Corona Immunitas: study protocol of a nationwide program of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and seroepidemiologic studies in Switzerland

• DOI: 10.1007/s00038-020-01494-0
• Publication Date: 2020-10-24T06:02:36Z
• Authors: Erin A. West; Daniela Anker; Rebecca Amati; Aude Richard; Ania Wisniak; Audrey Butty; Emiliano Albanese; Murielle Bochud; Arnaud Chiolero; Luca Crivelli; Stéphane Cullati; Valérie d’Acremont; Adina Mihaela Epure; Jan Fehr; Antoine Flahault; Luc Fornerod; Irène Frank; Anja Frei; Gisela Michel; Semira Gonseth; Idris Guessous; Medea Imboden; Christian R. Kahlert; Laurent Kaufmann; Philipp Kohler; Nicolai Mösli; Daniel Paris; Nicole Probst-Hensch; Nicolas Rodondi; Silvia Stringhini; Thomas Vermes; Fabian Vollrath; Milo A. Puhan
• Keywords: Seroprevalence; Pandemic

Abstract Objectives Seroprevalence studies to assess the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection in general population and subgroups are key for evaluating mitigation vaccination policies understanding disease both on national level comparison with international community. Methods Corona Immunitas is a research program coordinated, population-based, seroprevalence implemented by Swiss School Public Health (SSPH+). Over 28,340 participants, randomly selected age-stratified, some regional specificities will be included. Additional vulnerable highly exposed subpopulations also planned. The immunological status during pandemic. Results Phase one (first wave pandemic) estimates from Geneva showed steady increase up 10.8% (95% CI 8.2–13.9, n = 775) May 9, 2020. Since June, Zurich, Lausanne, Basel City/Land, Ticino, Fribourg recruited total 5973 participants phase two thus far. Conclusions generate reliable, comparable, high-quality serological epidemiological data extensive coverage Switzerland several subpopulations, informing health decision making economic societal sectors. ISRCTN Registry: https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN18181860 .