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Mapping of serological testing and SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies performed in 20 European countries, March-June 2020
- Source :
- Journal of Global Health
- Publication Year :
- 2021
- Publisher :
- International Global Health Society, 2021.
-
Abstract
- Background The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic spread across Europe from February 2020. While robust SARS-CoV-2 serological assays were quickly developed, only limited information on applied serological testing is available. We describe the extent and nature of SARS-CoV-2 serological testing used in Europe and assess the links between epidemiology, mitigation strategies applied and seroprevalence. Methods An online questionnaire on SARS-CoV-2 serology was sent to the European Society of Clinical Virology and European Non-Polio Enterovirus Network members in September 2020. Data were analysed by comparing mitigation approaches, serological methods and seroprevalance studies performed. Results About 100 000 laboratory confirmed cases identified between March and June 2020 were reported by 36 participating laboratories from 20 countries. All responders experienced mitigation strategies including lockdowns and other closures. All except one participant had introduced serological testing; most had validated their assays (n = 29), but some had had difficulties in obtaining reference material. Most used commercial assays (n = 35), measuring IgG response against the spike antigen. Serology was used primarily for diagnostic purposes (n = 22) but also for convalescent plasma (n = 13) and research studies (n = 30). Seroprevalence studies targeted mainly health care workers (n = 20; seroprevalance 5% to 22%) and general population (n = 16; seroprevalance 0.88% to 5.6%). Basic demographic and clinical information were collected by most laboratories (n = 28), whereas data on long-term outcomes were rarely collected. Conclusions This is first study gathering systematic information on serological testing approaches implemented during the first pandemic wave in Europe.
- Subjects :
- 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak
medicine.medical_specialty
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
viruses
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Serology
Seroepidemiologic Studies
Environmental health
Pandemic
Epidemiology
medicine
Humans
Seroprevalence
skin and connective tissue diseases
COVID-19 Serotherapy
Research Theme 1: COVID-19 Pandemic
SARS-CoV-2
Health Policy
fungi
Immunization, Passive
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
COVID-19
respiratory tract diseases
body regions
Geography
Communicable Disease Control
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 20472986 and 20472978
- Volume :
- 11
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Journal of Global Health
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....a0baab9ce0d8c42da391f40c81cad579