A rapid antibody screening haemagglutination test for predicting immunity to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern

Abstract

The aim of this study was to rapidly investigate the immune responses after SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination of younger adults and the elderly. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that are released into the bloodstream and help fight infections. A simple method using red blood cells obtained from blood was developed and used to detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. This test was able to measure protective antibodies to several variants of concern. The elderly had lower antibody responses after vaccination. Two vaccinations induced a broader antibody response to viral variants, similar to the response induced following Covid-19. This antibody detection method could be used as a finger prick test to rapidly detect specific antibodies to emerging variants and enable quick identification of individuals who might benefit from a booster vaccination.