Estimation of CD4 and CD8 Marker Concentrations Post-Second Dose COVID-19 Vaccines in Diabetic Patients

Abdul-Jawad, Dhuhah H.; Hadi, Qabas N.; Obaid, Rana F.

doi:10.21608/ejmm.2025.418152.1844

Estimation of CD4 and CD8 Marker Concentrations Post-Second Dose COVID-19 Vaccines in Diabetic Patients

Document Type : New and original researches in the field of Microbiology.

Authors

¹ Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq; Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, The Islamic University, College of Medical Technology, Najaf, Iraq

² Clinical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kufa University, Najaf City, Iraq

³ Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq

10.21608/ejmm.2025.418152.1844

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented major challenges to global health, particularly among individuals with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, a group considered at high risk. Understanding the immune response in diabetic patients following COVID-19 vaccination is essential for improving outcomes and informing public health decisions. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate serum CD4 and CD8 marker concentrations in diabetic patients up to six months after receiving a second dose of Pfizer, AstraZeneca, or Sinopharm vaccines. Methodology: A total of 180 blood samples were collected from diabetic volunteers (60 per vaccine type) at 2, 4, and 6 months following their second vaccine dose. CD4 and CD8 levels were assessed using the ELISA technique. Results: Serum CD4 and CD8 concentrations were significantly higher in the Pfizer and AstraZeneca groups compared to the Sinopharm group throughout the six-month follow-up. At peak (2 months post-second dose), mean CD4 levels were 10.28±3.10 (Pfizer), 9.97±3.21 (AstraZeneca), and 6.01±1.32 (Sinopharm); CD8 levels were 934.63±82.02 U/ml (Pfizer), 860.50±95.54 U/ml (AstraZeneca), and 775.63±92.01 U/ml (Sinopharm). A gradual decline in both markers was observed in all groups over time, with the sharpest decrease noted in the Sinopharm group at six months. Conclusions: Pfizer vaccination in diabetic patients induced higher CD4 and CD8 serum levels during the early post-vaccination phase compared to AstraZeneca and Sinopharm. However, all vaccine types showed a time-dependent decline, most prominently in Sinopharm recipients.

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