Risk Factors Influencing Seroconversion after Inactive SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in People Living with Obesity

Abstract

Introduction To investigate the antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 spike antigens, and the risk factors affecting antibody levels in people living with obesity (PwO) after inactive SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (Corona Vac) administration. Methods 169 consecutive patients with obesity who visited the Center for Obesity Management at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty Hospitals, between May and August 2021, were invited to the study. The non-obese control group was recruited from 191 subjects who visited the Cerrahpaşa Hospitals Vaccination Unit. The study group and the non-obese control group have already received two doses of inactive SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. SARS-CoV-2 IgG Nucleocapsid Antibody Antibody Test was administered to patients and control subjects to discover those who had prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Fourty one patients who had prior infection and received two doses of vaccine were also included in the study as a subgroup. Blood samples were taken on the 3rd to 4th week after the second vaccination. SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody titers were determined by quantitative serological methods. Results Antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen of individuals with BMI 30.0 kg/m2 were significantly lower than those with BMI<30 kg/m2 (p= 0.001) in the study group. Moreover, the antibody titers in people with BMI 30.0 kg/m2 were significantly lower than in those having a BMI<30.0 kg/m2 in the subgroup (p=0.03). Age (p=0.03), BMI (p=0.006) and hypertension (p=0.03) were found to be independent risk factors for antibody response in people living with obesity. Women with non-prior SARS-CoV-2 infection showed a significantly higher antibody response then men (p=0.001). Conclusion SARS-CoV-2 -Immunoglobulin G antibody levels against inactive (CoronaVac) vaccine were found to be lower in people living with obesity (PwO) compared to non-obese individuals. Antibody titers may be measured and booster doses should be delivered accordingly in PwO for optimal protection.

Humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 evoked by heterologous vaccination groups using the CoronaVac (Sinovac) and BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) vaccines in Chile

“…Obesity is a growing global public health concern, and individuals with obesity are at a higher risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 ( 55 , 56 ). It has been observed that vaccination with CoronaVac results in lower levels of antibodies against the Spike protein in individuals with obesity compared to non-obese individuals ( 57 ). On the other hand, vaccination with BNT162b2 has been reported to have no impact on the magnitude of antibody titers against the RBD and neutralizing antibodies in obese individuals ( 30 ).…”

Systemic immunometabolism and responses to vaccines: insights from T and B cell perspectives

“…There is a wealth of evidence suggesting that obesity leads to perturbed immune responses with unfavourable outcomes, and thus it is not surprising that decreased seropositive convertion rates are common in obese individuals following vaccination. Specifically, poor antibody responses have been reported in obese individuals upon tetanus ( 70 ), influenza ( 66 , 71 ) or inactivated SARS-CoV-2 ( 72 ) vaccinations. In contrast, other vaccination regimes, such as live-attenuated hepatitis A, have been shown to be equally effective in both obese and lean individuals, suggesting that other factors may be at play ( 73 ).…”

Seroconversion after Inactive SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination and Obesity: Correspondence

“…We would like to correspond on the publication "Risk factors influencing seroconversion after inactive SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in people living with obesity" [1]. People with obesity (PwO) had lower SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G antibody levels against the inactive CoronaVac vaccine than people without obesity (PnP), according to Kara et al [1]. Additionally, Kara et al [1] stated that, for the best protection, booster doses should be administered in PwO based on determined antibody titers.…”

“…People with obesity (PwO) had lower SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G antibody levels against the inactive CoronaVac vaccine than people without obesity (PnP), according to Kara et al [1]. Additionally, Kara et al [1] stated that, for the best protection, booster doses should be administered in PwO based on determined antibody titers. Due to the hazards connected with COVID-19 and the wide range of clinical symptoms it may cause, vaccination is crucial for effective illness management.…”