Epidemiological Characteristics of Cases of COVID-19 Reinfection in Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: The immune system’s antibodies have been trained to deal with similar-looking pathogens through prior infection or vaccination. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the protection level of convalescents’ antibodies against reinfections remains unclear. However, immunological solid evidence of antibodies protection against severity exists. Antibody levels are said to serve as a realistic stand-in for immune protection. How long these convalescent antibodies last in the body are still subject to research. Some findings document three months to eight months after infection to SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to investigate the cases of COVID-19 reinfection in individuals who had recovered from an initial COVID-19 infection.

Methods: A case series of individuals with a second positive COVID-19 PCR test result in Rivers State between March 2020 to June 2021.

Results: Five cases were retested positive for COVID-19 with a median age of 46 (36-49) years, four males and a female. Four of the cases were found to have comorbidities of diabetes, hypertension, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The median interval between the two episodes was 96 (37-196) days. Except for one asymptomatic case in the second episode, the convalescent participants had symptoms of COVID-19 in both the first and second episodes.

Conclusion: This study is illustrative of the possibility of COVID-19 reinfection. The longevity of circulating antibodies and the existence of other chronic disease conditions like HIV and diabetes in the individual may be related to this outcome. While further studies are recommended, full vaccination of all eligible persons, including COVID-19 convalescent persons with comorbidities is advised. Continued adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions will enhance the chances of safety in the pandemic.