Ahmed R Alsuwaidi1, Farida I Al Hosani2, Shammah Al Memari2, Hassib Narchi1, Laila Abdel Wareth3,4, Hazem Kamal2, Mai Al Ketbi5, Durra Al Baloushi5, Abubaker Elfateh6, Ahmed Khudair2, Shereena Al Mazrouei2, Hiba Saud AlHumaidan6, Noura Alghaithi5, Khalil Afsh7, Nawal Al Kaabi6, Basel Altrabulsi3,4, Matthew Jones3, Sami Shaban8, Mohamud Sheek-Hussein9, Taoufik Zoubeidi10. 1. Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. 2. Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. 3. National Reference Laboratory, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. 4. Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. 5. Ambulatory Healthcare Services, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. 6. Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. 7. Al Dhafra Hospitals, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. 8. Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. 9. Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. 10. Department of Analytics in the Digital Era, College of Business and Economics, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the first country in the Middle East to report severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Serosurveys are essential to understanding the extent of virus transmission. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. METHODS: Between 19 July and 14 August 2020, 4487 households were selected using a random sample stratified by region and citizenship of the head of household (UAE citizen or non-citizen). A cluster sample of 40 labour camps was selected. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors and symptoms compatible with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were collected. Each participant was first tested by Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay, followed, when reactive, by the LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG assay. RESULTS: Among 8831 individuals from households, seroprevalence was 10·4% [95% confidence intervals (CIs) 9·5-11·4], with higher seroprevalence in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain regions compared with those in Al Dhafra. In households, we found no sex difference and UAE citizens had lower seroprevalence compared with those of other nationalities. Among 4855 workers residing in labour camps, seroprevalence was 68·6% (95% CI 61·7-74·7), with higher seroprevalence among workers from Southeast Asia. In households, individuals with higher body mass indexes demonstrated higher seroprevalences than individuals with normal weight. Anosmia and ageusia were strongly associated with seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of household populations in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi remained unexposed to SARS-CoV-2. In labour camps, SARS-CoV-2 transmission was high. Effective public health measures should be maintained.
BACKGROUND: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the first country in the Middle East to report severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Serosurveys are essential to understanding the extent of virus transmission. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. METHODS: Between 19 July and 14 August 2020, 4487 households were selected using a random sample stratified by region and citizenship of the head of household (UAE citizen or non-citizen). A cluster sample of 40 labour camps was selected. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors and symptoms compatible with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were collected. Each participant was first tested by Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay, followed, when reactive, by the LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG assay. RESULTS: Among 8831 individuals from households, seroprevalence was 10·4% [95% confidence intervals (CIs) 9·5-11·4], with higher seroprevalence in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain regions compared with those in Al Dhafra. In households, we found no sex difference and UAE citizens had lower seroprevalence compared with those of other nationalities. Among 4855 workers residing in labour camps, seroprevalence was 68·6% (95% CI 61·7-74·7), with higher seroprevalence among workers from Southeast Asia. In households, individuals with higher body mass indexes demonstrated higher seroprevalences than individuals with normal weight. Anosmia and ageusia were strongly associated with seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of household populations in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi remained unexposed to SARS-CoV-2. In labour camps, SARS-CoV-2 transmission was high. Effective public health measures should be maintained.
Authors: Mauricio Patón; Farida Al-Hosani; Anderson E Stanciole; Bashir Aden; Andrey Timoshkin; Amrit Sadani; Omar Najim; Cybill A Cherian; Juan M Acuña; Jorge Rodríguez Journal: Infect Dis Model Date: 2022-08-14
Authors: Aliisa Heiskanen; Yannick Galipeau; Marc-André Langlois; Julian Little; Curtis L Cooper Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-09-15 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Jens Hoebel; Markus M Grabka; Carsten Schröder; Sebastian Haller; Hannelore Neuhauser; Benjamin Wachtler; Lars Schaade; Stefan Liebig; Claudia Hövener; Sabine Zinn Journal: J Epidemiol Community Health Date: 2021-09-28 Impact factor: 3.710