Antibody response in a family with COVID-19

Abstract

BACKGROUND Robust serological assays for SARS-CoV-2 are essential for determining prior infection and the suitability of donated convalescent plasma for plasma therapy. We compared two in-house and three commercial serological assays in a family cohort with SARS-CoV-2-infected members. CASE PRESENTATION Three individuals in a family of five developed COVID-19 confirmed by PCR, following a trip abroad. Three to four weeks after the onset of symptoms, three commercial ELISAs and an in-house immunofluorescence test demonstrated antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. An in-house neutralisation test also demonstrated neutralising antibodies. INTERPRETATION The in-house assays and one commercial assay gave congruent results, which were also consistent with the initial PCR and/or clinical evaluation, indicating prior infection in three of the five family members. The other commercial assays indicated possible infection in a fourth family member, but this result was likely due to cross-reactivity. The neutralising antibodies suggest complete or partial immunity against reinfection.