About 19% of those infected with COVID-19 do not develop a specific type of antibody called N core antibody.Thus, you may not be adequately protected against future infections.
These antibodies work against a protein called nucleocapsid found within SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
But vaccines stimulate the production of antibodies against the spike protein on the outside of the virus
The study included 8,193 adults who reported a previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 - confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.
Overall, 81% of participants tested positive for N antibody, while 19% tested negative.
Participants who tested negative were more likely to be smokers and have one or more additional medical conditions, or comorbidities.
The research indicates that not everyone who has contracted COVID-19 maintains an antibody response to the virus.
This confirms the importance of vaccination even if you are exposed to the virus
Study weaknesses
1- The study did not measure the responses of the participants' T cells, which play a vital role in the body's adaptive immune system along with B cells that produce antibodies.
2- The study did not measure a class of antibodies known as IgA inside the mucous membranes. This is the first line of defense against infection in the respiratory tract
3-Individuals vary greatly in the timing of antibody responses (IgA and IgG for spike protein) to SARS-CoV-2 infection from 0 to 33 days of symptom onset.
4- They tested only one sample from each participant
5- The study did not test the presence of antibodies against other proteins in the virus
- This is why natural infection with viruses generally provides longer-lasting and broader immune protection - compared to vaccination.
Vaccination after a natural infection enhances immunity toward the specific vaccine target.
COVID-19 vaccine boosts immunity against future infection
But vaccines stimulate the production of antibodies against the spike protein on the outside of the virus
The study included 8,193 adults who reported a previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 - confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.
Overall, 81% of participants tested positive for N antibody, while 19% tested negative.
Participants who tested negative were more likely to be smokers and have one or more additional medical conditions, or comorbidities.
The research indicates that not everyone who has contracted COVID-19 maintains an antibody response to the virus.
This confirms the importance of vaccination even if you are exposed to the virus
Study weaknesses
1- The study did not measure the responses of the participants' T cells, which play a vital role in the body's adaptive immune system along with B cells that produce antibodies.
2- The study did not measure a class of antibodies known as IgA inside the mucous membranes. This is the first line of defense against infection in the respiratory tract
3-Individuals vary greatly in the timing of antibody responses (IgA and IgG for spike protein) to SARS-CoV-2 infection from 0 to 33 days of symptom onset.
4- They tested only one sample from each participant
5- The study did not test the presence of antibodies against other proteins in the virus
- This is why natural infection with viruses generally provides longer-lasting and broader immune protection - compared to vaccination.
Vaccination after a natural infection enhances immunity toward the specific vaccine target.
COVID-19 vaccine boosts immunity against future infection