Seroprevalence of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in Africa: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Chisale, Master; Ramazanu, Sheena; Mwale, Saul Eric; Kumwenda, Pizga; Chipeta, Mep; Kaminga, Atipatsa Chiwanda; Nkhata, Obed; Nyambalo, Billy; Chavura, Elton; Mbakaya, Balwani Chingatichifwe

doi:10.1002/rmv.2271

Cited by 63 publications

(102 citation statements)

References 64 publications

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“…We found a higher proportion of high-risk studies in our study compared to another SRMA in Africa (26%) by Chisale et al . [7] The interpretation of items in the JBI checklist is subjective and can vary considerably within and between study teams. Moreover, Chisale et al .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis of standardised seroprevalence studies, from January 2020 to December 2021

Lewis

Ware

Whelan

et al. 2022

Preprint

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IntroductionEstimating COVID-19 cumulative incidence in Africa remains problematic due to challenges in contact tracing, routine surveillance systems and laboratory testing capacities and strategies. We undertook a meta-analysis of population-based seroprevalence studies to estimate SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Africa to inform evidence-based decision making on Public Health and Social Measures (PHSM) and vaccine strategy.MethodsWe searched for seroprevalence studies conducted in Africa published 01-01-2020 to 30-12-2021 in Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Europe PMC (preprints), grey literature, media releases and early results from WHO Unity studies. All studies were screened, extracted, assessed for risk of bias and evaluated for alignment with the WHO Unity protocol for seroepidemiological investigations. We conducted descriptive analyses of seroprevalence and meta-analysed seroprevalence differences by demographic groups, place and time. We estimated the extent of undetected infections by comparing seroprevalence and cumulative incidence of confirmed cases reported to WHO. PROSPERO: CRD42020183634.ResultsWe identified 54 full texts or early results, reporting 151 distinct seroprevalence studies in Africa Of these, 95 (63%) were low/moderate risk of bias studies. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rose from 3.0% [95% CI: 1.0-9.2%] in Q2 2020 to 65.1% [95% CI: 56.3-73.0%] in Q3 2021. The ratios of seroprevalence from infection to cumulative incidence of confirmed cases was large (overall: 97:1, ranging from 10:1 to 958:1) and steady over time. Seroprevalence was highly heterogeneous both within countries - urban vs. rural (lower seroprevalence for rural geographic areas), children vs. adults (children aged 0-9 years had the lowest seroprevalence) - and between countries and African sub-regions (Middle, Western and Eastern Africa associated with higher seroprevalence).ConclusionWe report high seroprevalence in Africa suggesting greater population exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and protection against COVID-19 disease than indicated by surveillance data. As seroprevalence was heterogeneous, targeted PHSM and vaccination strategies need to be tailored to local epidemiological situations.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[45,46] This is also consistent with findings by Chisale et al . [7], who observed higher seroprevalence in studies conducted in Central Africa compared to other regions.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis of standardised seroprevalence studies, from January 2020 to December 2021

Lewis

Ware

Whelan

et al. 2022

Preprint

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“…Although many SARS-CoV-2 serological surveys have been performed about HCWs in industrialized countries [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11], few have reported about HCWs in sub-Saharan countries [12][13][14][15][16][17]. HCWs are supposedly at higher occupational exposure risk and, therefore, need additional layers of protection.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence among Healthcare Workers in Bamako, Mali

Somboro

Cissoko

Camara

et al. 2022

Viruses

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In Mali, a country in West Africa, cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths among healthcare workers (HCWs) remain enigmatically low, despite a series of waves, circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants, the country’s weak healthcare system, and a general lack of adherence to public health mitigation measures. The goal of the study was to determine whether exposure is important by assessing the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in HCWs. The study was conducted between November 2020 and June 2021. HCWs in the major hospitals where COVID-19 cases were being cared for in the capital city, Bamako, Mali, were recruited. During the study period, vaccinations were not yet available. The ELISA of the IgG against the spike protein was optimized and quantitatively measured. A total of 240 HCWs were enrolled in the study, of which seropositivity was observed in 147 cases (61.8%). A continuous increase in the seropositivity was observed, over time, during the study period, from 50% at the beginning to 70% at the end of the study. HCWs who provided direct care to COVID-19 patients and were potentially highly exposed did not have the highest seropositivity rate. Vulnerable HCWs with comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and asthma had even higher seropositivity rates at 77.8%, 75.0%, and 66.7%, respectively. Overall, HCWs had high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, likely reflecting a “herd” immunity level, which could be protective at some degrees. These data suggest that the low number of cases and deaths among HCWs in Mali is not due to a lack of occupational exposure to the virus but rather related to other factors that need to be investigated.

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“…As previously shown, a higher SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was observed in adults aged 30-49 years and this may be explained by the fact that individuals from this age group are more involved in economic activities [28] and have many social activities with their peers [29]. Moreover, young adults are the main caregivers for children and parents in case they get infected with SARS-CoV-2 [29].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 79%

SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Western Romania, March to June 2021

et al. 2021

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Background and Objectives: The extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection among a population may be assessed by the presence of serum SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, which indicates previous exposure. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the adult population from Western Romania. Materials and Methods: Samples of 2443 consecutive individuals, referred for routine laboratory investigations, were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using the Elecsys immunoassay that targets the nucleocapsid protein, for identifying the presence of the total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Results: The overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 45.60%. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was significantly higher in age group 30–49 years (53.94%) compared to age groups 50–69 years (43.53%) and 70–91 years (30.79%) (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). No significant difference in seroprevalence was observed between females (44.83%) and males (47.05%). Conclusions: Our data revealed a high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the adult population from Western Romania and indicate the rapid and significant spread of the virus. The estimated prevalence of 45.60% was 6 times higher than the rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in the study area. This indicates the magnitude of virus transmission in the community.

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Seroprevalence of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in Africa: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Cited by 63 publications

References 64 publications

SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis of standardised seroprevalence studies, from January 2020 to December 2021

SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis of standardised seroprevalence studies, from January 2020 to December 2021

High SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence among Healthcare Workers in Bamako, Mali

SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Western Romania, March to June 2021

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