Chubby individuals could have impaired antibody response to COVID-19 an infection

College of Queensland-led analysis reveals being obese can impair the physique’s antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 an infection however to not the safety provided by vaccination.

Analysis lead, College of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences PhD candidate Marcus Tong, stated the discovering constructed on the group’s present analysis on how COVID-19 impacts people who find themselves obese.

We have beforehand proven that being obese – not simply being overweight – will increase the severity of SARS-CoV-2.

However this work reveals that being obese creates an impaired antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 an infection however to not vaccination.”

Marcus Tong, analysis lead, PhD candidate, College of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, College of Queensland

The analysis group collected blood samples from individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 and never been reinfected in the course of the research interval, roughly 3 months and 13 months post-infection.

“At 3 months post-infection, an elevated BMI was related to decreased antibody ranges,” Mr Tong stated.

“And at 13 months post-infection, an elevated BMI was related to each decreased antibody exercise and a decreased proportion of the related B cells, a kind of cell that helps construct these COVID-fighting antibodies.”

In distinction, an elevated BMI had no impact on the antibody response to COVID-19 vaccination at roughly 6 months after the second vaccine was administered.

Affiliate Professor Kirsty Brief stated the outcomes ought to assist form well being coverage transferring ahead.

“If an infection is related to an elevated threat of extreme illness and an impaired immune response for the obese, this group has a doubtlessly elevated threat of reinfection,” Dr Brief stated.

“It makes it extra vital than ever for this group to make sure they’re vaccinated.”

Dr Brief stated from a public well being perspective, this knowledge attracts into query insurance policies round boosters and lockdowns.

“We would recommend that extra personalised suggestions are wanted for obese individuals, each for ongoing COVID-19 administration and future pandemics,” she stated.

“Lastly, the information offers an added impetus to enhance SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in low-income nations, the place there is a excessive proportion of people who find themselves obese and are depending on infection-induced immunity.”

The analysis is revealed in Medical & Translational Immunology.