COVID-19 seroprevalence in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study adapted WHO’s ‘Unity Study’ protocol to estimate the population prevalence of antibodies to SARS CoV-2 and risk factors for developing SARS-CoV-2 infection.DesignThis population-based, age-stratified cross-sectional study was conducted at the level of households (HH).ParticipantsAll ages and genders were eligible for the study (exclusion criteria: contraindications to venipuncture- however, no such case was encountered). 4998 HH out of 6599 consented (1 individual per HH). The proportion of male and female study participants was similar.Primary and secondary outcome measuresFollowing were the measured outcome measures- these were different from the planned indicators (i.e. two out of the three planned indicators were measured) due to operational reasons and time constraints: -Primary indicators: Seroprevalence (population and age specific).Secondary indicators: Population groups most at risk for SARS-CoV-2-infection.ResultsOverall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 7.1%. 6.3% of individuals were IgG positive while IgM positivity was 1.9%. Seroprevalence in districts ranged from 0% (Ghotki) to 17% (Gilgit). The seroprevalence among different age groups ranged from 3.9% (0–9 years) to 10.1% (40–59 years). There were no significant differences in the overall seroprevalence for males and females. A history of contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, urban residence and mask use were key risk factors for developing SARS-CoV-2 infection.ConclusionsThis survey provides useful estimates for seroprevalence in the general population and information on risk factors for developing SARS-CoV-2 infection in the country. It is premised that similar studies need to be replicated at the population level on a regular basis to monitor the disease and immunity patterns related to COVID-19.

COVID-19 Mortality and Morbidity Rate in a Tertiary Care Hospital Swat, Pakistan

“…In the current study, a total of 11444 patients were enrolled finally and based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), covid-19 was detected in 18.25% patients.In accordance with our study, a recent study carried out by Fazal Rahman et al reported 22.4% morbidity rate in their study 16 .A recent study carried out by Sarah Arif et al reported 6% prevalence of covid-19 which is not in accordance with our study 17 .Other studies also reported contrasting results as compared to our findings 18,19 . A recent study reported 19% morbidity rate which is almost similar to our findings 20 .…”

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh 2020: a population-based cross-sectional study

“… 29 Seroprevalence study in Pakistan during October to November 2020 although reported a lower seroprevalence of 7.1% based on a low sensitive rapid antibody testing (‘Bioperfectus’ kits for IgG/IgM), the estimated seroprevalence was 62 times higher than the reported number of cases before the survey period in the sampled districts. 30 High seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG (39.2%) was reported from metropolis of the Brazilian Amazon from October 2020 to February 2021, which was also 10 times higher than the case reported by the health authority as of December 2020. 31 …”

“…29 Seroprevalence study in Pakistan during October to November 2020 although reported a lower seroprevalence of 7.1% based on a low sensitive rapid antibody testing ('Bioperfectus' kits for IgG/IgM), the estimated seroprevalence was 62 times higher than the reported number of cases before the survey period in the sampled districts. 30 High seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG (39.2%) was reported from metropolis of the Brazilian Amazon from October 2020 to February 2021, which was also 10 times higher than the case reported by the health authority as of December 2020. 31 Although we found a higher seroprevalence (58.1%) in adults than children aged 1-17 years (38.6%), there was no difference in seroprevalence for older adults (aged 60 and above years) compared with middle-aged adults (aged 40-59 years), which supports the findings of the systematic review by Levin et al 32 No difference of seroprevalence between sexes was found through our study.…”

“… 29 Seroprevalence study in Pakistan also did not report any significant different results among males and females. 30 Seroprevalence study in South Korea during September 2020 to December 2020 also did not report any differences for sex or age group. 33 …”

“…29 Seroprevalence study in Pakistan also did not report any significant different results among males and females. 30 Seroprevalence study in South Korea during September 2020 to December 2020 also did not report any differences for sex or age group. 33 Nearly half 45.7% of the people who did not report any symptom since March 2020 also had evidence of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection.…”