1. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Antibody Seroprevalence in Lebanon: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
- Author
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Ahmad Mahdi, Georges Khazen, Nivine Aziz, Jonathan Mina, Aram Papazian, Leonardo Daou, Jana Ahmar, Nour Assaf, Anjy Abdulkhalek, Hussein Farhat, Jacques Mokhbat, Anna Farra, and Rola Husni
- Subjects
Infectious disease ,CoViD-19 ,Epidemiology ,Seroprevalence ,Medicine ,Cross-Sectional ,biochemical phenomena, metabolism, and nutrition ,Article - Abstract
Objectives The World Health Organisation promoted the use of serological testing as a rapid and accurate technique for detection of the immunity against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In Lebanon, a better understanding of the immune response against SARS-CoV-2 is needed to develop effective measures for prevention and plan an appropriate national vaccination program. This study aims to measure the immunity status in Lebanon. Methods In this cross-sectional study, the population consisted of male and female Lebanese and non-Lebanese residents of Lebanon between the ages 15 and 75. Exclusion criteria included same household, symptomatic individuals, and extremes of age (75). Representative testing for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (Anti-SARS-CoV-2 electrochemiluminescence immunoassay/ECLIA) was used to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Lebanon. Results Over 6 months, a total of 13,755 participants were recruited, and 3,168 (23.03%) individuals tested positive for Anti-SARS-CoV-2, with levels of positivity varying among districts. A higher level of seropositivity was detected in the female participants. Conclusion The seroprevalence against SARS-CoV-2 varied within Lebanon and was compatible with the levels seen in the MENA region at the time of the study. The seroprevalence documented in this study reflected a level of immunity that is not protective at the national level. Funding This study was funded by the Lebanese American University School of Medicine.
- Published
- 2022