Prevalence of previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 and persistent symptoms at a large university
Authors: Ebell Mark H. , Forgacs David , Shen Ye , Ross Ted M. , Hulme Cassie , Bentivegna Michelle , Hanley Hannah B. , Jefferson Alexandria M. , Haines Lauren 
Published: July 2021

Importance

Universities are unique settings with large populations, congregate housing, and frequent attendance of events in large groups. However, the prevalence of previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 in university students, including symptomatic and asymptomatic disease, is unknown.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of previous infection, risk factors for infection, and the prevalence of persistent symptoms following infection among university students.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study that surveyed students about demographics, risk factors, and symptoms, and simultaneously tested their saliva for IgA antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. To estimate the prevalence of previous infection we adjusted our intentional sample of a diverse student population for year in school and age to resemble the composition of the entire student body, and adjusted for the imperfect sensitivity and specificity of the antibody test. Univariate and multivariate analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for infection.

Setting

A large public university in Athens, Georgia between January 22 and March 22, 2021.

Participants

Undergraduate and graduate students; 488 completed the survey, 432 had a valid antibody result. and 428 had both.

Exposure

Previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 based on measurement of IgA antibodies in saliva and adjustment for sample characteristics and test accuracy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the estimated prevalence of previous infection with SARS-CoV-2. Secondary outcomes were independent risk factors for infection, and the prevalence of persistent symptoms among persons reporting a previous symptomatic infection.

Results

The estimated prevalence of previous infection for 432 participants with valid antibody results was between 41% and 42%. Independent risk factors for infection included male sex, having a roommate with a known symptomatic infection, and having 2 or fewer roommates. More frequent attendance of parties and bars was a univariate risk factor, but not in the multivariate analysis. Of 122 students reporting a previous symptomatic infection, 14 (11.4%) reported persistent symptoms a median of 132 days later.

Conclusions and Relevance

Previous infection with SARS-CoV-2, both symptomatic and asymptomatic, was common at a large university. Measures that could prevent resurgence of the infection when students return to campus include mandatory vaccination policies, mass surveillance testing, and testing of sewage for antigen to SARS-CoV-2.

Key Points

Question

What is the prevalence of previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 and the prevalence of persistent symptoms in university students?

Findings

In this sample of 432 students who provided saliva for IgA antibodies, we estimate that 41% to 42% had evidence of previous infection. Of 122 reporting a previous symptomatic infection, 14 (11%) were still symptomatic a median of 132 days later.

Meaning

Symptomatic and asymptomatic infections with SARS-CoV-2 are common among university students, and a significant percentage had persistent symptoms over a long duration.