Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in treatment naïve patients of rheumatological diseases

Dear Sir,COVID-19 is of paramount concern in the rheumatology community. As per current consensus, patients rheumatological diseases (RDs) are at higher risk SARS-CoV-2 infection than general population (high agreement but very low grade evidence); however, contradictory reports available regarding its seroprevalence and association with severity mortality. However, these inferences mainly based on who have long-standing RDs various therapies. Then what would happen to those treatment-naive, mildly symptomatic, or carrying this disease unknowingly community during pandemic? To explore aspect, we screened blood samples clinically suspected autoimmune (ADs) for COVID-19 IgG antibody pandemic pre-vaccination period. Based clinical profile, antinuclear (ANA), antineutrophilic cytoplasmic (ANCA), myositis-associated autoantibodies were tested. Out 268 cases RDs, 131 positive autoantibodies: RD group (114 ANA+08 myositis associated antibody+09 ANCA), rest 137 negative (non-RD group). these, three each from (3/131; 2.29%) non-RD (3/137; 2.17%) turned out be (EUROIMMUN, Germany), suggesting no increased prevalence COVID19 (OR=1.046, 95% CI: 0.145–7.53, P=0.9645). Among group, two finally diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); others did not turn up again hospital comment final diagnosis. None had any known comorbidities RD-related treatment. These both groups almost similar mildto-moderate courses a favorable outcome. A meta-analysis found marginal ADs mortality (Risk severity: OR=1.21, 0.58–2.5, P=0.79; Risk mortality: OR=1.31, 0.33–5.2, P=0.95); difference was significant. Studies documented frequency 2.4% (4/165) among SLE severe mostly coexisting comorbidities. Even recent consensus has suggested older age, presence comorbidities, use prednisolone ≥10 as factor poor outcome diseases. Unlike previous reports, present study highlighted susceptibility treatment naïve COVID-19. The either an (2.29% vs. even lowers 7%). In conclusion, itself does seem SARS-CoV2 infection, patients; may depend factors/comorbidities. Inter-talk between yet explored.