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Serological Response to COVID-19 and Its Association With Measles-Rubella (MR)-Containing Vaccines
Jahnavi Shrivastava1, Manish Narang1, Rafat S Ahmed2
1Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi) and Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, IND.
Insights
Measles-rubella (MR) vaccination in children is linked to enhanced COVID-19 antibody titers, but not reduced disease severity. Even one dose of the MR vaccine boosts the immune response against SARS-CoV-2.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Children generally experience less severe COVID-19, with childhood vaccines and heterologous immunity proposed as factors.
- Structural similarities between measles-rubella (MR) and SARS-CoV-2 viruses may influence immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare COVID-19 antibody titers and disease severity in MR-vaccinated versus unvaccinated children.
- To evaluate and compare antibody responses in children who received one versus two doses of the MR vaccine.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, comparative study of 90 COVID-19-positive children (9 months–12 years).
- Measurement of COVID-19 and MR antibody titers at 2, 6, and 12 weeks post-infection.
- Comparison of antibody titers and disease severity between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, and between single-dose and double-dose MR vaccine recipients.
Main Results:
- MR-vaccinated children exhibited significantly higher COVID-19 antibody titers at all follow-up points (P<0.05).
- No significant difference in disease severity was observed between MR-vaccinated and unvaccinated children.
- No difference in antibody titers was found between recipients of one or two MR vaccine doses.
Conclusions:
- Exposure to at least one dose of the MR vaccine enhances antibody response against COVID-19.
- Further randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings and explore the implications for COVID-19 immunity.
Background And Objectives:
Epidemiological studies suggest that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a less severe disease course and a more favorable prognosis among children. Childhood vaccines and heterologous immunity have been suggested as reasons for this. Additionally, the structural similarity between the measles, rubella, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus particles may affect immune responses. The objective of this study was to compare COVID-19 antibody titers and disease severity between measles-rubella (MR) vaccinated and unvaccinated children. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate and compare the antibody response in recipients of a single dose and two doses of the MR vaccine.
Methods:
The study was prospective and comparative and included 90 COVID-19-positive children aged nine months to 12 years. The study was registered under the clinical trials registry of India (CTRI/2021/01/030363). COVID-19 antibody titers were measured at two weeks, six weeks, and 12 weeks, along with the assessment of MR antibody titers. COVID-19 antibody titers and disease severity were compared between MR-vaccinated and MR-unvaccinated children. The comparison of COVID-19 antibody titers between recipients of a single dose and two doses of MR vaccine was also conducted.
Results:
The results showed significantly higher median COVID-19 antibody titers at all time points during follow-up in the MR-vaccinated group (P<0.05). However, the two groups had no significant difference in the disease severity. Moreover, there was no difference in the antibody titers of MR one dose and two dose recipients.
Conclusion:
Exposure to even a single dose of MR-containing vaccine enhances the antibody response against COVID-19. However, randomized trials are necessary to further explore this subject.
