Frequency of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in PCR-Positive COVID-19 Patients and High-Risk Exposed Subjects at Multan

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the degree of association between Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction positivity and  seroconversion after natural COVID-19 infection in Multan, City of Pakistan.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Multan Pakistan from Apr 2021 to Sep 2021.

Methodology: In this study, 219 Healthcare Workers with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection were screened via Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction for viral genome, followed by detection of corresponding antibody response in serum samples within ten weeks of their first exposure against spike protein via Chemiluminescence immunoassay.

Results: There was a significant association between positive RT-PCR and detectable corresponding antibodies (p=0.001). However, we found no evidence of an association between age and RT-PCR positivity and between age and detectable antibodies (p=0.874 and 0.842, respectively). Furthermore, results indicated no association between gender and RT-PCR positivity and between gender and detectable antibodies (p=0.536 and 0.285, respectively).

Conclusions: It is concluded that antibody detection against SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein is a useful laboratory tool for screening for COVID-19 infection.
Keywords: Antibody test, Asymptomatic cases, COVID-19, Healthcare workers, PCR, SARS-CoV-2.