Prevalences of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and anti-SARS-CoV-2 among at-risk populations in Chiang Mai and Lamphun provinces, Thailand, during November 2020-January 2021

PLoS One. 2022 Feb 2;17(2):e0263127. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263127. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Non-healthcare workers with a high potential for exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may contribute to the virus spreading. Data among asymptomatic and high exposure risk populations is still scarce, in particular Chiang Mai and Lamphun provinces, Thailand. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study aiming to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity, anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG, and potential associated factors among asymptomatic/mild symptomatic individuals with a high exposure risk in Chiang Mai and Lamphun provinces, during the second wave of outbreak in Thailand (November 2020-January 2021). Socio-demographic data was collected through an on-line questionnaire prior to collection of nasopharyngeal/throat swab samples and blood samples tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (DaAn Gene, China) and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG antibodies (commercial lateral flow immunoassays), respectively. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to analyze associated factors. None of 1,651 participants were found positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (0%, 95% confidence intervals, CI: 0-0.2). Fourteen were positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG antibodies (0.9%, 95% CI: 0.5-1.4), including 7 positives for IgM and 7 positives for IgG (0.4%, 95% CI: 0.2-0.9). Being over 50 years old was independently associated with virus exposure (OR: 5.8, 95% CI: 1.0-32.1%, p = 0.045). Despite high exposure risk, no current infection was found, and a very high proportion was still susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and would clearly benefit from vaccination. Continuing active surveillance, rolling out of vaccination and monitoring response to vaccine will help better control the COVID-19 spread.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology*
  • COVID-19 / genetics*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Personnel / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • RNA, Viral / analysis
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology
  • SARS-CoV-2 / pathogenicity
  • Serologic Tests
  • Thailand / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • RNA, Viral

Grants and funding

ST received the scholarship from Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. WK received the fund from Thailand One Health University Network (THOHUN), Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN), and United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This work was also in-kind supported by the EXPERTISE FRANCE. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.