Background and Objectives: The extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection among a population may be assessed by the presence of serum SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, which indicates previous exposure. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the adult population from Western Romania. Materials and Methods: Samples of 2443 consecutive individuals, referred for routine laboratory investigations, were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using the Elecsys immunoassay that targets the nucleocapsid protein, for identifying the presence of the total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Results: The overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 45.60%. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was significantly higher in age group 30–49 years (53.94%) compared to age groups 50–69 years (43.53%) and 70–91 years (30.79%) ( p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). No significant difference in seroprevalence was observed between females (44.83%) and males (47.05%). Conclusions: Our data revealed a high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the adult population from Western Romania and indicate the rapid and significant spread of the virus. The estimated prevalence of 45.60% was 6 times higher than the rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in the study area. This indicates the magnitude of virus transmission in the community.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, antibodies, SARS-CoV-2, Epidemiology, Seroprevalence, Romania, 【초록키워드】 SARS-COV-2 infection, Seroprevalence, virus transmission, virus, nucleocapsid protein, Laboratory, Spread, Prevalence, immunoassay, serum, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, SARS-CoV-2 antibody, male, female, Rapid, Community, target, age, total antibody, group, significant difference, no significant difference, material, total antibodies, confirmed COVID-19 case, tested, Sample, reported, indicate, determine, magnitude, significantly higher, individuals, Elecsy,