The omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 drove broadly increased seroprevalence in a public university setting
2025

Serosurvey of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies After Omicron Outbreak at a University

Sample size: 1397 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Hou Ching-Wen, Williams Stacy, Trivino-Soto Guillermo, Boyle Veronica, Rainford David, Vicino Selina, Magee Mitch, Chung Yunro, LaBaer Joshua, Murugan Vel

Primary Institution: Arizona State University

Hypothesis

What is the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among individuals aged 18 years and older after the Omicron outbreak?

Conclusion

The study found a seroprevalence of 96.3% for anti-RBD antibodies and 39.1% for anti-NC antibodies among participants after the Omicron outbreak.

Supporting Evidence

  • 96.3% of participants tested positive for anti-RBD antibodies.
  • 39.1% of participants tested positive for anti-NC antibodies.
  • Participants with breakthrough infections had higher antibody levels.
  • Saliva samples showed strong agreement with serum samples for antibody levels.
  • Seroprevalence increased significantly from the previous survey conducted before the Omicron outbreak.

Takeaway

Most people at the university had antibodies against COVID-19 after the Omicron variant spread, showing that many were either vaccinated or had been infected.

Methodology

Participants aged 18 and older were recruited for a seroprevalence study, providing blood and saliva samples for antibody testing.

Potential Biases

Potential selection bias due to participants' willingness to join the study.

Limitations

The study relied on self-reported data for vaccination and infection history, which may introduce bias.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 58.7% students and 40.2% employees, with a majority aged 18-25.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI 95.2–97.2%

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pgph.0003893

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