Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on global health, but rapid vaccine administration resulted in a significant decline in morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. In this study, we sought to explore the temporal changes in the humoral immune response against SARS-CoV-2 healthcare workers (HCWs) in Augusta, Georgia, USA, and investigate any potential associations with ethno-demographic features. Specifically, we aimed to compare the naturally infected (NI) individuals with naïve individuals to understand the immune response dynamics over time. Methods: A total of 290 HCWs were included and assessed prospectively in this study. COVID status was determined using a saliva-based COVID assay. Neutralizing antibody (NAb) levels were quantified using a chemiluminescent immunoassay system, and IgG levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. We examined the changes in antibody levels among participants using multiple statistical tests including logistic regression and MCA analysis. Results: Our findings revealed a significant decline in NAb and IgG levels at 8–12 months after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Furthermore, a multivariable analysis indicated that this decline was more pronounced in white HCWs (odds ratio [O.R]=2.1, 95% confidence interval [C.I]=1.07–4.08, p=0.02) and IgG (O.R=2.07, 95% C.I=1.04–4.11, p=0.03) among the whole cohort. Booster doses significantly increased IgG and NAb levels, while a decline in antibody levels was observed in participants without booster doses at 12 months post-vaccination. Conclusion: Our results highlight the importance of understanding the dynamics of immune response and the potential influence of demographic factors on waning immunity to SARS-CoV-2. In addition, our findings emphasize the value of booster doses to ensure durable immunity.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, neutralizing antibody, antibodies, SARS-CoV-2, Vaccine, pandemic, virus, Ethnicity, booster, racial disparity,