Disparities in anti-nucleocapsid and anti-spike SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence in NYC - April-October 2021

Abstract

Purpose: Between April-October 2021, the New York City (NYC) Health Department conducted a serosurvey to assess prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in NYC adults as part of continued COVID-19 surveillance efforts.

Methods: Whole blood specimens were collected from 1035 adult NYC residents recruited from an annual population-based health surveillance survey. Specimens were tested for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (anti-spike) and anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (anti-nucleocapsid) antibodies.

Results: 91.6 % (95 % CI: 87.45-94.50) had anti-spike antibodies and 30.4 % (95 % CI: 24.78-36.7) had anti-nucleocapsid antibodies. Almost all participants with anti-spike antibodies produced antibodies capable of neutralizing SARS-CoV-2. Overall, anti-spike positivity was lowest (85.9 % [95 % CI: 74.01-92.85) in Hispanic and Latino New York City residents. Anti-nucleocapsid seropositivity was lowest in Asian/Pacific Islander New York City residents (14.1%, 95% CI: 8.0-23.5). Continued disparities persist in SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity regarding ethnic and sociodemographic factors.

Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was high in 2021 in NYC, with evidence of continued inequities associated with seroprevalence.

Keywords: Health equity; SARS-CoV-2; Seroprevalence; Surveillance.