Published date: Dec 20 2024

Journal Title: West Kazakhstan Medical Journal

Issue title: West Kazakhstan Medical Journal: Volume 66 Issue 4

Pages: 387 - 400

DOI: 10.18502/wkmj.v66i4.17770

Saulesh S. KurmangaliyevaDepartment of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe

Akzhan M. Madenbayevaa.madenbaeva@zkmu.kzDepartment of Internal Diseases No 1, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe

Saltanat T. UrazayevaDepartment of Epidemiology, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe

Yerlan Sh. BazargaliyevDepartment of Internal Diseases No 1, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe

Khatimya I. KudabayevaDepartment of Internal Diseases No 1, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe

Kairat B. KurmangaliyevDepartment of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted an urgent need to understand the differences between vaccine-induced and natural immunity, particularly in the context of post- COVID syndrome (long COVID). This review compares the immune responses elicited by natural infection and vaccination, focusing on their duration, strength, and effectiveness in mitigating long COVID symptoms. Vaccine-induced immunity, primarily targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, often produces a more consistent antibody and T-cell response, especially when bolstered by booster doses. In contrast, natural immunity, though broader in scope, is more variable and influenced by factors such as infection severity. Hybrid immunity, resulting from both infection and vaccination, may offer superior protection against long COVID. This comparative analysis highlights the importance of understanding these immune mechanisms to optimize protection strategies against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.

Keywords: COVID-19, vaccine-induced immunity, natural immunity, post-COVID syndrome, long COVID, SARS-CoV-2, immune response, hybrid immunity, antibody waning, T-cell immunity

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