METHODS AND REAGENTS FOR DIAGNOSIS OF SARS-COV-2 INFECTION

The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing a SARS-CoV-2 infection comprising the step of detecting the presence or absence of an antibody to SEQ ID NO: 1, preferably IgA class antibody, in a sample from a subject, a method for the differential diagnosis of a coronavirus infection, a use of an antibody to SEQ ID NO: 1, preferably IgA class antibody for diagnosing a SARS-CoV-2 infection or for the differential diagnosis of a coronavirus infection, preferably for distinguishing between a SARS-CoV-2, MERS and NL63, 229E, OC43 and HKU1 infection, and a kit comprising a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 1 or a variant thereof, preferably coated to a diagnostically useful carrier and one or more, preferably all reagents from the group comprising an antibody to SEQ ID NO: 1, a washing buffer, a means for detecting the presence of an antibody, preferably IgA class antibody, preferably a secondary antibody binding specifically to IgA class antibodies, preferably comprising a detectable label, and a dilution buffer.