{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 seroprevalence survey among 10,256 workers in Kuwait.
{Author}: Altawalah H;Alfouzan W;Dhar R;Alali W;Bastaki H;Al-Fadalah T;Al-Ghimlas F;Rabaan AA;Ezzikouri S;
{Journal}: J Clin Virol Plus
{Volume}: 1
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: Jun 2021
暂无{DOI}: 10.1016/j.jcvp.2021.100017
{Abstract}: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as a global pandemic. Seroprevalence surveillance is urgently needed to estimate and monitor the growing burden of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study is to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among worker population residing in areas under lockdown in Kuwait and investigated their risk factors associated with a positive status. From April 18 to May 10, 2020 a randomly sampled, worker-based survey was conducted in 7 governorate in Kuwait (Ahmadi, Farwaniya, Hawali, Asma, Jahra, and Mubarak Alkabeer) among 10,256 workers. SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies was assessed using a commercially point-of-care lateral flow immunoassay (Biozek medical COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Cassette). We estimated an overall seroprevalence (IgG or IgM positive) of 5.9% (95% CI: 5.4-6.3). Notably, SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was significantly higher in males (6.2%) than females (1.9%) ( p < 0.001). Furthermore, the seroprevalence was significantly different by age group, governorate, and nationality of the workers. These results highlighted that the relatively low prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in hotspot areas in a specific population. Thus, we emphasize to repeat the serosurvey in the general population to assess the magnitude of viral spread and monitor the growing burden of COVID-19 in Kuwait.