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146. Intact Sense of Taste and Smell During COVID-19 Infection Is Associated with Absence of of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Antibody Responses within 3 Months of Symptomatic Illness
Abstract Background Although studies show most COVID-19 survivors have post-infection immunity against SARS-CoV-2 that could prevent re-infection, there is still a need to identify the breadth of antibody (Ab) responses associated with clinical phenotypes. We characterized Ab profiles at the estimat...
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Published in: | Open forum infectious diseases 2021-12, Vol.8 (Supplement_1), p.S88-S88 |
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Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , |
Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | Get full text |
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Summary: | Abstract
Background
Although studies show most COVID-19 survivors have post-infection immunity against SARS-CoV-2 that could prevent re-infection, there is still a need to identify the breadth of antibody (Ab) responses associated with clinical phenotypes. We characterized Ab profiles at the estimated peak of Ab diversity among adults with recovered SARS-CoV-2 infections and determined their relationships with clinical factors.
Methods
From April-June 2020, 41 health system employees with PCR-confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 infection enrolled 8-10 weeks after symptom onset. Symptom questionnaires including baseline demographics, COVID-19 symptoms, disease severity, and disease duration were collected and plasma samples were assayed using a custom Luminex Multiplex platform (Figure 1) to measure the antibody response against 20 COVID-19 related antigens (Figure 2). Differences in Ab profile titers among different groups were tested using nonparametric t test and Benjamini-Hochberg adjustment for multiplicity. Associations were considered significant at FDR< 0.05.
Figure 1: Description of the Luminex Serology Assay
Figure 2: List of the COVID-19 Related Antigens and Controls Measured
Results
Mean age was 48 years (range 27-68), with 51% female, 37% White, 32% Black, 29% Asian, and 17% LatinX. Ab profiles (Figure 3) showed 100% cross-reactivity with related alpha and beta coronavirus, and 95% with SARS-CoV-1. 78% had Abs against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (NCP). However, 29% of patients had no immune response against the four spike protein epitopes. These participants also reported fewer symptoms, including no cases of anosmia/ageusia, suggesting mild illness. Anosmia/ageusia, fever, and cough associated significantly with higher Ab titers (Figure 4).
Conclusion
Broad immune responses to various SARS-CoV-2 and related antigens were found among a heterogeneous patient population. However, less than 3 months after symptom onset, protective Ab responses to SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins were not detected in nearly one-third of recovered patients, primarily with mild infection. Intact sense of smell and taste demonstrated the greatest association with loss of seroprotective SARS-CoV-2 Ab responses, which may be clinically useful to predict post-infection immunity. Next steps include comparing the magnitude of Ab responses following full series completion with mRNA vaccination among this cohort.
Disclosures
Robert Bencshop, PhD, Eli Lilly (Employee) Josh Poorbaugh, |
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ISSN: | 2328-8957 2328-8957 |
DOI: | 10.1093/ofid/ofab466.146 |