Abstract
A new coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has recently emerged to cause a human pandemic. Although molecular diagnostic tests were rapidly developed, serologic assays are still lacking, yet urgently needed. Validated serologic assays are needed for contact tracing, identifying the viral reservoir, and epidemiologic studies. We developed serologic assays for detection of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing, spike protein–specific, and nucleocapsid-specific antibodies. Using serum samples from patients with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections, other coronaviruses, or other respiratory pathogenic infections, we validated and tested various antigens in different in-house and commercial ELISAs. We demonstrated that most PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2–infected persons seroconverted by 2 weeks after disease onset. We found that commercial S1 IgG or IgA ELISAs were of lower specificity, and sensitivity varied between the 2 assays; the IgA ELISA showed higher sensitivity. Overall, the validated assays described can be instrumental for detection of SARS-CoV-2–specific antibodies for diagnostic, seroepidemiologic, and vaccine evaluation studies.
Highlights
A new coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has recently emerged to cause a human pandemic
We evaluated SARS-CoV-2–specific antibody responses in severe and mild cases by using serum samples collected at different times postonset of disease from 3 PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients from France
All 3 patients seroconverted between days 13 and 21 after onset of disease (Figure 1), and antibodies were elicited against the SARS-CoV-2 S, S1 subunit, and receptor-binding domain (RBD), but only 2/3 patients had detectable antibodies to the N-terminal (S1A) domain
Summary
A new coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has recently emerged to cause a human pandemic. Rapid identification of the etiology and sharing of the genetic sequence of the virus, followed by international collaborative efforts initiated because of emergence of SARS-CoV-2, has led to rapid availability of real-time PCR diagnostic assays that support case ascertainment and tracking of the outbreak [4]. Availability of these assays has helped in patient detection and efforts to contain the virus. SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Responses in COVID-19 Patients dition, these epidemiologic studies can help identify the extent of virus spread in households, communities, and specific settings, which could help guide control measures. Serologic assays are needed for evaluation of results of vaccine trials and development of therapeutic antibodies
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