Naturally Acquired SARS-CoV-2 Immunity Persists for Up to 11 Months Following Infection.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Understanding the antibody response kinetics to SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for managing COVID-19.
• Natural infection with SARS-CoV-2 induces an antibody response that is important for developing treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the longitudinal changes in circulating antibody levels in COVID-19 convalescent plasma donors over an 11-month period.
• To determine the duration and persistence of antibody responses following natural SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, longitudinal analysis of 228 COVID-19 convalescent plasma donors.
• Antibody testing using VITROS assays and an in-house neutralization assay at multiple time points.
• Evaluation of antibody levels up to 11 months post-recovery.

Main Results:

• 97% of donors had detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies initially.
• 91.4% maintained detectable IgG levels up to 11 months post-recovery.
• 63% had detectable neutralizing titers, but 25% experienced a drop to undetectable levels over time.

Conclusions:

• Most individuals develop immunological memory after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Antibody levels are sustained in a majority of patients for up to 11 months.
• The durability of neutralizing antibody titers varies among individuals.