Detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using commercial assays and seroconversion patterns in hospitalized patients. Issue 2 (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tuaillon, E; Bolloré, K; Pisoni, A; Debiesse, S; Renault, C; Marie, S; Groc, S; Niels, C; Pansu, N; Dupuy, AM; Morquin, D; Foulongne, V; Bourdin, A; Le Moing, V; Van de Perre, P
• Is Part Of: Journal of infection. Volume 81:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: e39
• Page End: e45
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- SARS-CoV-2 antibodies -- point of care tests -- ELISA; Infection -- Periodicals; Bacterial Infections -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2020.05.077
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0163-4453

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays are needed for serological surveys and as a complement to molecular tests to confirm COVID-19. However, the kinetics of the humoral response against SARS-CoV-2 remains poorly described and relies on the performance of the different serological tests. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the performance of six CE-marked point-of-care tests (POC) and three ELISA assays for the diagnosis of COVID-19 by exploring seroconversions in hospitalized patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Results: Both the ELISA and POC tests were able to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in at least half of the samples collected seven days or more after the onset of symptoms. After 15 days, the rate of detection rose to over 80% but without reaching 100%, irrespective of the test used. More than 90% of the samples collected after 15 days tested positive using the iSIA and Accu-Tell® POC tests and the ID.Vet IgG ELISA assay. Seroconversion was observed 5 to 12 days after the onset of symptoms. Three assays suffer from a specificity below 90% (EUROIMMUN IgG and IgA, UNscience, Zhuhai Livzon). Conclusions: The second week of COVID-19 seems to be the best period for assessing the sensitivity of commercial serological assays. To achieve an early diagnosis of COVID-19 based on antibody detection, a dual challenge must be met: the immunodiagnostic window period must be shortened and an optimal specificity must be conserved.