COVID-19 is an unpredictable disease.or
The severity of COVID-19 is influencedmany factors, the expert says. This is genetics, and the dose of the virus, and the method of infection, and the level of protection. As for the latter, the most important thing is acquired immunity, which is formed after a previous illness or after vaccination.
Existing studies prove that the levelantibodies affect the likelihood of infection and the severity of the course. So, according to a study by British scientists, where 4,372 people vaccinated with AstraZeneca took part, an 80% level of protection against the Alpha strain was achieved at 264 BAU / ml (number of antibodies). And a study of 8,758 healthcare workers (vaccinated and not) in France showed that the group with high levels of antibodies had the best protection against coronavirus.
However, antibody levels in some countriesSo far, they are not necessarily measured. This may be partly due to the fact that such an analysis is somewhat more expensive (in Russia, more than 1,000 rubles, and the purchase price of Sputnik V is approximately 900 rubles). In some states, such a test cannot be taken without a doctor’s referral. Finally, the third reason – the difficulty of interpreting the results of various test systems, as well as the lack of reliable data on the protective properties of antibodies.
How many antibodies do you need to have in order not toget infected? The author writes that at 300-370 BAU / ml, most will not be infected if they encounter the Delta strain. However, it all depends on the individual characteristics of the organism and the way of interacting with an infected person. For example, if you sing karaoke with him, you can catch a virus even with a large number of antibodies. There is also a variant of the asymptomatic course of the disease with this level of antibodies.
But even if the results show that you havevalues well below 300-370 BAU / ml, you still have protection that will reduce the risk of infection. Therefore, if you encounter a small dose of virus particles, you will not get sick. Also, in this case, you can achieve a high degree of protection, but only if you wear a respirator and do not go to karaoke bars.
However, if your antibody levels become lower150 BAU/ml, then it is advisable to undergo revaccination. It is imperative for older people to be revaccinated due to reduced immunity and a high probability of infection.
And lastly – Regardless of antibody levels, the molecular biologist concludes, it is necessary to continue to wear personal protective equipment.
Source: Habr