Abstract
Background and Objectives: The extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection among a population may be assessed by the presence of serum SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, which indicates previous exposure. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the adult population from Western Romania. Materials and Methods: Samples of 2443 consecutive individuals, referred for routine laboratory investigations, were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using the Elecsys immunoassay that targets the nucleocapsid protein, for identifying the presence of the total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Results: The overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 45.60%. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was significantly higher in age group 30–49 years (53.94%) compared to age groups 50–69 years (43.53%) and 70–91 years (30.79%) (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). No significant difference in seroprevalence was observed between females (44.83%) and males (47.05%). Conclusions: Our data revealed a high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the adult population from Western Romania and indicate the rapid and significant spread of the virus. The estimated prevalence of 45.60% was 6 times higher than the rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in the study area. This indicates the magnitude of virus transmission in the community.
Highlights
Since the first report of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan, China, in late December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic [1] has put the world’s healthcare systems under great pressure [2].The prevalence of COVID-19 in different populations is still unclear and epidemiological surveillance of confirmed cases reflects only a part of all infected persons [3]
Significantly higher seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was identified in adults residing in rural areas (49.84%, 307/616) compared to those from urban areas (44.17%, 807/1827) (OR = 1.25; 95%CI: 1.04–1.51; p = 0.015)
This difference was driven primarily by the significantly higher seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in adults aged 30–49 years from rural areas (60.76%, 144/237) compared to urban areas (51.00%, 280/549) (OR = 1.48; 95%CI: 1.09–2.02; p = 0.012) (Table 1)
Summary
The prevalence of COVID-19 in different populations is still unclear and epidemiological surveillance of confirmed cases reflects only a part of all infected persons [3]. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the adult population from Western Romania. Conclusions: Our data revealed a high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the adult population from Western Romania and indicate the rapid and significant spread of the virus. The estimated prevalence of 45.60% was 6 times higher than the rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in the study area. This indicates the magnitude of virus transmission in the community
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