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ABSTRACT: Objectives
The World Health Organization has promoted the use of serological testing as a rapid and accurate technique for the detection of immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In Lebanon, a better understanding of the immune response against SARS-CoV-2 is needed to develop effective measures for prevention and to plan an appropriate national vaccination program. This study aimed to measure the immunity status in Lebanon.Methods
In this cross-sectional study, the population comprised male and female Lebanese and non-Lebanese residents of Lebanon between the ages 15 and 75. The exclusion criteria included: same household, symptomatic individuals, and extremes of age (< 15 and > 75). Representative testing for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (anti-SARS-CoV-2 electrochemiluminescence immunoassay/ECLIA) was used to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Lebanon.Results
In total, 13 755 participants were recruited over a 6-month period. Of these, 3168 (23.03%) individuals tested positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2, with levels of positivity varying among districts. A higher level of seropositivity was detected in the female participants.Conclusion
Seroprevalence against SARS-CoV-2 varied within Lebanon, but was comparable to the levels reported in the MENA region at the time of the study. The seroprevalence documented in this study represents a level of immunity that is not protective at the national level.Funding
This study was funded by the Lebanese American University School of Medicine.
SUBMITTER: Mahdi A
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8800496 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Mahdi Ahmad A Khazen Georges G Aziz Nivine N Mina Jonathan J Papazian Aram A Daou Leonardo L Ahmar Jana J Assaf Nour N Abdulkhalek Anjy A Farhat Hussein H Mokhbat Jacques J Farra Anna A Husni Rola R
IJID regions 20220129
<h4>Objectives</h4>The World Health Organization has promoted the use of serological testing as a rapid and accurate technique for the detection of immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In Lebanon, a better understanding of the immune response against SARS-CoV-2 is needed to develop effective measures for prevention and to plan an appropriate national vaccination program. This study aimed to measure the immunity status in Lebanon.<h4>Methods</h4>In this c ...[more]