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Lack of Serologic Evidence of Infection Among Health Care Personnel and Other Contacts of First 2 Confirmed Patients With COVID-19 in Illinois, 2020

Authors :
E. Matt Charles
Isaac Ghinai
Mohammed Ata Ur Rasheed
Natalie J. Thornburg
Alison M. Binder
Chantel Hoskin Snelling
Pearl Quartey-Kumapley
Jennifer R. Verani
Massimo Pacilli
Mujeeb Zafer
Kiran Joshi
Demian Christiansen
Marc Fischer
Brandi Freeman
Tristan D. McPherson
Jacqueline Korpics
Darcie Moeller
Deborah L. Rudd
Rachel Rubin
John T. Watson
Heather Reese
Megan J. Wallace
Sandra Lester
Max W Jacobs
Megan T. Patel
Kelly A. Walblay
Jennifer C. Hunter
Stephanie R. Black
Chen Wang
Hannah L. Kirking
Judy Kauerauf
Polly Davenport
Kristin M. Anderson
Vishal S. Disari
Marielle J Fricchione
Claire M Midgley
Jennifer E Layden
Source :
Public Health Rep
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

Objectives Widespread global transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), continues. Many questions remain about asymptomatic or atypical infections and transmission dynamics. We used comprehensive contact tracing of the first 2 confirmed patients in Illinois with COVID-19 and serologic SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing to determine whether contacts had evidence of undetected COVID-19. Methods Contacts were eligible for serologic follow-up if previously tested for COVID-19 during an initial investigation or had greater-risk exposures. Contacts completed a standardized questionnaire during the initial investigation. We classified exposure risk as high, medium, or low based on interactions with 2 index patients and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Serologic testing used a SARS-CoV-2 spike enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on serum specimens collected from participants approximately 6 weeks after initial exposure to either index patient. The 2 index patients provided serum specimens throughout their illness. We collected data on demographic, exposure, and epidemiologic characteristics. Results Of 347 contacts, 110 were eligible for serologic follow-up; 59 (17% of all contacts) enrolled. Of these, 53 (90%) were health care personnel and 6 (10%) were community contacts. Seventeen (29%) reported high-risk exposures, 15 (25%) medium-risk, and 27 (46%) low-risk. No participant had evidence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The 2 index patients had antibodies detected at dilutions >1:6400 within 4 weeks after symptom onset. Conclusions In serologic follow-up of the first 2 known patients in Illinois with COVID-19, we found no secondary transmission among tested contacts. Lack of seroconversion among these contacts adds to our understanding of conditions (ie, use of PPE) under which SARS-CoV-2 infections might not result in transmission and demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing is a useful tool to verify epidemiologic findings.

Details

ISSN :
14682877
Volume :
136
Issue :
1
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Public health reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....3492a01cdcc1675e4b618c70e27cbb2c