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SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and determinants of infection in young adults: a population-based seroepidemiological study.
Backhaus, I; Hermsen, D; Timm, J; Boege, F; Lübke, N; Degode, T; Göbels, K; Dragano, N.
  • Backhaus I; Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany. Electronic address: Insalinnea.backhaus@med.uni-duesseldorf.de.
  • Hermsen D; Central Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany.
  • Timm J; Institute of Virology, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany.
  • Boege F; Central Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany.
  • Lübke N; Institute of Virology, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany.
  • Degode T; Public Health Authority, Düsseldorf, Germany.
  • Göbels K; Public Health Authority, Düsseldorf, Germany.
  • Dragano N; Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Public Health ; 207: 54-61, 2022 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1829392
ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES:

Most SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies have focussed on adults and high-risk populations, and little is known about young adults. The objective of the present study was to provide evidence on the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among young adults in Germany and to explore determinants associated with seropositivity in general and, specifically, with previously undetected infections. STUDY

DESIGN:

This was a population-based SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence study.

METHODS:

In November 2020, a population-based study on SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in young adults (aged 18-30 years) was conducted in a large German city. Serum samples were obtained to analyse the SARS-CoV-2 antibody status using the Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay. Descriptive statistics and odds ratios (ORs) of seropositivity and of previously undetected infections in relation to different determinants were calculated.

RESULTS:

Among 2186 participants, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 72 individuals, equalling a test performance-adjusted seroprevalence of 3.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4-4.0). Based on reported COVID-19 cases to the public health authority, a moderate underascertainment rate of 1.7 was calculated. Seropositivity was higher among individuals who sought COVID-19-related information from social media (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.2-3.1), and undetected COVID-19 infections were more prevalent among men and those not adhering to social distancing.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results show a substantial underascertainment of SARS-CoV-2 infections among young adults and indicate that seroprevalence is likely to be much higher than the reported COVID-19 prevalence based on confirmed COVID-19 cases in Germany. Preventive efforts should consider the heterogeneity of risk profiles among the young adult population.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Adult / Humans / Male / Young adult Language: English Journal: Public Health Year: 2022 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Adult / Humans / Male / Young adult Language: English Journal: Public Health Year: 2022 Document Type: Article