Examining the Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic-Induced Stress and Anxiety on Humoral Immunity in Health Care Workers

Valerie S Stark1, Erin C Williams, Felipe Echeverri Tribin

  • 1From the Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida (V.S.S., E.C.W., J.C., M.E.H.); Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida (S. Pallikkuth, S. Pahwa); Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, Florida (E.C.W., F.E.T.); University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida (V.S.S.); Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida (M.E.H.); Department of Public Health, University of Miami, Miami, Florida (V.S.S.); Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York (J.M.C., D.B., P.D., F.K.); Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York (F.K.); Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida (A.C.); and Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness (C-VaRPP), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York (J.M.C., D.B., P.D., F.K.).

Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Stress and Mental Health01:30

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
159
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease01:27

Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
31
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer01:19

Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...
29
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
11.8K
Psychological Responses to Stress01:20

Psychological Responses to Stress

Psychological responses to stress encompass the various cognitive and emotional reactions individuals experience when faced with challenging or threatening situations, such as a job loss. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disturb emotional balance, increasing negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and sadness) and diminishing positive emotions (e.g., joy and satisfaction). These persistent emotional shifts are associated with an increased risk of both physical illness and mental health issues, such...
54
Humoral Immune Responses01:36

Humoral Immune Responses

Overview
72.8K