Anti-nucleocapsid antibody levels following initial and repeat SARS-CoV-2 infections in a cohort of long-term care facility residents in England (VIVALDI).

Background: We have previously demonstrated that older residents of long-term care facilities (LTCF) in the UK show levels of anti-spike antibodies that are comparable to the general population following primary series and booster vaccination for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, data on the humoral response to other SARS-CoV-2 proteins associated with natural infection are scarce in this vulnerable population.
Methods: We measured quantitative levels of anti-nucleocapsid antibodies in blood samples taken from LTCF residents and staff after initial and repeat SARS-CoV-2 infections, between December 2020 and March 2023. Data on SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination were obtained through linkage to national datasets. Linear mixed effects models were used to investigate anti-nucleocapsid antibody levels, using log10 scale, in relation to time from most recent infection. This included evaluation of associations between repeat infection, staff/resident status, age, sex, Omicron infection and vaccination history and peak antibody level and slope of decline with time.
Results: We analysed 405 antibody observations from 220 residents and 396 observations from 215 staff. Repeat infection was associated with 8.5-fold (95%CI 4.9-14.8-fold) higher initial (peak) median anti-nucleocapsid antibody level, with steeper subsequent slope of decline. There were no significant differences in antibody level associated with resident (vs. staff) status or age, but Omicron infection was associated with 3.6-fold (95%CI 2.4-5.4-fold) higher levels. There was stronger evidence of waning of antibody levels over time in a sensitivity analysis in which observations were censored in cases with suspected undetected repeat infection.
Conclusions: We found similar levels of anti-nucleocapsid antibody in residents and staff of LTCFs. Repeat infection and infection with an Omicron strain were associated with higher peak values. There was evidence of waning of anti-nucleocapsid antibody levels over time.
Competing Interests: Competing interests: LS reports grants from the Department of Health and Social Care during the conduct of the study and is a member of the Social Care Working Group, which reports to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies. AH reports funding from the COVID Core Studies Programme and is a member of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group at the Department of Health and Environmental Modelling Group of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies. All other authors declare no competing interests.
(Copyright: © 2024 Stirrup O et al.)