Sunday, October 6, 2024
10/6/2024
Abstract Serologic testing for presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is a critical tool for understanding the epidemiology and designing control strategies for the COVID-19 pandemic. Our understanding of the epidemiology of this pandemic is primarily derived from real-time data on the number of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive COVID-19 patients in outpatient and inpatient settings, and thus misses patients with asymptomatic infection or who have not had SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing. Serologic testing for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies can identify persons who have been exposed and infected with SARS-CoV-2 at any time and might be a correlate of protective immunity. This project aims to advance our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 serological testing at the individual and population-level. To achieve this we will develop and implement a large-scale, population- based, flexible platform to assess SARS-CoV-2 sero-prevalence, sero-incidence, risk of sero-conversion and longevity of antibody response in a large, integrated health system with linked rich demographic, behavioral and clinical data. For Aim 1 we will establish a community cohort of Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) members; a random sample of community dwelling persons, age 7 years and older, will be invited to participate in ongoing surveillance of antibody development to assess population-level sero-prevalence and sero-incidence. For Aim 2, we will enroll a cohort of persons who are positive for SARS-CoV-2 PCR or antibodies and will follow them prospectively with repeat SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing for immune surveillance and to determine longevity of antibody response. For Aim 3, we will establish a data-only cohort of all persons who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 disease, or had SARS-CoV-2 PCR or antibody testing; As of July 15, 2020, there are about 290,000 such persons in KPNC and the number increases daily as we test ~10,000 persons per day. In this cohort, we will assess risk of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection and will have the opportunity to examine interactions with a personal history of cancer or cancer treatment and other clinical factors or comorbid conditions, to determine if these conditions influence the likelihood of development of COVID-19 or reinfection. For Aim 4, we will establish mechanisms for collaboration with other scientists in the Serological Sciences Network, including mechanisms for additional sample collection. This series of linked studies embedded in a large, integrated health system with a large number of COVID-19 patients and high SARS- CoV-2 testing capacity will enhance our understanding of the utility of commercially available, large-scale SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing for population-level and individual-level disease control.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
