The preliminary study included 13 people, seven of whom were vaccinated. Using plasma samples from participants, researchers measured antibodies in the lab to test the antibodies’ ability to neutralize omicron and delta at the time of enrollment and again about two weeks later.
After two weeks, participants infected with omicron appeared to have enhanced immunity against the delta strain, with neutralization increasing more than fourfold, researchers found. The team also observed a 14-fold increase in antibodies’ ability to to block reinfection from omicron. Overall, vaccinated participants demonstrated stronger protection.
Researchers emphasized that it’s unclear whether the observed increase in immune protection is due to vaccination, previous infection or omicron-elicited antibodies.
“The increase in delta variant neutralization in individuals infected with omicron may result in decreased ability of delta to reinfect those individuals,” said Alex Sigal, PhD, a faculty member at the Africa Health Research Institute, who led the study. “If omicron does prove to be less pathogenic, then this may show that the course of the pandemic has shifted — omicron will take over, at least for now, and we may have less disruption of our lives.”
To view the full study, click here.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
