Protection Conferred by Delta and BA.1/BA.2 Infection Against BA.4/BA.5 Infection and Hospitalization: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 immunity has declined with subsequent waves and accrual of viral mutations. In vitro studies raise concern for immune escape by BA.4/BA.5, and a study in Qatar showed moderate protection, but these findings have yet to be reproduced. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included individuals tested for coronavirus disease 2019 by polymerase chain reaction during Delta or BA.1/BA.2 and retested during BA.4/BA.5. The preventable fraction (PF) was calculated as ratio of the infection to the hospitalization rate for initially positive patients divided by the ratio for initially negative patients, stratified by age and adjusted for age, sex, comorbid conditions, and vaccination using logistic regression. Results: A total of 20 987 patients met inclusion criteria. Prior Delta infection provided no protection against BA.4/BA.5 infection (adjusted PF, 11.9% [95% confidence interval,. 8%-21.8%]); P =. 04) and minimal protection against hospitalization (10.7% [4.9%-21.7%]; P =. 003). In adjusted models, prior BA.1/BA.2 infection provided 45.9% (95% confidence interval, 36.2%-54.1%; P