Rapid decline of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among infected healthcare workers
Stéphane Marot, Isabelle Malet, Valentin Leducq, Karen Zafilaza, Delphine Sterlin, Delphine Planas, Adélie Gothland, Aude Jary, Karim Dorgham, Timothée Bruel, the Sorbonne Université SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies Study Group, Valérie Attali, Isabelle Baresse, Alexandra Beurton, Jacques Boddaert, Julie Bourmaleau, Martin Catala, Alexandre Demoule, Violaine Dunoyer, Cristina Esteban-Amarilla, Pierre Hausfater, Noémie Haziot, Queyras Ip, Nathalie Kubis, Laurence Lhoest, Catherine Lubetzki, Fabienne Marion, Élise Morawiec, L. Mourtada, B. Orcel, Capucine Morélot‐Panzini, Mathieu Raux, Christophe Reinhard, Claire Riquier, Xavier Roubertier, Nicolas Weiss, Bernard Zalc, Sonia Burrel, David Boutolleau, Olivier Schwartz, Guy Gorochov, Vincent Cálvez, Anne‐Geneviève Marcelin
Abstract
There are only few data concerning persistence of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) among SARS-CoV-2-infected healthcare workers (HCW). These individuals are particularly exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection and at potential risk of reinfection. We followed 26 HCW with mild COVID-19 three weeks (D21), two months (M2) and three months (M3) after the onset of symptoms. All the HCW had anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) IgA at D21, decreasing to 38.5% at M3 (p < 0.0001). Concomitantly a significant decrease in NAb titers was observed between D21 and M2 (p = 0.03) and between D21 and M3 (p < 0.0001). Here, we report that SARS-CoV-2 can elicit a NAb response correlated with anti-RBD antibody levels. However, this neutralizing activity declines, and may even be lost, in association with a decrease in systemic IgA antibody levels, from two months after disease onset. This short-lasting humoral protection supports strong recommendations to maintain infection prevention and control measures in HCW, and suggests that periodic boosts of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination may be required.