SARS-Cov-2 Seroprevalence in a French Kidney Transplant Center Located Within a “High-risk” Zone

Caillard, Sophie; Benotmane, Ilies; Meidinger, Céline; Jegou, Vanessa; Ludwiller, Sandra; Rihon, Anne; Desmarquets, Audrey; Steinmetz, Lucille; Morvan, Murielle; Kedjam, Karima; Bigot, Amandine; Roy, Danielle; Schmitt, Dominique; Marx, David; Bassand, Xavier; Perrin, Peggy; Gautier Vargas, Gabriela; Cognard, Noelle; Olagne, Jérome; Braun, Laura; Heibel, Francoise; Martzloff, Jonas; Moulin, Bruno; Fafi Kremer, Samira

Data on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) remain rare. We sought to shed further light on this issue by conducting a single-center study in a kidney transplant center located in one of the France’s highest risk zone (Grand Est) for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) during the initial disease outbreak. METHODS. To this aim, we used a survey approach coupled with systematic investigation of SARS-CoV-2 serology in a cohort of 1390 KTRs. RESULTS. SARS-CoV-2 serologies were available for 780 survey respondents, among whom 48 had anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (total seroprevalence: 6.2%). Thirty-five of the 48 seropositive KTRs had previously received a diagnosis of Covid-19, whereas the remaining 13 patients were not known to be infected (8 asymptomatic cases). Specifically, 18.7% of seropositive KTRs and 1.1% of the entire cohort were asymptomatic. Household exposure was found to markedly increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. CONCLUSIONS. Our findings demonstrate that the overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in KTRs living in one of the France’s highest risk zone for Covid-19 during the first French lockdown was as low as 6.3%. Rapid and strict implementation of protective measures could have significantly mitigated virus spread even in an area of high virus circulation.