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The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was initially managed by non-pharmaceutical interventions such as diagnostic testing, isolation of positive cases, physical distancing and lockdowns. The advent of vaccines has provided crucial protection against SARS-CoV-2. Neutralising antibody (nAb) responses are a key correlate of protection, and therefore measuring nAb responses is essential for monitoring vaccine efficacy. Fingerstick dried blood spots (DBS) are ideal for use in large-scale sero-surveillance because they are inexpensive, offer the option of self-collection and can be transported and stored at ambient temperatures. Such advantages also make DBS appealing to use in resource-limited settings and in potential future pandemics. In this study, nAb responses in sera, venous blood and fingerstick blood stored on filter paper were measured. Samples were collected from SARS-CoV-2 acutely infected individuals, SARS-CoV-2 convalescent individuals and SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated individuals. Good agreement was observed between the nAb responses measured in eluted DBS and paired sera. Stability of nAb responses was also observed in sera stored on filter paper at room temperature for 28 days. Overall, this study provides support for the use of filter paper as a viable sample collection method to study nAb responses.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/s41598-023-41928-2

Type

Journal

Scientific reports

Publication Date

09/2023

Volume

13

Addresses

Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology (CIMI), Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK.

Keywords

ISARIC4C Consortium, Humans, Communicable Disease Control, Biological Transport, Antibodies, Neutralizing, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2