Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Hajissa, Khalid; Islam, Asiful; Hassan, Siti Hasnah; Rahman, Zaidah Abdul; İsmail, Nabilah; Mohamed, Zeehaida

doi:10.3390/ijerph19127257

Cited by 16 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 80 publications

(77 reference statements)

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“…Seroprevalence was highest in studies conducted in Central Africa, as well as among African-Americans, and antibody prevalence was highest among those under 30 years of age. 13 , 29 It has been shown that LFIA assays may have a lower performance than enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) as well as chemiluminescent immunosorbent assays (CLIA), and the sensitivity of LFIA tests may be related to the profile of the infected patients. 30–32 To address this gap, anti-N was also performed by the CLIA method, and the results revealed that 91.9% of the participants developed antibodies against protein N. This value was higher than those found by LFIA which could be justified as the CLIA method is more efficient and it has been shown that the sensitivity of LFIA is higher in symptomatic hospitalised patients than in asymptomatic patients, 30 which constitutes the population of this study.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The COVID-19 wave was already here: High seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among staff and students in a Cameroon University

Wondeu

Talom

Linardos

et al. 2023

J. Public Health Afr.

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Background: Seroprevalence studies, to estimate the proportion of people that has been infected by SARS-CoV-2 are importance in African countries, where incidence is among the lowest in the world. Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the exposure to SARS-CoV-2 within a university setting of Cameroon.Methods: A cross-sectional study performed in December 2020 - December 2021, among students and staffs of the Evangelical University of Cameroon. COVID-19 antigen rapid detection test (RDT) was performed using Standard Q Biosensor, and one year after SARS-CoV-2 antibody-test was performed within the same population using RDT and chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). Results: 106 participants were enrolled (80% students), female sex was the most represented. Positivity to SARS-CoV-2 was 0.0% based on antigen RDTs. The seroprevalence of SARSCoV- 2 antibodies was estimated at 73.6% (95% CI. 64.5-81.0) for IgG and 1.9% (95% CI. 0.2-6.8) for IgM/IgG with RDTs, and 91.9% (95% CI. 84.7-96.4) for anti-nucleocapsid with CLIA. 95.3% (101) reported having developed at least one of the known COVID-19 symptoms (cough and headache being the most common). 90.3% (28) of people who experienced at least one of these symptoms developed IgG antibodies. 40.6% (43) of participants took natural herbs, whereas 55.7% (59) took conventional drugs. The most used herb was Zingiber officinale, while the most used drugs were antibiotics. Conclusion: In this Cameroonian University community, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence is high, with a greater detection using advanced serological assays. This indicates a wide viral exposure, and the need to adequate control measures especially for those experiencing any related COVID-19 symptoms.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The COVID-19 wave was already here: High seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among staff and students in a Cameroon University

Wondeu

Talom

Linardos

et al. 2023

J. Public Health Afr.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Studies conducted regarding the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in some African countries revealed prevalence ranging from 19.1% to 65.0% in the general population [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] and 4.0% to 63.0% in specific populations [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24]. Results of a recent study using a meta-analysis of proportions show that the overall seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Africa was 16.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.1-18.9%) in the period 2020-2021 [25]. Based on these statistics, it is safe to say that the virus has spread widely in African countries, in contrast to the estimations published by governments [2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Republic of Congo, February 2022

Ndziessi,

Niama,

Aloumba

et al. 2023

Epidemiol. Infect.

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In resource-limited countries, the lack of widespread screening masks the true situation of COVID-19. We conducted this study to assess SARS-CoV-2 spread by detection of specific antibodies and to determine associated factors. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Subjects were tested for the presence of two antibodies (IgM and IgG) specific to SARS-CoV-2. Data collection was done using a smartphone with the KoboCollect application. Prevalence of antibodies was estimated with 95% confidence intervals. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with positive serological test. A total of 9,094 persons were tested in 4,340 households. The mean age was 30.18 ± 18.65 years, 46.5% male. The overall seroprevalence (prevalence, 95% CI) of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was (48.2% [47.2%–49.2%]). Being vaccinated, having been in contact with a COVID-19 patient, being older than 50 years, living in a union, having secondary education and having tertiary education were factors independently associated with the likelihood of having anti-sars-CoV-2. We estimate in February 2022 that 48% persons had antibodies against the COVID-19 virus, more among those vaccinated. Vaccination intensification in low prevalence departments will reduce the risk of new outbreaks.

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“…Moreover, there has been substantial evidence that approximately 40% of all SARS‐CoV‐2 infections are thought to be asymptomatic, and active surveillance for infections without symptoms is limited even now, large number of cases might be unnoticed/might go undocumented 7,8 . Cognizant of this fact, several large population‐based seroprevalence studies have been conducted in COVID‐19 hotspots in Europe, 9–11 America, 12,13 Asia, 14–17 and in Africa 18–20 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…7,8 Cognizant of this fact, several large population-based seroprevalence studies have been conducted in COVID-19 hotspots in Europe, [9][10][11] America, 12,13 Asia, [14][15][16][17] and in Africa. [18][19][20] Population-based serological data are essential for understanding the overall distribution, presence of hotspots, prevalence of subclinical infections, and the population's herd immunity against SARS-CoV-2. 21,22 The point at which the proportion of susceptible individuals falls below the threshold needed for transmission is known as the "herd immunity threshold."…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A community based seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia

Yared,

Abera,

Ali

et al. 2024

Immunity Inflam & Disease

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BackgroundCoronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) is life‐threatening infectious disease caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 virus that caused a global pandemic. SARS‐CoV‐2 has been widely transmitted throughout Ethiopia, with over 501,060 cases confirmed and 7574 deaths until November 2023. This study assessed for the first time the seroprevalence SARS‐CoV‐2 in the general population of the Somali Region during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsA cross‐sectional study design was conducted from May to June 2021 in 14 districts of Somali Region. Blood samples were collected in 820 participants in addition to administering a questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics and history of clinical symptoms of COVID‐19. Blood samples were tested for the presence or absence of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 using a commercial Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit (Euroimmun).ResultsOverall, 477 (58.2%) were male and 343 (41.8%) were female. The majority of the participants (N = 581; 70.9%) were between 18 and 34 years old and not vaccinated against COVID‐19 (N = 793; 96.7%). The overall seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies was 41.7% (95% CI: 33.3%–47.6%). The highest prevalence was found in Goljano district (70%) and the lowest in Gunagado district (22.5%). Only age was found to be associated with COVID‐19 seropositivity.ConclusionPrevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies was the highest ever reported in Ethiopia, indicating that a large proportion of the population had been infected 14 months after the start of the outbreak in the country. Such studies are important to swiftly reassess and improve specific COVID‐19 preventive and control measures to reduce transmissions within the community in a given setting.

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Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cited by 16 publications

References 80 publications

The COVID-19 wave was already here: High seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among staff and students in a Cameroon University

The COVID-19 wave was already here: High seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among staff and students in a Cameroon University

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Republic of Congo, February 2022

A community based seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia

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