Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in blood donors at the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital, Cameroon

Abstract

Introduction: Blood donors in apparently good health may have been in contact with the SARSCoV 2 without developing symptoms. The Objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in blood donors at the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital.

Methodology: A four-week cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May, 2021. All persons fulfilling the required criteria for blood donation were consecutively included in the study, and their serological status was assessed using the STANDARD TM Q COVID-19 IgM/IgG Duo immunochromatographic test. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0 software with a significance level p<0.05.

Results: Of the 232 donors in our study, 55 (23.7%) had anti-SARS-CoV-2 Ig M/Ig G antibodies. Among these, 41 were males (74.5%) with 39 aged under 35 years (70.9%). Blood group O was found in 37 donors (67.3%). Co-infections with HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis were found in 7 donors (12.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that anti-SARS-CoV-2 Ab was 2.27 times greater in blood donors aged 35 to 44 years (p=0.039).

Conclusion: These results suggest that a significant proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infection occurs in our population, even if these were persons in apparently good health and age between 35 and 44 years seems to be an associated factor. Sensitization campaigns targeting specific populations may limit the spread of the virus