Iranian Journal of Immunology

Prevalence of COVID-19 Virus Infection in Semnan province

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Elahe Jandaghi 1
Maral Hemati 2
Maryam Mohammadlou 2
Jafar Jandaghi 3
Majid Mirmohammadkhani 3
Navid Danaei 4
Parviz Kokhaei 2

1 Internal Medicine Dept., Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran

2 Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran

3 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran

4 Pediatrics Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22034/iji.2021.87670.1826
Abstract
Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2) causing a human pandemic disease named COVID-19 has become a major global health concern. Iran as one of the most affected countries needs unprecedented effort for monitoring and evaluation of COVID-19. Objective: To determine the seroprevalance of COVID-19 in Semnan province North-East of Iran. Methods: Six hundred people were randomly selected using the "SIB data-base". From 1 to 30 June, 2020, 153 participants of Semnan population were enrolled. Blood, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples were obtained. Prevalence of IgM and IgG antibodies were ascertained using ELISA and Real-Time PCR was conducted to evaluate viral load. Estimates of prevalence were standardized by age and sex, based on the 2015 national census of Semnan province. Results: Seroprevalence showed no difference between females and males and no significant association between age and seropositivity. Among total participants, the age and sex adjusted prevalence of SARS-CoV2 infection was 19.3% (95% CI, 14.0-26.7 per 100 persons). Approximately 10% of participants had detectable antibodies but showed a negative-PCR result. However, approximately 80% of participants did not show an evidence of infection. Conclusion: The majority of the population in Semnan province has no detectable antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, Semnan is considered a SARS-CoV-2 susceptible area. These results emphasize the need for maintaining public health measures to tackle the new epidemic wave.

Keywords

Antibody Response
Immunoglobulin
SARS-CoV-2
Serology
Prevalence
Iranian Journal of Immunology
Volume 18, Issue 1
Winter 2021
Pages 74-81

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