Immunoglobulin G against nucleocapsid protein in COVID-19 home isolated patients and its relation to stress and emotional problems

The COVID-19 pandemic is among the most devastating global health crises, with rising mortality and widespread psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and stress. A longitudinal study was conducted in Alexandria on COVID-19 patients. Participants were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 N-IgG. Psychological status was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) questionnaire, with follow-up conducted after three months. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 N-IgG was detected in 72 (71.3%) patients in the first sample, 16 (15.8%) in the second, and only one (0.9%) in the fifth. Most participants (68.3%) were positive within 15 days of symptom onset, while 5.8% seroconverted after 21 days. At baseline, depression, anxiety, and stress were reported in 43.6%, 55.4%, and 7.9% of patients, respectively. At the three-month follow-up, only 2.0% had depression, 3.0% anxiety, and none reported stress. Most patients developed anti-SARS-CoV-2 N-IgG within 15 days of the onset of symptoms. Depression and stress were associated with delayed development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 N-IgG antibodies among home-isolated COVID-19 patients.