Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

October 12, 2020

Prevalence and Longevity of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Healthcare Workers A Single Center Study

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  • [Pre-print, not peer reviewed]A cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence and longevity of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthcare workers and first responders in California showed that antibody prevalence was 0.9% at the start of the study and 2.6% at 8-week follow-up among healthcare workers, and 5.3% and 4.4%, respectively, among first responders (between May and August, 2020). For healthcare workers, significant differences in test results at initial assessment were found based on age, race, fever, and loss of smell, and at 8-week follow-up for age, race, and all symptoms. Antibody positivity lasted for at least 8 weeks. Among 75 healthcare workers with self-reported prior PCR-confirmed COVID-19, 35 (46.7%) were antibody negative. The authors note the SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence among healthcare workers was much lower compared to other studies, which may be explained by factors such as occupational safety measures, enhanced awareness surrounding COVID-19, or low COVID-19 prevalence in the community.

Brant-Zawadzki et al. (Oct 11, 2020). Prevalence and Longevity of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Healthcare Workers A Single Center Study. Pre-print downloaded Oct 12 https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.10.09.20210229