Dataset Information

Serological and RT-PCR surveillance for COVID-19 in an asymptomatic U.S. Army trainee population

ABSTRACT: Abstract

Background

Significant variability exists in the application of infection control policy throughout the United States (U.S.) Army initial entry training environment. To generate actionable information for the prevention of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)/coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission among new recruits, active enhanced surveillance was conducted for evidence of and exposure to SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19.

Methods

We serially tested recruits with a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 and/or total antibody to SARS-CoV-2 tests at day 0, 14, and week 10 upon arrival for basic combat training at a location in the southern U.S.

Results

Among 1,403 recruits who were enrolled over a 6 week period from August 25 through October 11, 2020, 84 recruits tested positive by RT-PCR with more than half (55%, 46/84) testing positive at arrival and almost two-thirds (63%, 53/84) also testing seropositive at arrival. Similarly, among an overall 146 recruits who tested seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 during the period of observation, a majority (86%) of tested seropositive at arrival; no hospitalizations were observed among seropositive recruits and antibody response increased at week 10.

Conclusions

These findings suggest serological testing may complement current test-based measures and provide another tool to incorporate in COVID-19 mitigation measures among trainees in the U.S. Army.

SUBMITTER: Hakre S

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8418190 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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