Investigating the Cases of COVID-19 Reinfection in Rivers State, Nigeria : An Epidemiological Study

Antibodies in the immune system have been conditioned to recognize pathogens with similar appearances as a result of previous infection or vaccination. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the level of protection of convalescents' antibodies against reinfections is unknown. However, there is immunological evidence that antibodies protect against severity. Antibody levels are said to be a reasonable substitute for immune protection. The duration of these convalescent antibodies in the body is still being studied. The purpose of this study was to look into cases of COVID-19 reinfection in people who had recovered from an initial COVID-19 infection.

A case series of people in Rivers State between March 2020 and June 2021 who had a second positive COVID-19 PCR test result. With a median age of 46 (36-49) years and four males and one female, five individuals with COVID-19 retest positives were identified. Diabetes, hypertension, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were discovered to be comorbid in four of the cases. The two incidents were separated by 96 (37–196) days on average. The convalescent patients experienced COVID-19 symptoms in both the first and second episodes, with the exception of one asymptomatic case in the second episode.This study demonstrates the potential for COVID-19 reinfection. This outcome may be related to the persistence of circulating antibodies and the presence of other chronic diseases such as HIV and diabetes in the individual. While further research is advised, it is recommended that all eligible individuals, including COVID-19 convalescents with comorbidities, be fully immunized. Continued adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions will increase the likelihood of pandemic safety.