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Breakthrough COVID-19 infections - Analyzing our experience.
Aneela Hussain1, Samreen Sarfaraz2, Sabiha Anis3
1Dr. Aneela Hussain, MBBS, FCPS (Internal Medicine), FCPS (Infectious Diseases) Infectious Diseases Department, Indus Hospital & Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan.
Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences
|September 8, 2023
Summary
COVID-19 vaccination reduces disease severity but does not prevent infection. Breakthrough infections showed higher antibody levels compared to healthy vaccinated individuals, indicating vaccine-induced immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Post-vaccination COVID-19 cases are prevalent globally.
- Abundant literature exists on serum antibodies post-vaccination.
- Research is needed on breakthrough infections during specific waves.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate breakthrough COVID-19 infections.
- To analyze serum antibody levels in vaccinated individuals with breakthrough infections.
- To compare antibody levels between breakthrough cases and healthy vaccinated controls.
Main Methods:
- 177 COVID-19 patients were recruited from May to September 2021.
- Patients were categorized into vaccinated, partially vaccinated, and unvaccinated groups.
- A subset of vaccinated patients underwent testing for anti-NP and anti-S antibodies.
Main Results:
- 119 patients experienced breakthrough infections, with 74% exhibiting mild symptoms.
- Higher levels of antibodies against NP and S were observed in breakthrough infection cases.
- Antibody levels in breakthrough cases were compared to healthy vaccinated controls.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 vaccination does not completely prevent disease.
- Vaccination confers immunity, leading to less severe infection outcomes.
- Immune response, indicated by antibody levels, is present even in breakthrough cases.
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