Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 are associated with protection against reinfection

This research in healthcare workers (not yet peer reviewed) found the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at baseline was associated with lower rates of PCR-positive results during 30-week follow-up (adjusted rate ratio 0.24; 95% CI 0.08-0.76; p=0.015).

SPS commentary:

The authors say their results suggest that prior SARS-CoV-2 infection that generated an antibody response (either anti-spike or antinucleocapsid antibodies) offers protection from reinfection for most people in the six months following infection. However as there is still a lack of knowledge in this area, for example regarding the extent of protection and long-term immune responses, there is at present no support for exempting those positive for antibodies from infection control and public health measures.

MedRxiv