학술논문

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Denmark: Results of Two Nationwide Population-Based Surveys, February and May 2021
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Document Type
Academic Journal
Source
Infection and Drug Resistance. January 31, 2023, Vol. 15, p301, 12 p.
Subject
Germany
Denmark
Language
English
ISSN
1178-6973
Abstract
Introduction Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and clinical symptoms range from asymptomatic infection to severe disease and death. Infections are generally detected by [...]
Background: Seroprevalence studies can be used to measure the progression of national COVID-19 epidemics. The Danish National Seroprevalence Survey of SARS-CoV-2 infections (DSS) was conducted as five separate surveys between May 2020 and May 2021. Here, we present results from the two last surveys conducted in February and May 2021. Methods: Persons aged 12 or older were randomly selected from the Danish Population Register and those having received COVID19 vaccination subsequently excluded. Invitations to have blood drawn in local test centers were sent by mail. Samples were analyzed for whole Immunoglobulin by ELISA. Seroprevalence was estimated by sex, age and geography. Comparisons to vaccination uptake and RT-PCR test results were made. Results: In February 2021, we found detectable antibodies in 7.2% (95% CI: 6.3- 7.9%) of the invited participants (participation rate 25%) and in May 2021 in 8.6% (95% CI: 7.6-9.5%) of the invited (participation rate: 14%). Seroprevalence did not differ by sex, but by age group, generally being higher among the Conclusion: Seroprevalence estimates doubled during the 2020-21 winter wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections and then stabilized as vaccinations were rolled out. The epidemic affected large cities and younger people the most. Denmark saw comparatively low infections rates, but high test coverage; an estimated four out of five infections were detected by RT-PCR in March-May 2021. Keywords: seroepidemiological studies, COVID-19 serological testing, SARS-CoV-2, population register, questionnaire, ELISA