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Updated: Nov 4, 2025

Dynamic Monitoring of Seroconversion using a Multianalyte Immunobead Assay for Covid-19
Published on: February 16, 2022
Does the COVID-19 seroconversion in older adults resemble the young?
Rabia Bag Soytas1, Mahir Cengiz2, Mehmet Sami Islamoglu2
1Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey.
Older adults with COVID-19 have higher SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels, especially those 80 and older. This may indicate increased disease severity and a higher risk of reinfection in this age group within three months.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gerontology
Background:
- High antibody titers correlate with COVID-19 severity.
- Older adults experience more severe COVID-19 courses.
- SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody levels may differ by age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels in older versus younger COVID-19 patients.
- To investigate the relationship between age and antibody response post-infection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 1071 RT-PCR positive patients (Nov 2020 - Jan 2021).
- Patients divided into <60 years (Group 1) and ≥60 years (Group 2).
- Serum IgG antibody levels and time since RT-PCR positivity were recorded.
Main Results:
- Group 2 (≥60 years) showed significantly higher SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers (p=0.001).
- This difference was most pronounced within the first 3 months post-infection.
- Within Group 2, individuals aged ≥80 years had the highest antibody titers (p=0.044).
Conclusions:
- Higher COVID-19 IgG antibody levels are associated with disease severity.
- Older adults exhibit a temporary humoral immunity advantage in the initial 3 months.
- This suggests older adults may be at increased risk for long-term reinfection.
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