This study aimed to assess the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) total antibodies in the north, middle, and south regions of West Bank and the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies (IgA, IgM, and IgG) in the Palestinian population. This was a cross-sectional study. The serological and epidemiological data of 1299 persons were assessed. Participants were selected randomly among primary health care center attendees in Palestine between November 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. All serum samples were tested for total antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. IgM, IgG, and IgA-specific antibody titers were measured using ELISA. The overall prevalence (with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies and specific antibodies were estimated. A multivariable regression model was used to assess the predictive factors for SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies. The overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 24·2% (95% CI, 21·9%–26·6%). Seroprevalence was significantly higher among people living in south West Bank (adjusted Odds ratio [aOR], 2·3; 95% CI: 1·649–3·216), people who had COVID-19 symptoms (aOR, 3·8; 95% CI, 2·7–5·2), people with a COVID-19 contact history (aOR, 1·48; 95% CI, 1·05–2·07), patients with hypertension (aOR, 1·5; 95% CI, 1·06–2·3), and non-smokers (aOR, 0·45; 95% CI, 0·29–0·67). Specific IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies were positive in 13·8% (95% CI, 9·1%–19·8%), 88·5% (82·8%–929%), and 42·5% (35·1%–50·3%) of the participants, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were common among PHC center attendees and were significantly associated to sex, smoking, and COVID-19 contact history. However, considering that almost three-quarters of this population remains susceptible, maintaining public health measures and encouraging access to immunization is critical in protecting this population.

Conference Title

The 11th International Palestinian Conference For Laboratory Medicine (IPCLM-11)

Conference Country

Palestine

Conference Date

Aug. 26, 2021 - Aug. 28, 2021

Conference Sponsor

Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS)

Additional Info

Conference Website