The use of residual serum samples to perform serological surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in Dili and regional areas of Timor-Leste.
Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg
; 117(4): 313-315, 2023 04 03.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2279882
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Lack of access to diagnostic testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can limit disease surveillance in remote areas. Serological surveillance can indicate the true extent and distribution of infections in such settings.METHODS:
This study monitored SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in residual serum samples salvaged from laboratories at five healthcare facilities across Timor-Leste from March to October 2021.RESULTS:
Seroprevalence increased from 8.3% to 87.0% during the study period. Potential immunity gaps were identified among children aged 0-15 y (who had not been eligible for vaccination) and individuals aged >60 y.CONCLUSIONS:
Efforts to vaccinate vulnerable individuals including older people should be maintained. Residual serum samples can be analysed to give local, contemporary information about the extent and distribution of antibodies to infections, especially SARS-CoV-2, in areas where epidemiological information is limited.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
COVID-19
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Observational study
Topics:
Vaccines
Limits:
Aged
/
Child
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg
Year:
2023
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Trstmh
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