Seronegative immunity to SARS-CoV-2: a case study

COVID-19 presents with a variable clinical course from asymptomatic to severe respiratory distress with nearly 25% mortality in mechanically-ventilated patients. As such, there is uncertainty regarding how host factors modulate the disease course.

This report examines these factors in two geriatric patients with multiple comorbid conditions who were residents of the long-term care facility in West Virginia that was the epicenter of COVID-19 in the state. Each patient had substantial, unprotected exposure to SARS-CoV-2 with subsequent negative PCR and antibody testing.

These cases could represent an important step in understanding host factors that modulate the disease course and susceptibility of patients exposed to SARS-CoV-2, and illustrate the need for further research into host resistance relating to this pandemic.