The SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Students in the University of Porto: A Cross-Sectional Study

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Meireles, P (Author) Other; Joana Tavares (Author) FFUP; Novais, MJ (Author) Other; Miranda, D (Author) Other; Lopes, MM (Author) Other; Severo M (Author) ICBAS; Barros H (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: International Journal of Public Health

Vol. 67 No. Article 1604608

ISSN: 1661-8556

Publisher: Swiss School of Public Health

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citations

Scopus

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-KK7

DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604548

Abstract (EN): Objective: We aimed to quantify SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies' seroprevalence among university students in Porto.Methods: A rapid point of care testing for SARS-CoV-2 specific immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG antibodies was performed, and a questionnaire was applied to 6512 voluntary students from September to December 2020. We computed the apparent IgM, IgG, and IgM or IgG prevalence, and the true prevalence and 95% credible intervals (95% CI) using Bayesian inference.Results: We found an apparent prevalence (IgM or IgG) of 9.7%, the true prevalence being 7.9% (95% CI 4.9-11.1). Prevalence was significantly higher among males (10.9% vs. 9.2%), international students (18.1% vs. 10.4% local vs. 8.8% nationally displaced), and increased with age. Those with a known risk contact, that experienced quarantine, had symptoms, or a previous negative molecular test had a higher seroprevalence. Of the 91 (1.4%) students who reported a molecular diagnosis, 86.8% were reactive for IgM or IgG.Conclusion: Based on immunological evidence infection was 5.6-fold the reported molecular diagnosis. The higher seroprevalence among male, older, and international students emphasizes the importance of identifying particular groups.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8