Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Northeast region of Brazil.
Pathog Glob Health
; 117(5): 505-512, 2023 07.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36094065
ABSTRACT
In this household-based seroepidemiological survey, we analyzed the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sergipe State, Northeast Brazil, the poorest region of the country. A total of 16,547 individuals were tested using a rapid IgM-IgG antibody test and fluorescence immunoassay (FIA). Seroprevalence rates were presented according to age, sex, and geographic region. A comparative analysis was performed between the results obtained in July 2020 (peak of the first wave), August - November 2020 (end of the first wave), and February - March 2021 (beginning of the second wave). Seroprevalence rates in the three phases were estimated at 9.3% (95% CI 8.5-10.1), 12.0% (95% CI 11.2-12.9) and 15.4% (95% CI 14.5-16.4). At the end of the first wave, there was a rise in seroprevalence in the countryside (p < 0.001). At the beginning of the second wave, we found an increase in seroprevalence among women (p < 0.001), adults aged 20 to 59 years (p < 0.001), and the elderly (p < 0.001). In this phase, we found an increase in estimates both in metropolitan areas and in the countryside (p < 0.001). This study showed an increase in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence over the first year of the pandemic, with approximately one in six people having anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at the beginning of the second wave of COVID-19. Furthermore, our results suggest a rapid spread of COVID-19 from metropolitan areas to the countryside during the first months of the pandemic.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
Limits:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
America do sul
/
Brasil
Language:
En
Journal:
Pathog Glob Health
Year:
2023
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil