SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence on the north coast of Peru: A cross-sectional study after the first wave

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe devastating repercussions of COVID-19 were felt in developing nations like Peru. However, few studies have been conducted in these countries. To make good decisions about public health, it is important to understand how the disease is spread in our area.Methodology/Principal findingsAn observational, cross-sectional study was performed between November 11th and November 30th, 2020. In Puerto Pizarro, one out of every four homes was invited to participate in a systematic randomized sampling. Individuals were screened for the qualitative detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein antibodies and anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD with a rapid chromatographic immunoassay. An adult of legal age was selected, and an additional molecular test (RT-PCR) was taken to look for active COVID-19 cases.Conclusions/SignificanceThis study shows an adjusted seroprevalence of 24.72% posterior to the first wave of COVID-19 in Tumbes. When adjusted by participant characteristics, women had higher adjusted seroprevalence compared to men (213/356 vs 143/356 [28.01 % vs 21.18 %], p=0.005). More than 20% of IgG seropositive cases belong to the age group under 16 years old. Asymptomatic individuals with recent infections were 66.3% (IgM and IgM/IgG) across all age groups. No association between positive seroprevalence and water supply, water resources, or sanitation services was found. The information is relevant to the Ministry of Health’s establishment of a regional program of COVID-19 control and strategic interventions, targeting vulnerable groups and improving vaccination campaigns.Author summaryCOVID-19 had devastating effects on developing countries such as Peru. It’s crucial to understand the disease’s underlying distribution in our region to create useful dynamics that engage the population in prevention measures. We performed an observational, cross-sectional study between November 11th and November 30th, 2020, in Puerto Pizarro. One out of every four houses was invited to participate, and individuals were screened for the qualitative detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgG and IgM) with a rapid test. This study shows an adjusted seroprevalence of 24.72% posterior to the first wave of COVID-19 in Tumbes. Women had a higher adjusted seroprevalence compared to men (213/356 vs 143/356 [28.01 % vs 21.18 %], p=0.005). More than 20% of IgG seropositive cases belong to the age group under 16 years old. Asymptomatic individuals with recent infections were 66.3% (IgM and IgM/IgG) across all age groups. Community participation in epidemiological surveillance strategies is crucial to establish a future follow-up cohort and evaluate the medium-term sequelae of this disease.