Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibody seroprevalence in Lebanon: a population-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives The World Health Organisation promoted the use of serological testing as a rapid and accurate technique for detection of the immunity against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In Lebanon, a better understanding of the immune response against SARS-CoV-2 is needed to develop effective measures for prevention and plan an appropriate national vaccination program. This study aims to measure the immunity status in Lebanon. Methods In this cross-sectional study, the population consisted of male and female Lebanese and non-Lebanese residents of Lebanon between the ages 15 and 75. Exclusion criteria included same household, symptomatic individuals, and extremes of age (<15 and >75). Representative testing for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (Anti-SARS-CoV-2 electrochemiluminescence immunoassay/ECLIA) was used to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Lebanon. Results Over 6 months, a total of 13,755 participants were recruited, and 3,168 (23.03%) individuals tested positive for Anti-SARS-CoV-2, with levels of positivity varying among districts. A higher level of seropositivity was detected in the female participants. Conclusion The seroprevalence against SARS-CoV-2 varied within Lebanon and was compatible with the levels seen in the MENA region at the time of the study. The seroprevalence documented in this study reflected a level of immunity that is not protective at the national level. Funding This study was funded by the Lebanese American University School of Medicine.

Response to COVID-19 in Lebanon: update, challenges and lessons learned

“…[89] SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies are important to estimate the burden of COVID-19 in a population and to understand the disease transmission dynamics, risk of infection as well as the future and the evolution of the pandemic [90]. While serosurveys are important to guide the public health response, unfortunately, few seroprevalence studies on anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were performed in Lebanon with most of them using sera collected early during the pandemic [91][92][93]. The results of these studies showed a gradual increase in seropositivity from 2.7% (November 2020) to 84.8% (April 2021) [91,93].…”

“…While serosurveys are important to guide the public health response, unfortunately, few seroprevalence studies on anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were performed in Lebanon with most of them using sera collected early during the pandemic [91][92][93]. The results of these studies showed a gradual increase in seropositivity from 2.7% (November 2020) to 84.8% (April 2021) [91,93]. This increase was expected due to the unprecedented rise in the number of COVID-19 cases detected during the same period (Figure 1A).…”

“…This increase was expected due to the unprecedented rise in the number of COVID-19 cases detected during the same period (Figure 1A). Variable rates were reported in different districts and towns in Lebanon [93]; data revealed an insufficient seroprevalence to promote protection following natural infection. More studies are needed on longitudinal basis especially following the administration of COVID-19 vaccination.…”

“…1a ). Importantly, variable seropositivity rates were reported in different districts and towns in Lebanon [ 69 ]; with data revealing an insufficient seroprevalence to promote protection following natural infection. Importantly, longitudinal studies are needed especially following the administration of COVID-19 vaccination.…”

Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction in a Patient With COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Case Report

“…The SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused a global pandemic, infecting millions of individuals worldwide. Coronavirus disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 typically presents with respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath [1,2]. However, numerous studies have reported a variety of extra-pulmonary symptoms and complications of COVID-19, including gastrointestinal (GI), cardiovascular, and neurological symptoms.…”