SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and determinants of infection in young adults: a population-based seroepidemiological study. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Backhaus, I.; Hermsen, D.; Timm, J.; Boege, F.; Lübke, N.; Degode, T.; Göbels, K.; Dragano, N.
• Is Part Of: Public health. Volume 207(2022)
• Page Start: 54
• Page End: 61
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Seroprevalence -- SARS-CoV-2 antibodies -- COVID-19 -- Young adults; Public health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.03.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-3506

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Most SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies have focussed on adults and high-risk populations, and little is known about young adults. The objective of the present study was to provide evidence on the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among young adults in Germany and to explore determinants associated with seropositivity in general and, specifically, with previously undetected infections. Study design: This was a population-based SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence study. Methods: In November 2020, a population-based study on SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in young adults (aged 18–30 years) was conducted in a large German city. Serum samples were obtained to analyse the SARS-CoV-2 antibody status using the Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay. Descriptive statistics and odds ratios (ORs) of seropositivity and of previously undetected infections in relation to different determinants were calculated. Results: Among 2186 participants, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 72 individuals, equalling a test performance-adjusted seroprevalence of 3.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.4–4.0). Based on reported COVID-19 cases to the public health authority, a moderate underascertainment rate of 1.7 was calculated. Seropositivity was higher among individuals who sought COVID-19-related information from social media (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.2–3.1), and undetected COVID-19 infections were more prevalent among men and those not adhering to social distancing. Conclusions: The results show a substantial underascertainment of SARS-CoV-2 infections among young adults and indicate that seroprevalence is likely to be much higher than the reported COVID-19 prevalence based on confirmed COVID-19 cases in Germany. Preventive efforts should consider the heterogeneity of risk profiles among the young adult population.