Coronavirus Antibodies in Bat Biologists
Author Information
Author(s): Lauren J. Stockman, Lia M. Haynes, Congrong Miao, Jennifer L. Harcourt, Charles E. Rupprecht, Thomas G. Ksiazek, Terri B. Hyde, Alicia M. Fry, Larry J. Anderson
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
Is there serologic evidence of SARS-CoV infection among bat biologists?
Conclusion
The study found no evidence of SARS-CoV transmission from bats to humans among the surveyed bat biologists.
Supporting Evidence
- Of 350 registered biologists, 90 (26%) participated in the study.
- All serum samples from participants were negative for antibodies against inactivated SARS-CoV.
- One participant had a positive sample for SARS-CoV N protein but it was likely induced by other coronaviruses.
Takeaway
The study checked if bat biologists had antibodies from a virus called SARS-CoV, but they didn't find any, which means the virus likely doesn't spread from bats to people.
Methodology
Participants provided blood samples which were tested for antibodies against SARS-CoV and its nucleocapsid protein.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and focused only on bat biologists who attended a specific meeting.
Participant Demographics
Participants were bat biologists, primarily from North America, with some experience in South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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