SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibody dynamics in a Dutch household study with dense sampling frame

This study investigated the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection and diagnostics in 242 household members of different ages and with different symptom severity after SARS-CoV-2 exposure early in the pandemic (March-April 2020). Households with a SARS-CoV-2 confirmed positive case and at least one child in the Netherlands were followed for 6 weeks. Naso (NP)- and oropharyngeal (OP) swabs, oral fluid and feces specimens were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and serum for SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies. The dynamics of the presence of viral RNA and the serological response was modeled to determine the sampling time-frame and sample type with the highest sensitivity to confirm or reject a SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. In children higher viral loads compared to adults were detected at symptom onset. Early in infection, higher viral loads were detected in NP and OP specimens, while RNA in especially feces were longer detectable. SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies have 90% probability of detection from 7 days (total Ig) and 18 days (IgG) since symptom onset. For highest probability of detection in SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics early in infection, RT-PCR on NP and OP specimens are more sensitive than on oral fluid and feces. For SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics late after infection, RT-PCR on feces specimens and serology are more valuable.

Automated summary

This study investigated the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection and diagnostics in household members after exposure. It found that children had higher viral loads than adults at symptom onset, and RNA in feces could be detected for longer. SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies were detectable with a 90% probability from 7 days (total Ig) and 18 days (IgG) since symptom onset. RT-PCR on NP and OP specimens were more sensitive for early infection, while RT-PCR on feces specimens and serology were more valuable for late infection diagnostics.