Hybrid immunity and host factors: implications on serostatus induced by COVID-19 vaccines

Franklin E. Torres-Jiménez; Evelyn Mendoza-Torres; Adalgisa E. Alcocer-Olaciregui; María F. Torres-Ferias; Daniel A. Mendoza-Zapata; Mariangel Cantillo-Barrios; David J. Echeverría-Bernal; Valentina Varón-Toscano; Giselle P. Pineda-Awadalla

doi:10.54034/mic.e2420

Authors

Franklin E. Torres-Jiménez Programa de Medicina. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Exactas y Naturales; Universidad Libre, Seccional Barranquilla, Colombia
Evelyn Mendoza-Torres Programa de Medicina. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Exactas y Naturales; Universidad Libre, Seccional Barranquilla, Colombia
Adalgisa E. Alcocer-Olaciregui Programa de Medicina. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Exactas y Naturales; Universidad Libre, Seccional Barranquilla, Colombia
María F. Torres-Ferias Programa de Medicina. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Exactas y Naturales; Universidad Libre, Seccional Barranquilla, Colombia
Daniel A. Mendoza-Zapata Programa de Medicina. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Exactas y Naturales; Universidad Libre, Seccional Barranquilla, Colombia
Mariangel Cantillo-Barrios Programa de Medicina. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Exactas y Naturales; Universidad Libre, Seccional Barranquilla, Colombia
David J. Echeverría-Bernal Programa de Medicina. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Exactas y Naturales; Universidad Libre, Seccional Barranquilla, Colombia
Valentina Varón-Toscano Programa de Medicina. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Exactas y Naturales; Universidad Libre, Seccional Barranquilla, Colombia
Giselle P. Pineda-Awadalla Programa de Medicina. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Exactas y Naturales; Universidad Libre, Seccional Barranquilla, Colombia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54034/mic.e2420

Keywords:

hybrid immunity, SARS-CoV-2: anti-S IgG antibodies, COVID-19 vaccines, humoral immune response

Abstract

Introduction: Monitoring the humoral immune response following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is crucial to understanding long-term protection, especially in the context of hybrid immunity (HI). This study aimed to evaluate anti-S IgG antibody levels in adults with and without prior COVID-19 infection and explore associated host-related factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 102 adults from Colombia, grouped by infection history: Group A (with prior COVID-19) and Group B (without prior COVID-19). Anti-S IgG levels were quantified using chemiluminescent immunoassay. Sociodemographic, clinical, and vaccination data were collected via survey. Statistical comparisons were performed using t-tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and linear regression analysis. Results: All participants exhibited seropositivity (100%) for anti-S IgG, with high titers persisting up to 23 months post-booster. No significant differences in antibody concentrations were found between groups (p = 0.830). Variables such as sex, age, comorbidities, and type of vaccine did not significantly influence antibody levels. A moderate, significant correlation was found between the number of booster doses and antibody titers in Group A (ρ = 0.453; p = 0.001), but not in Group B. Regression analysis predicted progressively higher titers with additional booster doses. Conclusions: Robust humoral responses were observed regardless of prior infection, indicating effective vaccine-induced immunity in this population. The number of booster doses was a key factor associated with higher antibody titers, particularly in individuals with hybrid immunity. These findings support the value of continued booster campaigns and underline the need for further research into functional immunity.

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