Original article
A Cross-Sectional Study Examining the Seroprevalence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Antibodies in a University Student Population

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.09.001Get rights and content

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in a university student population.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional survey study based on the World Health Organization population-based seroepidemiological investigational protocol for SARS-CoV-2 conducted between April 29, 2020, and May 8, 2020, examining SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence among 790 university students in Los Angeles, CA. Participants completed a questionnaire on potential risk factors before blood sampling. Samples were analyzed using the EUROIMMUN Anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA (IgG) for the qualitative detection of IgG class antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in human serum or plasma.

Results

The estimated prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody was 4.0% (3.0%, 5.1%). Factors associated with having a positive test included history of anosmia and/or loss of taste (95% CI: 1.4–9.6). A history of respiratory symptoms, with or without fever, was not associated with a positive antibody test.

Conclusions

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the undergraduate and graduate student university population was similar to community prevalence.

Keywords

SARS-CoV-2
University
Seroprevalence

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