Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026
10:25
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies using High-Throughput Fluorescent Imaging of Pseudovirus Infection
Published on: June 5, 2021
4.8K
A cohort study measuring SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion and serial viral testing in university students
Christine C Lee1,2, Hannah E Segaloff3,4,5, Devlin Cole6,7
1CDC COVID-19 Response Team, 1600 Clifton Rd. NE, Mailstop H23-6, Atlanta, GA, USA. pfx6@cdc.gov.
BMC Infectious Diseases
|April 1, 2022
Summary
Antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) were studied in university students. Serology testing combined with viral tests accurately detected infections and antibody changes, aiding understanding of immune protection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Understanding antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Young adults on university campuses represent a population with high potential for transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess seroprevalence, infection incidence, and seroconversion in a university student cohort.
- To evaluate the utility of serology testing in conjunction with viral surveillance.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 107 students were collected at the beginning and end of an 11-week period.
- Qualitative SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody assays (Abbott Architect and AdviseDx) were utilized.
- Results were correlated with weekly viral testing and symptom data.
Main Results:
- Seropositivity increased significantly from semester start to end, with both assays showing similar trends.
- Over 21% of students tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection during the semester.
- Seroconversion was largely identified by serial viral testing, and symptomatic infections were more common among those seropositive at semester end.
Conclusions:
- Differences in antibody target detection were observed between anti-nucleocapsid and anti-spike assays.
- Combined serology and viral testing effectively detect SARS-CoV-2 seroconversions.
- This approach aids in understanding antibody correlates of protection against COVID-19.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Investigation of Disease Outbreaks
Multistate foodborne outbreaks pose significant public health risks and require meticulous investigation to identify sources and implement control measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) utilizes a dynamic seven-step process for these investigations, integrating data from laboratories, interviews, and environmental assessments to protect public health.Outbreak Detection: The detection of multistate outbreaks typically begins with PulseNet, the CDC's national laboratory...
01:29Coronavirus
Coronaviruses, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), are enveloped viruses characterized by their single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome and helical nucleocapsid structure. The hallmark of these viruses is their club-shaped spike (S) glycoproteins that protrude from the viral envelope, facilitating attachment to host cells. Typically, coronaviruses infect the upper respiratory tract, often causing mild or asymptomatic disease. However, certain strains like...