom tolerance and IgG antibody responses compared to humans. seropositive individuals who did not report coexistence with COVID-19. This study reported that working close to others did not reveal statistically significant associations with symptom concentration or IgG antibody concentration.

In particular, the researchers noted that the design of this study does not determine whether the COVID-19-confirmed co-occurrence is the first case of SARS-CoV-2 exposure within the home. Future studies are needed to monitor the sequence of seroconversion and symptom service – to see if study participants have been open before the cohabitant.

As discussed in the study, the comments here underscore the importance of preventing transmission within homes – to reduce levels of symbolic COVID-19. As an essential focus area for public health efforts, policies and interventions must include measures to reduce intra-household transmission (e.g., intensive testing, contact detection, and isolation programs).

Even if isolated people when cohabitants develop symptoms of COVID-19, high levels of viral perturbation of SARS-CoV-2 are confirmed to occur before the onset of symptoms. To separate individuals living within a home may not be achievable in many situations. As with other respiratory virus outbreaks within a home (such as measles outbreaks), preventing the spread of measles within a home should be an important area of ​​focus for the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 infections. discount.

This study also sheds light on the effects of exposure dose and evaluates any potential changes in vaccination strategies. Strong immune responses are monitored after a single dose of mRNA vaccine among seropositive individuals who have had a milder infection or lower levels of pre-vaccine antibodies due to a previous natural infection.

The results of this study demonstrate the importance of comprehensive sampling strategies that capture an appropriate range of variation in the context of exposure, symptom depth, and acquired immunity, the researchers found. writing.