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SHR Neuro Cancer Cardio Lipid Metab Microb

Bsteh, G; Dürauer, S; Assar, H; Hegen, H; Heschl, B; Leutmezer, F; Pauli, FD; Gradl, C; Traxler, G; Zulehner, G; Rommer, P; Wipfler, P; Guger, M; Höftberger, R; Enzinger, C; Berger, T.
Humoral immune response after COVID-19 in multiple sclerosis: A nation-wide Austrian study.
Mult Scler. 2021; 13524585211049391 Doi: 10.1177/13524585211049391 [OPEN ACCESS]
Web of Science PubMed FullText FullText_MUG

Co-authors Med Uni Graz: Enzinger Christian
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Abstract:: BACKGROUND: Knowledge on immunity after SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and the impact of disease-modifying treatment (DMT) is limited. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate degree, duration and potential predictors of specific humoral immune response in pwMS with prior COVID-19. METHODS: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing was performed in pwMS with PCR-confirmed diagnosis of symptomatic COVID-19 from a nation-wide registry. Predictors of seropositivity were identified by multivariate regression models. RESULTS: In 125 pwMS (mean age = 42.4 years (SD = 12.3 years), 70% female), anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 76.0% after a median of 5.2 months from positive PCR. Seropositivity rate was significantly lower in patients on IS-DMT (61.4%, p = 0.001) than without DMT or immunomodulatory DMT (80.6%; 86.0%, respectively). In multivariate analysis, IS-DMT was associated with reduced probability of seropositivity (odds ratio (OR): 0.51; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.17-0.82; p < 0.001). Predefined subgroup analyses showed marked reduction of seropositivity in pwMS on rituximab/ocrelizumab (OR 0.15; 95% CI: 0.05-0.56; p < 0.001). Rate of seropositivity did not change significantly over 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Humoral immunity is stable after SARS-CoV-2 infection in MS, but is reduced by immunosuppressive DMT, particularly anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. This provides important evidence for advising pwMS as well as for planning and prioritizing vaccination.
Find related publications in this database (Keywords): Multiple sclerosis; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; humoral response; antibody; seropositivity; disease-modifying treatment