Antibody seroprevalence and rate of asymptomatic infections with SARS‑CoV‑2 in Austrian hospital personnel

BMC Infect Dis, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-021-06586-7 · Published: September 15, 2021

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among Austrian hospital employees and the rate of asymptomatic infections. The study also assessed antibody decline over six months and the usefulness of rapid antibody tests. Researchers tested over 3300 employees from Austrian trauma hospitals and rehabilitation facilities using rapid antibody tests, CLIA, RT-PCR, and serum neutralization tests.

Study Duration

May 11th–August 3rd

Participants

3301 employees in 11 Austrian trauma hospitals

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Only 0.82% of participants had positive antibodies confirmed via neutralization test during the study.
2
About 50.4% of those who tested positive reported no COVID-19 symptoms.
3
Antibody concentrations significantly decreased over time, with 14.8% losing detectable antibodies.

Research Summary

The study evaluated SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence and asymptomatic infection rates among Austrian hospital staff. Key findings include a low seroprevalence (0.82%), a significant proportion of asymptomatic cases (50.4% of seropositive individuals), and a decline in antibody concentrations over six months. The study also assessed the performance of rapid antibody tests and found variability in their sensitivity rates.

Practical Implications

Infection Control

Findings support the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions in maintaining low infection rates in Austrian healthcare settings.

Antibody Duration

The observed antibody decline suggests a need for monitoring antibody levels, particularly in post-COVID individuals, to inform vaccination strategies.

Diagnostic Testing

The variable sensitivity of rapid antibody tests highlights the importance of confirmatory testing using more reliable methods like CLIA or SNT.

Antibody seroprevalence and rate of asymptomatic infections with SARS‑CoV‑2 in Austrian hospital personnel

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Infection Control

Antibody Duration

Diagnostic Testing

Study Limitations

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Was this summary helpful?

Antibody seroprevalence and rate of asymptomatic infections with SARS‑CoV‑2 in Austrian hospital personnel

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Infection Control

Antibody Duration

Diagnostic Testing

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?