Abstract
We aimed to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with anti- severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) positivity in a large population of adult volunteers from five administrative departments of the Liguria and Lombardia regions. A total of 3609 individuals were included in this analysis. Participants were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies [Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and M (IgM) class antibodies] at three private laboratories (Istituto Diganostico Varelli, Medical Center, and Casa della Salute di Genova). Demographic data, occupational or private exposure to SARS-CoV-2-infected patients, and prior medical history consistent with SARS-CoV-2 infection were collected according to a preplanned analysis. The overall seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgG and/or IgM) was 11.0% [398/3609; confidence interval (CI) 10.0%–12.1%]. Seroprevalence was higher in female inmates than in male inmates (12.5% vs. 9.2%, respectively, p = 0.002), with the highest rate observed among adults aged >55 years (13.2%). A generalized estimating equations model showed that the main risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence were the following: an occupational exposure to the virus [Odd ratio (OR) = 2.36; 95% CI 1.59–3.50, p = 0.001], being a long-term care facility resident (OR = 4.53; 95% CI 3.19–6.45, p = 0.001), and reporting previous symptoms of influenza-like illness (OR = 4.86; 95% CI 3.75–6.30, p = 0.001) or loss of sense of smell or taste (OR = 41.00; 95% CI 18.94–88.71, p = 0.001). In conclusion, we found a high prevalence (11.0%) of SARS-CoV-2 infection that is significantly associated with residing in long-term care facilities or occupational exposure to the virus. These findings warrant further investigation into SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence among the Italian population.
Highlights
In Italy, the first case of pandemic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was reported on 20 February, 2020
The results showed values of sensitivity and specificity consistent with those reported by each manufacturer
All patients lived in the Lombardia and Liguria regions in the administrative departments of Varese (39.6%; n = 1430/3609), Pavia (24.1%; n = 871/3,609), Milano (21.2%; n = 764/3609), Genova (13.6%; n = 492/3609,) and Savona (1.4%; n = 52/3609;)
Summary
In Italy, the first case of pandemic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was reported on 20 February, 2020. By the end of April 2020, approximately 85,000 laboratory confirmed cases -of SARS-CoV-2 infection were reported in this geographical area of the country [2]. These data included only a fraction of the real number of SARS-CoV-2 infections, since not all infected patients were symptomatic [3,4,5], required hospitalizations, or provided specimens for laboratory testing. The secondary outcome was to evaluate possible factors associated with anti-SARS-CoV-2 positivity in a large population of individuals from five administrative departments of the Liguria and Lombardia regions
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