ABSTRACT
Background: In Yemen; initial surveillance of COVID-19 focused primarily on patients with symptoms or severe disease, and, as such, the full spectrum of the disease, are not clear that make the epidemiology of COVID-19 is uncertain. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first seroprevalence study done in Yemen to measure the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the general population by sex and age group in Aden, Yemen.Methods: It is a one-time cross-sectional investigation among 2000 participants from all age groups from four districts in Aden at southern Yemen. A multi-stage sampling method used. Data collected by using a well-structured questionnaire and blood sample were collected. Healgen COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Cassette was used in all participants. All positive RDT and 14% of the negative RDTs underwent ELISA test (WANTAI SARS-CoV-2 Ab Elisa Kit). Results: A 549 out of 2001 participants were RDT positive and proved by ELISA giving the prevalence of COVID-19 infection to 27·4% and specifically the prevalence of IgG was 25%. The prevalence of asymptomatic COVID-19 infection in all the study group was 7·9%. The highest prevalence was observed in Al-Mansurah district (33·4%). Regarding socio-demographic factors females, housewives and history of contact with COVID-19 patients have significant higher prevalence rates (32%, 31% and 39% respectively).Interpretation: high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was reported. Household contacts are the main factors for transmission. Enhancing population immunity is recommended by introducing COVID-19 vaccine.Funding: The study was funded from WHO/ EMRO. Aden OfficeDeclaration of Interest: None to declare. Ethical Approval: This study was approved by the University of Yemen.