Clinical characteristics, anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers, and inflammatory markers in individuals with post-COVID-19 condition in Kenya: a cross-sectional study
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Date
2024
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PeerJ
Abstract
Background: Post-coronavirus disease 2019 (post-COVID-19) is associated with
considerable morbidity and reduced quality of life. However, studies characterizing
the post-COVID-19 condition in Kenya are limited. This study aimed to determine
the prevalence of post-COVID-19 condition and determine the clinical
characteristics, anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers, and concentrations of inflammatory
markers of individuals with post-COVID-19 condition in Kenya.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Kenyatta
University Health Unit, Kenya. Demographic and clinical data were collected using a
questionnaire. The serum levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, interleukin 6 (IL-6),
and C-reactive protein (CRP) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assays. Independent samples t-test was used to compare the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG,
IL-6, and CRP levels between the participants with and without post-COVID-19
symptoms. The case definition for post-COVID-19 condition was persistence of
acute COVID-19 symptoms or emergence of new symptoms 3 months after COVID19 diagnosis, symptoms lasting for ≥2 months, and absence of any other etiological
basis to explain the symptoms.
Results: A total of 189 volunteers were recruited in this study (median age: 21 years,
range: 18–71 years; male, 49.2%). Forty participants reported having had at least one
COVID-19 positive diagnosis in the past, of which 12 (30%) complained of postCOVID-19 symptoms. Significant differences in the number and duration of
symptoms were observed between the individuals with and without post-COVID-19
symptoms (t-statistic = 2.87, p = 0.01; t-statistic = 2.39, p = 0.02, respectively).
However, no significant differences in serum levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, IL-6,
and CRP were observed between the two groups (P = 0.08, 0.9, and 0.28,
respectively).
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Theuri M, Ndombi EM, Thamaini P, Ogutu JO, Onsongo L, Madete JK, Ofula V, Gitau S, Mwangi G, Okemo P. 2024. Clinical characteristics, anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers, and inflammatory markers in individuals with post-COVID-19 condition in Kenya: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 12:e17723 DOI 10.7717/peerj.17723