The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children - A resource for COVID-19 research: Antibody testing results,

Daniel Major-Smith1,2, Sarah Matthews1, Thomas Breeze1

  • 1Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.

Wellcome Open Research
|February 3, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) conducted a second COVID-19 antibody test, finding significant generational differences in antibody prevalence. This study provides valuable serology data for understanding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) immunity in diverse populations.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) is a long-term cohort study following multiple generations.
  • The study has previously collected data on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) through questionnaires and an initial antibody test.
  • A second antibody test was conducted to assess COVID-19 immunity in April-June 2021.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report on the findings of a second COVID-19 antibody test conducted within the ALSPAC cohort.
  • To compare serological results between Generation 0 (G0) and Generation 1 (G1) participants.
  • To provide updated COVID-19 serology data for research.

Main Methods:

  • A second home-based antibody test was administered to 4,622 ALSPAC participants.
  • Spike protein and nucleocapsid antibody tests were analyzed to determine vaccination or natural infection status.
  • Results were compared to a previous antibody test from October 2020 and linked with other data sources.

Main Results:

  • Of 4,241 participants with valid spike protein antibody tests, 74.8% were positive, indicating response to vaccination or infection.
  • Generational differences were significant: 96.4% of G0 participants were positive versus 42.1% of G1 participants.
  • Of 4,199 participants with valid nucleocapsid antibody tests, 11.7% were positive, suggesting natural infection, with higher positivity in G1 (14.6%) than G0 (9.8%).

Conclusions:

  • Substantial generational disparities exist in COVID-19 antibody prevalence within the ALSPAC cohort.
  • The study provides valuable serological data for understanding population immunity to COVID-19.
  • These data will be combined with other sources to further elucidate infection and vaccination status.

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