SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and associated risk factors in periurban Zambia: a population-based study. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shanaube, K; Schaap, A; Klinkenberg, E; Floyd, S; Bwalya, J; Cheeba, M; de Haas, P; Kosloff, B; Ruperez, M; Hayes, R; Ayles, H
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 118(2022)
• Page Start: 256
• Page End: 263
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: SARS-CoV-2 -- COVID-19 -- Zambia -- Seroprevalence -- Population-based survey -- TB/HIV; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.03.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Abstract : Background: We nested a seroprevalence survey within the TREATS (Tuberculosis Reduction through Expanded Antiretroviral Treatment and Screening) project. We aimed to measure the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and investigate associated risk factors in one community (population ∼27, 000) with high prevalence of TB/HIV in Zambia. Methods: The study design was cross-sectional. A random sample of 3592 individuals aged ≥15 years enrolled in the TREATS TB-prevalence survey were selected for antibody testing. Randomly selected blocks of residence were visited between October 2020 and March 2021. Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were detected using Abbott- ARCHITECT SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay. Results: A total of 3035/3526 (86.1%) individuals had a blood sample taken. Antibody testing results were available for 2917/3035 (96.1%) participants. Overall, 401/2977 (13.5%) individuals tested positive for IgG antibodies. Seroprevalence was similar by sex (12.7% men vs 14.0% women) and was lowest in the youngest age group 15–19 years (9.7%) and similar in ages 20 years and older (∼15%). We found no evidence of an association between seroprevalence and HIV-status or TB. There was strong evidence (p <0.001) of variation by time of enrollment, with prevalence varying from 2.8% (95% CI 0.8–4.9) among those recruited in December 2020 to 33.7% (95% CI 27.7–39.7) among those recruited in mid-February 2021. Conclusion: Seroprevalence was 13.5% but there was substantial variation over time, with a sharp increase to approximately 35% toward the end of the second epidemic wave. Highlights: SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence survey conducted between October 2020 and March 2021. Overall seroprevalence of approximately 13.5% in one community in Zambia. Sharp increase in prevalence was seen (up to 35%) in mid-February 2021. Strong time trend in levels of seropositivity in parallel with the epidemic. Useful urgent seroepidemiological data needed for public health responses.