SARS-CoV-2-Specific Antibody Prevalence and Symptoms in a Local Austrian Population

Background: Since December 2019 the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is center of global attention due to its rapid transmission and toll on health care systems economy. Population-based serosurveys measuring antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 provide one method estimating previous infection rates including symptom-free courses disease monitoring progression epidemic. Methods: In June 2020 we succeeded in testing almost half population an Austrian township (1,359 inhabitants) with a reported higher incidence COVID-19 infections (17 PCR positive cases have been officially until date sample collection, i.e., 1.2% total population). We determined prevalence SARS-CoV-2-specific this population, factors affecting, symptoms correlated prior infection. Antibodies were using CE-certified quality-controlled ELISA test IgG IgA antibodies. Results: found high 9% among town comparison 6% neighboring villages. This was considerably than known RT-PCR-approved (1.2%) population. Twenty percent SARS-CoV-2-antibody declared being asymptomatic questionnaire. On other hand, identified six single major symptoms, anosmia/ageusia, weight loss, anorexia, general debility, dyspnea, fever, especially their combination be prognostic value predicting patient. Conclusions: study demonstrated as marker past township. Several revealed diagnostic combination.