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Reduced seasonal coronavirus incidence in high-risk population groups during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • +2
  • Aliisa Heiskanen,
  • Yannick Galipeau,
  • Julian Little,
  • Marc-André Langlois,
  • Curtis Cooper
Aliisa Heiskanen
University of Ottawa

Corresponding Author:aheis092@uottawa.ca

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Yannick Galipeau
University of Ottawa
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Julian Little
University of Ottawa
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Marc-André Langlois
University of Ottawa
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Curtis Cooper
University of Ottawa
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Abstract

Background: Epidemiological data on seasonal coronaviruses (sCoVs) may provide insight on transmission patterns and demographic factors that favour coronaviruses (CoVs) with greater disease severity. This study describes the incidence of CoVs in several high-risk groups in Ottawa, Canada from October 2020 to March 2022. Methods: Serological assays quantified IgG and IgM antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-HKU1, and HCoV-229E. Incident infections were compared between four population groups: individuals exposed to children, transit users, immunocompromised, and controls. Associations between antibody prevalence indicative of natural infection and demographic variables were assessed using regression analyses. Results: Transit users and those exposed to children were at no greater risk of infection compared to the control group. Fewer infections were detected in the immunocompromised group (p=0.03). SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was greater in individuals with low income and within ethnic minorities. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that non-pharmaceutical interventions intended to reduce SAR-CoV-2 transmission protected populations at high risk of exposure. The re-emergence of sCoVs and other common respiratory viruses alongside SARS-CoV-2 may alter infection patterns and increase the risk in vulnerable populations.
Submitted to Immunity, Inflammation and Disease
31 Mar 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
04 Jun 2024Submission Checks Completed
04 Jun 2024Assigned to Editor
15 Jun 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
18 Jun 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor