Dissecting the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections in blood donors with pauci- or asymptomatic COVID-19 disease course at initial infection

Abstract

Background Understanding the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections is crucial for public health policy, vaccine development, and long-term disease management. However, data on reinfections in the general population remains scarce. Objectives This study aimed to investigate SARS-CoV-2 antibody dynamics among Austrian blood donors, representing healthy adults, over two years following primary infection and to evaluate the reinfection risk. Methods 117,895 blood donations were analysed for SARS-CoV-2 total anti-N levels from June 2020 to December 2023. We examined anti-N and anti-S antibody dynamics and in vitro functionality in 230 study participants at five defined times during 24 months, assessing associations with demographics, vaccination status, and reinfection awareness. Results The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection-derived anti-N antibodies increased over time, reaching 90% by February 2023 and remaining at that level since then. According to serological screenings, we found an 88% reinfection rate, which is in contrast to participants’ reports indicating a reinfection rate of 59%. Our data further reveal that about 26% of reinfections went completely unnoticed. Antibody dynamics were independent of age, sex, and ABO blood group. Interestingly, individuals with multiple reinfections reported symptoms more frequently during their primary infection. Our results further show that vaccination modestly affected reinfection risk and disease course. Conclusion SARS-CoV-2 reinfections were uncommon until the end of 2021 but became common with the advent of Omicron. This study highlights the underestimation of reinfection rates in healthy adults and underscores the need for continued surveillance, which is an important support for public health policies and intervention strategies.