To estimate the seroprevalence and temporal course of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies, we embedded a multi-tiered seroprevalence survey within an ongoing community-based cohort study in Bonn, Germany. We first assessed anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G levels with an immunoassay, followed by confirmatory testing of borderline and positive test results with a recombinant spike-based immunofluorescence assay and a plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). Those with a borderline or positive immunoassay result were retested after 4 to 5 months. At baseline, 4771 persons participated (88% response rate). Between April 24 th and June 30 th , 2020, seroprevalence was 0.97% (95% CI: 0.72−1.30) by immunoassay and 0.36% (95% CI: 0.21−0.61) when considering only those with two additional positive confirmatory tests. Importantly, about 20% of PRNT+ individuals lost their neutralizing antibodies within five months. Here, we show that neutralizing antibodies are detectable in only one third of those with a positive immunoassay result, and wane relatively quickly. Population-based studies of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence are needed to understand levels of immunity and antibody dynamics. Here, the authors show that the seroprevalence in Bonn, Germany was low (<1%) following the first epidemic wave, and that neutralising antibodies waned within a few months.
【저자키워드】 SARS-CoV-2, viral infection, Applied immunology, Epidemiology, 【초록키워드】 neutralizing antibody, Immunity, Neutralizing antibodies, antibody, Neutralising Antibodies, Seroprevalence, anti-SARS-CoV-2, immunoassay, Immunoglobulin G, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, Plaque reduction neutralization test, Immunoglobulin, Germany, immunofluorescence assay, neutralising antibody, neutralization test, SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies, PRNT, followed by, response rate, test results, response rate), epidemic wave, individual, positive test result, positive, seroprevalence survey, borderline, confirmatory tests, plaque reduction neutralization, FIVE, Course, detectable, baseline, community-based cohort study, participated, waned, 【제목키워드】 SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody,