This specific research is ongoing and the invitation is open to vaccinated volunteers to monitor their antibodies over time.
As stated in a University of Cyprus press release, the Center of Excellence Biobank and Biomedical Research biobank.cy of the University of Cyprus, announced the results phase 1 study for antibodies against COVID-19 in the Cyprus population, in which the titer of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was analysed by qualitative and quantitative methods.
"The results show that older people (60 years old), men and people who developed symptoms or were hospitalised are more likely to achieve higher IgG antibody titres," it said.
The antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, it added, shows a peak in the first trimester and a sharp decline thereafter until the first six months and stabilization and/or decline after 6 months.
It is reported that the IC is coordinating research with collaborators from the University of Cyprus Medical School, the University of Nicosia Medical School and the School of Sciences of the European University Cyprus with various objectives, including the monitoring and evaluation of the presence of anti-COVID-19 antibodies in the Cypriot population.
It is noted that this is probably the first study of its kind conducted among the Cypriot population and published in a peer-reviewed journal, which provided an opportunity to study various factors that may influence the levels of anti-coronavirus antibodies.
As stated in the press release, in a first phase, the study aimed to test the presence of antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus responsible for COVID-19. People diagnosed positive with coronavirus, health professionals from Nicosia General Hospital, Nicosia Makarios Hospital and Paphos General Hospital and individuals from the general population were invited to volunteer to participate in the survey to provide biological material samples.
The results so far, which are being published as original work in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, concern 1,898 volunteers from Cyprus.
The study involves the collection of DNA, plasma, serum and urine genetic material from the volunteers.
"In the present phase, the titer of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. The results indicate that older people (>60 years), men and people who developed symptoms or were hospitalized are more likely to achieve higher IgG antibody titers," it is reported.
The antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 infection shows a peak in the first trimester and a sharp decline thereafter until the first six months and stabilization and/or decline after 6 months.
According to the press release, preliminary observations not included in this publication show that antibody levels after vaccination with first and second doses rise much higher compared to those of individuals who became ill, and again levels fall within a few months after the second dose.
"These early observations are consistent with similar observations by other scientists in different populations and support the view and validity of the decision for a third booster dose of the vaccine. Studies by scientists from other countries have shown that, although there is no absolute correlation, it is observed that antibody levels reflect to some extent the immune competence of the organism," the study said.
According to the press release, this study was also revealing in terms of the willingness and interest of the Cypriot citizen, on the one hand, to learn how their body reacted to COVID-19 infection and vaccination, and on the other hand, to share with the research team clinical data and biological material for further studies.
"Our team stresses that vaccination is the best method of protection against COVID-19, both at the personal level and at the family and wider community level," it notes.
It is added that the fact that coronavirus continues to mutate and a booster dose becomes necessary is not an excuse to avoid vaccination, but instead indicates the need for greater vaccination coverage in the population and continued implementation of protective measures.
"We hope that in the near future we will have more evidence-based results that will allow us to communicate useful results, building on the wealth of data and biological material collected in the Biobank," the press release states.
This research is ongoing and the invitation is open to vaccinated volunteers to monitor their antibodies over time.
Individuals who have received the third dose and wish to participate in the research study are invited to contact the Biobank of the University of Cyprus 15-30 days after the booster third dose, by phone: 22-892815 or via the website: https:/biobank.cy/erevna-covid-19/. The analysis for the detection of antibodies among the population is free of charge.
The study is conducted under the H2020-CY-Biobank project, funded mainly by the European Commission, the Republic of Cyprus and the University of Cyprus (Grant Agreement Number 857122), and partly by the Chinese Embassy and Volunteer Doctors of Cyprus. Finally, as stated in the press release, the research team expresses its sincere thanks to the Cypriot volunteers and to the funders.
Source: CNA
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