IMMUNOGLOBULIN-G SEROPREVALENCE AGAINST SARS-COV-2 AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN; A POPULATION-BASED SURVEY

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2, a novel beta corona virus, is considered responsible for recent COVID-19 pandemic. Due to high proportions of asymptomatic cases, it is difficult to determine the full scope of virus circulation or its true infection ratio. To get beyond these limitations and understand infection rates at the population level, serology testing is a crucial component. A cross-sectional investigation was carried out. Individuals from various towns were identified for recruitment into the study, which were not diagnosed previously as COVID-19 positive by Polymerase Chain reaction and not vaccinated yet.  384 individuals with >18 years of age were screened for SARS-CoV-2 specific Immunoglobulin G antibodies. A total of 384 people were tested for SARS-COV-2 IgG, and 178 of them tested positive, representing an overall prevalence of 46%. Prevalence detected was 32.4% in 18-30 years age group, 50.8% among 31-50 year and 44.4% in 51-70 years age group. Among genders, Prevalence detected was 47% among male and 45.3% from females. Chi square and binary logistic regression was applied to see the significance and association of the study variables. The 33 participants contacted with positive family member and 22 of them tested positive for IgG, with the odds of having neutralizing antibodies (OR 3.390, 95% CI 1.365-8.418). In addition to SARS-CoV-2 infection, the population's antibody status was associated with protection. The seroprevalence statistics show that Lahore's population lacks herd immunity. If a new strain enters the community, the likelihood of a serious outbreak in the future increases.