<![CDATA[Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is an infection that causes physical and psychological stress. Cortisol and prolactin are hormones that have been studied in association with infectious states. Viral infections trigger the production of acute-phase proteins and antibodies essential for viral elimination. This study aimed to prove the correlation between stress hormone levels and inflammatory markers and antibodies in COVID-19 patients. A cross-sectional approach was employed in this study, with a target population of patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19. Cortisol, prolactin, and specific antibodies were quantified via ELISA, while CRP and procalcitonin levels were measured using immunoturbidimetric and immunofluorescence assays. Additionally, anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were evaluated using the ECLIA principle. Statistical analysis was performed using the Spearman rank correlation test. Fifty-six subjects were included in this study. The study found correlations between cortisol and prolactin levels and CRP (p=0.007, r=0.357; p=0.132, r=0.204) and procalcitonin (p=0.006, r=0.365; p=0.315, r=0.137). The correlations between cortisol and prolactin levels and IgM were p=0.163, r=-0.189; and p=0.299, r=-0.141. The correlations between cortisol and prolactin levels and IgG were p=0.017, r=-0.317, and p=0.207, r=-0.171. There is a weak positive correlation between cortisol levels and CRP and procalcitonin levels. There is a weak negative correlation between cortisol levels and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG.]]>
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