Back to Search Start Over

Patterns and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in Chicago to monitor COVID-19 exposure.

Authors :
Demonbreun AR
McDade TW
Pesce L
Vaught LA
Reiser NL
Bogdanovic E
Velez MP
Hsieh RR
Simons LM
Saber R
Ryan DT
Ison MG
Hultquist JF
Wilkins JT
D'Aquila RT
Mustanski B
McNally EM
Source :
MedRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences [medRxiv] 2021 Mar 16. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Mar 16.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Background: Estimates of seroprevalence to SARS-CoV-2 vary widely and may influence vaccination response. We ascertained IgG levels across a single US metropolitan site, Chicago, from June 2020 through December 2020.<br />Methods: Participants (n=7935) were recruited through electronic advertising and received materials for a self-sampled dried blood spot assay through the mail or a minimal contact in person method. IgG to the receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 was measured using an established highly sensitive and highly specific assay.<br />Results: Overall seroprevalence was 17.9%, with no significant difference between method of contact. Only 2.5% of participants reported having had a diagnosis of COVID-19 based on virus detection, consistent with a 7-fold greater exposure to SARS-CoV-2 measured by serology than detected by viral testing. The range of IgG level observed in seropositive participants from this community survey overlapped with the range of IgG levels associated with COVID-19 cases having a documented positive PCR positive test. From a subset of those who participated in repeat testing, half of seropositive individuals retained detectable antibodies for 3-4 months.<br />Conclusions: Quantitative IgG measurements with a highly specific and sensitive assay indicate more widespread exposure to SARS-CoV-2 than observed by viral testing. The range of IgG concentration produced from these asymptomatic exposures is similar to IgG levels occurring after documented non-hospitalized COVID-19, which is considerably lower than that produced from hospitalized COVID-19 cases. The differing ranges of IgG response, coupled with the rate of decay of antibodies, may influence response to subsequent viral exposure and vaccine.<br />Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: Thomas McDade has a financial interest in EnMed Microanalytics, a company that specializes in laboratory testing of dried blood spot samples. All other authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Details

Language :
English
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
MedRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences
Accession number :
33236031
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.11.17.20233452