A population-based study on seroprevalence and factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Córdoba, Argentina

Seroepidemiological studies help identify the indirect distribution of diseases, detecting serological markers of immunity and demonstrating undiagnosed infections in the general population. The objectives were to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Córdoba, Argentina, from December 2020 to January 2021 and to identify factors associated with the virus’ contagiousness. A population-based cross-sectional observational study was performed in 3,225 individuals over two years of age living in Córdoba city, selected by multiple-stage random sampling proportional to distribution by gender, age group, and socioeconomic status in the city’s population. Clinical characteristics, anthropometry, and comorbidities were collected by interview. Qualitative serological testing was performed for detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid IgG antibodies (ARCHITECT, Abbott). SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was estimated for the total population and by age group, sex, socioeconomic status, and presence of target diseases. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated using a log-binomial regression model. SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was 16.68% (95%CI: 15.41-18.01). Age 2 to 18 years, living in neighborhoods with low socioeconomic status, and obesity increased the odds of seropositivity (PR = 1.50; 95%CI: 1.10-2.04, PR = 1.91; 95%CI: 1.34-2.67 and PR = 1.39; 95%CI: 1.04-1.85). The results indicate that the city of Córdoba displays differential attributes that increase the likelihood of a positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody test. This allows targeting epidemiological surveillance strategies to reduce the spread of the virus.

Keywords:
Coronavirus Infections; Antibodies; Cross-sectional Studies