Sero-Epidemiology of the Seasonal Human Coronaviruses NL63, 229E, OC43 and HKU1 in France

Abstract Background The seasonal human coronaviruses (HCoV) NL63, 229E, OC43 and HKU1, are endemic throughout the world, yet majority of HCoV infections remain undiagnosed. Serology can reliably identify individuals previously infected with HCoVs. Methods In a cross-sectional seroprevalence study, 2,389 serum samples were collected from children adults requiring hospital admission in France 2020. separate longitudinal cohort 2,520 898 French town followed between April 2020 December 2021. Antibodies to HCoVs measured using bead-based multiplex assay. Serological data was analyzed estimate rate antibody waning. Age-stratified sero-catalytic models force infection. Results waning anti-HCoV Spike IgG antibodies estimated be range 0.22–0.47 year-1 for children, 0.13–0.27 adults. Sero-reversion, process where become sero-negative when levels wane below sero-positivity cut-off, occur at rate: 0.31–1.37 0.19–0.72 sero-conversion 0.22–0.50 year-1, equivalent 20% – 39% getting every year each HCoV. Conclusions consistent these viruses being equilibrium. high infection indicates that may responsible substantial proportion fever episodes experienced by children.