TY - JOUR
T1 - Seroprevalence of COVID-19 infection in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
T2 - A population-based cross-sectional study
AU - Alsuwaidi, Ahmed R.
AU - Al Hosani, Farida I.
AU - Al Memari, Shammah
AU - Narchi, Hassib
AU - Abdel Wareth, Laila
AU - Kamal, Hazem
AU - Al Ketbi, Mai
AU - Al Baloushi, Durra
AU - Elfateh, Abubaker
AU - Khudair, Ahmed
AU - Al Mazrouei, Shereena
AU - Al Humaidan, Hiba Saud
AU - Alghaithi, Noura
AU - Afsh, Khalil
AU - Al Kaabi, Nawal
AU - Altrabulsi, Basel
AU - Jones, Matthew
AU - Shaban, Sami
AU - Sheek-Hussein, Mohamud
AU - Zoubeidi, Taoufik
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Epidemiological Association.
PY - 2021/8/1
Y1 - 2021/8/1
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
KW - Serosurvey
KW - UAE
KW - households
KW - labour camps
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U2 - 10.1093/ije/dyab077
DO - 10.1093/ije/dyab077
M3 - Article
C2 - 33893483
AN - SCOPUS:85109965526
SN - 0300-5771
VL - 50
SP - 1077
EP - 1090
JO - International Journal of Epidemiology
JF - International Journal of Epidemiology
IS - 4
ER -