Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in University Students: Cross-sectional Study, December 2020, England

• DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.3787684
• Publication Date: 2021-02-20T22:12:26Z
• Authors: Amoolya Vusirikala; Heather Whitaker; Samuel Jones; Elise Tessier; Ray Borrow; Ezra Linley; Katja Hoschler; Frances Baawuah; Shazaad Ahmaad; Nick Andrews; Mary E. Ramsay; Shamez Ladhani; Kevin Brown; Gayatri Amirthali...
• Keywords: Seroprevalence; Cross-sectional study

Background: In England, the reopening of universities in September 2020 coincided with a rapid increase SARS-CoV-2 infection rates university aged young adults. This study aimed to estimate antibody prevalence students attending that had experienced COVID-19 outbreak after for autumn term 2020.Methods: A cross-sectional serosurvey was conducted during 02-11 December ≤ 25 years across five England. Blood samples testing were obtained using self-sampling kit and analysed Abbott N and/or an in-house receptor binding domain (RBD) assay. Findings: seroprevalence 2,905 17.8% (95%CI, 16.5-19.3), ranging between 7.6%-29.7% universities. Seropositivity associated being younger likely represent first year undergraduates (aOR 3.2, 95% CI 2.0-4.9), living halls residence 2.1, 1.7-2.7) sharing kitchen increasing number (shared 4-7 individuals, aOR 1.43, 95%CI 1.12-1.82; shared 8 or more 1.53, 1.04-2.24). 49% reported high (>8%) term.Interpretation: Despite large numbers cases outbreaks universities, less than one (17.8%) overall antibodies at end affected by outbreak, however, nearly half resident became infected developed antibodies.