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Low SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in blood donors in the early COVID-19 epidemic in the Netherlands

Author

Listed:
  • Ed Slot

    (Sanquin Research
    Sanquin Corporate Staff)

  • Boris M. Hogema

    (Sanquin Research
    Sanquin Diagnostic Services)

  • Chantal B. E. M. Reusken

    (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment
    Erasmus MC)

  • Johan H. Reimerink

    (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment)

  • Michel Molier

    (Sanquin Research)

  • Jan H. M. Karregat

    (Sanquin Research)

  • Johan IJlst

    (Sanquin Laboratory Services)

  • Věra M. J. Novotný

    (Sanquin Blood Bank)

  • René A. W. Lier

    (Sanquin Research
    University of Amsterdam)

  • Hans L. Zaaijer

    (Sanquin Research
    Sanquin Diagnostic Services
    Amsterdam UMC)

Abstract

The world is combating an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with health-care systems, society and economies impacted in an unprecedented way. It is unclear how many people have contracted the causative coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) unknowingly and are asymptomatic. Therefore, reported COVID-19 cases do not reflect the true scale of outbreak. Here we present the prevalence and distribution of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in a healthy adult population of the Netherlands, which is a highly affected country, using a high-performance immunoassay. Our results indicate that one month into the outbreak (i) the seroprevalence in the Netherlands was 2.7% with substantial regional variation, (ii) the hardest-hit areas showed a seroprevalence of up to 9.5%, (iii) the seroprevalence was sex-independent throughout age groups (18–72 years), and (iv) antibodies were significantly more often present in younger people (18–30 years). Our study provides vital information on the extent of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in a country where social distancing is in place.

Suggested Citation

  • Ed Slot & Boris M. Hogema & Chantal B. E. M. Reusken & Johan H. Reimerink & Michel Molier & Jan H. M. Karregat & Johan IJlst & Věra M. J. Novotný & René A. W. Lier & Hans L. Zaaijer, 2020. "Low SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in blood donors in the early COVID-19 epidemic in the Netherlands," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-19481-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19481-7
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