biostudies-literature00550Mulchandani RMedical Research CouncilNational Institute for Health Research (NIHR)Public Health England151-161https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7997203biostudies-literatureUnknown82(5)<h4>Background</h4>Screening for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is under way in some key worker groups; how this adds to self-reported COVID-19 illness is unclear. In this study, we investigate the association between self-reported belief of COVID-19 illness and seropositivity.<h4>Methods</h4>Cross-sectional study of three key worker streams comprising (A) Police and Fire & Rescue (2 sites) (B) healthcare workers (1 site) and (C) healthcare workers with previously positive PCR result (5 sites). We collected self-reported signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and compared this with serology results from two SARS-CoV-2 immunoassays (Roche Elecsys® and EUROIMMUN).<h4>Results</h4>Between 01 and 26 June, we recruited 2847 individuals (Stream A: 1,247, Stream B: 1,546 and Stream C: 154). Amongst those without previous positive PCR tests, 687/2,579 (26%) reported belief they had COVID-19, having experienced compatible symptoms; however, only 208 (30.3%) of these were seropositive on both immunoassays. Both immunoassays had high sensitivities relative to previous PCR positivity (>93%); there was also limited decline in antibody titres up to 110 days post symptom onset. Symptomatic but seronegative individuals had differing symptom profiles and shorter illnesses than seropositive individuals.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Non-COVID-19 respiratory illness may have been mistaken for COVID-19 during the outbreak; laboratory testing is more specific than self-reported key worker beliefs in ascertaining past COVID-19 disease.The Journal of infectionAssociation between self-reported signs and symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection in UK key workers.PMC7997203MC_UU_00002/11NF-SI-0515-10023NIHR202393Brooks TBorrow RWyllie DJones HEStewart RLinley EMoore PTodd NKirwan PDAdes AETaylor-Philips SHormis AColda AMulchandani RReckless IBoyes JHickman MOliver ICharlett A55falseAssociation between self-reported signs and symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection in UK key workers.<h4>Background</h4>Screening for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is under way in some key worker groups; how this adds to self-reported COVID-19 illness is unclear. In this study, we investigate the association between self-reported belief of COVID-19 illness and seropositivity.<h4>Methods</h4>Cross-sectional study of three key worker streams comprising (A) Police and Fire & Rescue (2 sites) (B) healthcare workers (1 site) and (C) healthcare workers with previously positive PCR result (5 sites). We collected self-reported signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and compared this with serology results from two SARS-CoV-2 immunoassays (Roche Elecsys® and EUROIMMUN).<h4>Results</h4>Between 01 and 26 June, we recruited 2847 individuals (Stream A: 1,247, Stream B: 1,546 and Stream C: 154). Amongst those without previous positive PCR tests, 687/2,579 (26%) reported belief they had COVID-19, having experienced compatible symptoms; however, only 208 (30.3%) of these were seropositive on both immunoassays. Both immunoassays had high sensitivities relative to previous PCR positivity (>93%); there was also limited decline in antibody titres up to 110 days post symptom onset. Symptomatic but seronegative individuals had differing symptom profiles and shorter illnesses than seropositive individuals.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Non-COVID-19 respiratory illness may have been mistaken for COVID-19 during the outbreak; laboratory testing is more specific than self-reported key worker beliefs in ascertaining past COVID-19 disease.2021-01-01T00:00:00Z2021 May2024-11-06T12:14:53.569Z2022-02-11T12:45:10.622ZS-EPMC79972033377570410.1016/j.jinf.2021.03.019