State coronavirus antibody study findings contradict some earlier research, professor says

COLUMBUS — Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted talked to an Ohio State professor briefing who led a study into the prevalence of antibodies in the state during today’s coronavirus. The study, conducted in July, showed the prevalence of cases in adults in Ohio are low, but allows for a higher number of people who are susceptible to infection.

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Dr. Abigail Norris-Turner said around 727 Ohioans participated in the study, with 0.9 percent of those in the study having active COVID-19 cases at the time. The study also found of the survey participants, 1.5 percent had evidence of COVID-19 antibodies.

Norris-Turner said its difficult to take what the study found and apply it to the whole of the state, however the OSU research is similar to findings released in a CDC study released recently.

Other findings in the study found that detectable antibodies are not present three months after infection. Norris-Turner said what this means is still an open question. She suggested other parts of the immune system, that are not being tested or monitored, could be stepping-in and helping prevent re-infection.

Norris-Turner added the study contradicts some earlier research done, mainly in New York, that showed more people were infected than were documented by public health officials. The data shows that the numbers through Ohio’s testing that the active cases are being identified and tracked properly, Norris-Turner said, and advocated for continuing public health measures.

Husted said his takeaway from the survey was we need to reach a herd-immunity and a vaccine will be needed before the pandemic will end.

Cox Media Group