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Background: Population-based studies on the determinants of COVID-19 seroprevalence constitute a cornerstone in guiding appropriate preventive measures. Such studies are scarce in Egypt, thus we conducted this study to explore risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Methods: This survey included 2919 participants from 10 Egyptian governorates. Sera were tested for SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) antibodies. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify associated factors and predictors of seropositivity regarding sociodemographic factors, clinical data, and personal practices of participants. A subgroup analysis was performed to investigate the occupational risks of seropositivity. Results: Seropositivity was recorded in 1564 participants (53.6%). Independent predictors of seropositivity included non-smokers (aOR = 1.817; 95% CI: 1.407–2.346, p = 0.000), having blood group A (aOR = 1.231; 95% CI: 1.016–1.493, p = 0.034), a history of COVID-19 infection (aOR = 2.997; 95% CI: 2.176–4.127, p = 0.000), COVID-19 vaccination (aOR = 4.349; 95%CI: 2.798–6.759, p = 0.000), higher crowding index (aOR = 1.229; 95% CI: 1.041–1.451, p = 0.015), anosmia and/or ageusia (aOR = 3.453; 95% CI: 2.661–4.481, p = 0.000) and history of fever (aOR = 1.269; 95% CI: 1.033–1.560, p = 0.023). Healthcare worker and Obesity/overweight were additional significant predictors of seropositivity among the working participants (aOR = 1.760; 95% CI: 1.301–2.381, p = 0.000 and aOR = 1.384; 95% CI: 1.059–1.808, p = 0.019, respectively). Additional factors showing association with seropositivity in the univariate analysis were: female gender, age group (15–39 years), higher educational level (preparatory and above), lack of environmental disinfection and having roommates at the workplace. There was a positive correlation between the titers of both antibodies. Age was weakly correlated with anti-S titer, while anti-N was significantly correlated with the number of protective measures applied by the participants. Both antibodies were significantly correlated with adult BMI, while both were significantly negatively correlated with the smoking index. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was associated with some personal and behavioral and occupation-related factors. Fever and anosmia and/or ageusia were the symptoms mostly associated with seropositivity.

Background: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial epidemiological methods may provide a basis for disease investigation through which hotspots and disease determinants can be identified. Applying these methods for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Egypt would support a more effective strategy to control its transmission. Therefore, this study used GIS software to draw one of the first HCV maps in Egypt elucidating and analyzing geographical and epidemiological differences in HCV distribution within the country. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 21 governorates (n = 12169, 8080 rural, 3733 urban and 356 slums areas) was completed. All participants were interviewed regarding potential exposures to HCV. Third generation ELISA was used to test serum for HCV antibody. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to test anti-HCV positive subjects for HCV-RNA. Results: The participants ranged in age from 14-90 years. Overall, anti-HCV sero-prevalence was 14.8%. The prevalence of HCV-RNA, was 9.5%. Proportionally, 65.8% of anti-HCV positives were positive for HCV-RNA. The map of Egyptian governorates highlighted the darkest spot of HCV infection in Menoufeya (37.8%) followed by Beni Suef (29.2%) and Minya (28.6%). Anti-HCV prevalence was higher among males and logistic regression models revealed a strong independent association with increasing age, rural residence and parenteral anti-schistosomal therapy. Conclusions: Rural residences and HCV hotspots should be prioritized for HCV prevention programs. The unique age distribution first shown in this study shows that the older age groups (≥60 years old) constitutes a considerable reservoir of infection and must not be neglected.