Elsevier

IJID Regions

Volume 4, September 2022, Pages 10-16
IJID Regions

Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies: relationship with COVID-19 diagnosis, symptoms, smoking, and method of transmission

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijregi.2022.05.007Get rights and content
Under a Creative Commons license
open access

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The most discriminating symptom of COVID-19 by far was the loss of smell/taste.

  • In smokers, the incidence of positive COVID-19 diagnoses was significantly lower.

  • There was a discrepancy between COVID-19 diagnosis and the presence of IgG antibodies.

Abstract

Aims

The study of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the population is a crucial step towards overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. Seroepidemiological studies allow an estimation of the number of people who have been exposed to the virus, as well as the number of people who are still susceptible to infection.

Methods

In total, 13 560 people from Arganda del Rey, Madrid (Spain) were assessed between January and March 2021 for the presence of IgG antibodies, using rapid tests and histories of symptoms compatible with COVID-19.

Results

24.2% of the participants had IgG antibodies and 9% had a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Loss of smell/taste was the most discriminating symptom of the disease. The main transmitters of infection were found to be household members. Unexpectedly, in smokers, the incidence of positive COVID-19 diagnoses was significantly lower. Additionally, it was found that there was a discrepancy between COVID-19 diagnosis and the presence of IgG antibodies.

Conclusions

Rapid anti-IgG tests are less reliable in detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection at an individual level, but are functional in estimating SARS-CoV-2 infection rates at an epidemiological level. The loss of smell/taste is a potential indicator for establishing COVID-19 infection.

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