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COVID-19

COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy in Cirrhotic Patients Raises Concerns

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers have conducted a study on the immune efficacy of a SARS-CoV-2 booster vaccination in cirrhotic patients who had received the primary series. The study aimed to assess the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies and memory B cells after receiving the primary series and booster dose at different times. The results showed that while the booster dose increased antibody levels, it did not provide neutralization against newly circulating strains, raising concerns about repeated vaccination in cirrhotic patients.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 48 patients with cirrhosis, 57 patients with chronic hepatitis B, and 68 healthy controls to track the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies and memory B cells.
  • The booster dose increased antibody levels in cirrhotic patients, but not in patients with chronic hepatitis B or healthy controls.
  • The SARS-CoV-2 memory B-cell response in cirrhotic patients was durable during follow-up, but the booster dose did not improve neutralization activity against the Omicron subvariants BA.2.12.1 and BA.4.
  • A booster dose elicited a robust and durable humoral response to the wild-type strain in cirrhotic patients but not the Omicron subvariants.
  • The study concluded that repeated vaccination of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine may not benefit cirrhotic patients in neutralization against newly circulating strains.
  • The research was supported by the National Science and Technology Major Project of China, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, and other organizations.

Statistics:

  • 48 patients with cirrhosis participated in the study.
  • 57 patients with chronic hepatitis B participated in the study.
  • 68 healthy controls participated in the study.
  • The study tracked the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies and memory B cells over a period of 165-195 days.
  • The booster dose increased antibody levels in cirrhotic patients by 15-45 days after completion.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Chongqing Medical University Details Findings in COVID-19 (Dynamic Humoral Immune Response To Primary and Booster Inactivated Sars-cov-2 Vaccination In Patients With Cirrhosis). Gastroenterology Week. October 2, 2023; p 89.
  • Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology. 2023.

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