Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) antibodies in tertiary care hospital of Karachi, Pakistan

Ambreen Fatima; Fatima Fasih; Samina Baig; Fouzia Zeeshan Khan; Saima Nseem; Muhammad Asif Qureshi

Abstract
Objective: To find the trend of seropositivity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in registered patients for COVID-19 in Dow Diagnostic Reference and Research laboratory
Methodology: A total of 5247 patients were enrolled for SARS CoV2 antibodies analysis from 01 August to 31 December, 2020. Patient consent was attained and questionnaire forms were filled. Samples were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies on (Roche Cobase 601).
Results: In 5247 patient’s samples, seropositivity of SARS CoV2 was found in 2425 (46.2%) samples. Seroprevalence in males was 28.4 % (n;1491) as compared to females, who showed 17% (n;934). The age group G3 (>46 to 60 years) showed higher seropositivity (n=604/1118, 54%) as related to other age groups. Out of total reactive patients, only 30% (n;727) reported recent symptoms while 70% (n; 1697) were asymptomatic. Fever was observed to be the most common symptom followed by dry cough. The most commonly affected areas were East 2353 (44%), South 855 (16.01%), Malir 793 (14.85%), Center zone 589(11.03%) and Korangi area 378(7.08%). The frequency of seropositivity showed an increasing pattern in the six months from August 2020 to December 2020. It was found to be 11.5% in August, 13.6% in September, 13.9% in October, and 42.5% in December 2020.
Conclusion: The trend of seropositivity revealed a gradual upward course in the duration of study period. Nearly, two thirds of the patients were asymptomatic indicating the fact that many individuals were silently exposed to the infection and developed antibodies through their natural defense mechanism.

Key words: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Sero-prevalence, Antibody.

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