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Comparison of Antibody Responses After CoronaVac and BNT162b2 Vaccines in Healthcare Workers
Efdal Oktay Gultekin1, Onur Gultekin2
1Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Toros University, Mersin, Turkey.
Insights
Antibody levels were higher after the BNT162b2 vaccine compared to CoronaVac. Healthier, non-smoking individuals showed better antibody response to CoronaVac, with fewer local reactions to BNT162b2.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 remains a global health concern.
- Vaccination is crucial, but breakthrough infections occur, necessitating evaluation of vaccine efficacy.
- Understanding antibody responses to different vaccines is vital for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare antibody responses three months post-vaccination with two doses of CoronaVac versus one dose of BNT162b2.
- To assess factors influencing antibody levels, including comorbidities and smoking status.
- To evaluate local reactions and systemic side effects following each vaccine.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 135 healthcare workers 3 months after vaccination.
- Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Quanti-Vac ELISA IgG kit was used to measure antibody levels.
- Statistical analysis compared antibody titers, side effects, and demographic factors between vaccine groups.
Main Results:
- BNT162b2 recipients exhibited significantly higher antibody levels than CoronaVac recipients (p < 0.05).
- Non-smokers and those without comorbidities had higher antibody levels after CoronaVac (p < 0.05).
- Local reactions at the injection site were less frequent after BNT162b2 compared to CoronaVac (p < 0.05). Headache was also more common after CoronaVac.
Conclusions:
- IgG seropositivity and antibody levels were lower three months after CoronaVac compared to BNT162b2.
- Antibody levels decreased over time in CoronaVac recipients but remained stable in BNT162b2 recipients.
- BNT162b2 demonstrated a more robust and sustained antibody response compared to CoronaVac in this cohort.
Abstract:
Since the initial outbreak in late December 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a significant healthcare issue worldwide. Despite patients getting the total recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, it is still unable to stop the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Our study aimed to evaluate the antibody response in the 3rd month after two doses of the CoronaVac vaccine and after a single dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine. One hundred thirty-five people from Tarsus State Hospital health workers were included in the study. We collected serum samples from healthcare workers 3 months post-vaccination, and the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Quanti-Vac ELISA IgG kit coated with recombinant S1 antigen was used to test for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Antibody levels of BNT162b2 (last vaccine) patients are significantly higher than CoronaVac ones (p < 0.05). It was determined that those who do not have a concomitant disease and those who do not smoke have higher antibody levels after CoronaVac than the others (p < 0.05). It was determined that 53.1% of 32 patients with pain, swelling, redness at the vaccination site after CoronaVac did not have pain/swelling/redness at the vaccination site after BNT162b2 (p < 0.05). Headache was also more common after CoronaVac compared to the BNT162b2 vaccine (p < 0.05). In conclusion, IgG seropositivity was lower after CoronaVac than BNT162b2, and the antibody level for CoronaVac recipients has decreased over time since vaccination, but not for BNT162b2 recipients.
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