Longitudinal changes in IgG-type SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers after COVID-19 vaccination and, prominent increase in antibody titers when infected after vaccination

[Objective]Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody titers level and duration of elevated levels are considered important indicators for confirming the efficacy of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the changes in antibody titers after the second and third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, and to determine the antibody titers in cases of spontaneous infection with SARS-CoV-2 after vaccination. [Materials and Methods]From June 2021 to February 2023, IgG-type SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers were measured in 127 participants, including 74 outpatients and 53 staffs, at the Osaka Dental University Hospital (65 males and 62 females, mean age 52.3 {+/-} 19.1 years). [Results]Consistent with previous reports, the SARS-CoV-2 antibody titer decreased with time, not only after the second dose, but also after the third dose of the vaccine if there is no spontaneous COVID-19 infection. We also confirmed that the third booster vaccination was effective in increasing the antibody titer. 21 cases of natural infections were observed after administering two or more doses of the vaccine. 13 of these patients had post-infection antibody titers exceeding 40,000 AU/mL, and some cases continued to maintain antibody titers in the tens of thousands of AU/mL even after more than 6 months had passed since infection. [Conclusion]The rise in and duration of antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 are considered important indicators for confirming the efficacy of novel COVID-19 vaccines. A longitudinal follow-up of antibody titers after vaccination in larger studies is warranted.