Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 seroprevalence survey among 10,256 workers in Kuwait

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.

Changing Patterns of SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence: A Snapshot among the General Population in Kuwait

“…In this study, IgM seroprevalence was 14.76%, higher than previously reported in the first wave and similar to that reported in Iran (14%) during the same period [ 17 ], highlighting an active circulation of SASR-CoV-2 during the study period in Kuwait. In addition, the estimated prevalence of IgG in the pre-vaccination period (25%) was remarkably higher than the first report [ 6 ]. This demonstrates an increase in seropositivity in Kuwait with the progression of the pandemic.…”

“…Serum antibody testing is the most robust investigation for assessing prior exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection because it can detect both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases [ 15 , 16 ]. Similar to our previous first-round survey from April to May 2020 [ 6 ], our current study involved multiple governorates in Kuwait and estimated active infection by assessing IgM and post-exposure infection using IgG antibodies. In the first round of seroprevalence studies, the adjusted overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 (IgM/IgG) was 5.9% at the beginning of the pandemic [ 6 ].…”

“…Similar to our previous first-round survey from April to May 2020 [ 6 ], our current study involved multiple governorates in Kuwait and estimated active infection by assessing IgM and post-exposure infection using IgG antibodies. In the first round of seroprevalence studies, the adjusted overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 (IgM/IgG) was 5.9% at the beginning of the pandemic [ 6 ]. In this study, IgM seroprevalence was 14.76%, higher than previously reported in the first wave and similar to that reported in Iran (14%) during the same period [ 17 ], highlighting an active circulation of SASR-CoV-2 during the study period in Kuwait.…”

“…According to the global SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence dashboard ( , assessed on 27 June 2022), a total of 3465 seroprevalence studies have been reported in 137 countries and territories with 29,448,001 participants [ 5 ]. In Kuwait, an early survey conducted at the beginning of the pandemic (between 18 April and 10 May 2020) estimated overall seroprevalence (IgG or IgM) at 5.9%, indicating low percentages of seropositivity [ 6 ].…”