Detection of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 exposed individuals by a sensitive S-based ELISA

Rosendal E, Byström JW, Gröning R, Gwon YD, Nilsson E, Sharma A, Espaillat A, Hanke L, Thunberg T, McInerney G, Puhar A, Cava F, Hedestam GBK, Monsen T, Elgh F, Blomkvist B, Marklund I, Ahlm C, Evander M, Normark J, Johansson A, Överby AK, Forsell MN

medRxiv - (-) - [2020-06-04; online 2020-06-04]

To assess the current coronavirus pandemic, there is a pressing need to determine the exposure and seroconversion to SARS-CoV-2 on a local and global level. Here, we demonstrate a sensitive and specific S-protein based assay that is well suited for detection of weak SARS- CoV-2-directed IgG responses, and that could identify exposed individuals with asymptomatic infection without the requirement of PCR diagnostics. Our results raise the possibility that on- going population-based studies using less sensitive state-of-the-art serological assays may significantly underestimate the frequency of exposure and seroconversion to SARS-CoV-2.

Category: Biochemistry

Category: Health

Funder: KAW/SciLifeLab

Funder: VR

Funder: Vinnova

Research Area: Biobanks for COVID-19 research

Research Area: Host cell systems biology and targets

Type: Preprint

PubMed 32577692

DOI 10.1101/2020.06.02.20120477

Crossref 10.1101/2020.06.02.20120477


Publications 9.5.0