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. 2021 Aug 30;50(4):1077-1090.
doi: 10.1093/ije/dyab077.

Seroprevalence of COVID-19 infection in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: a population-based cross-sectional study

Ahmed R Alsuwaidi  1 , Farida I Al Hosani  2 , Shammah Al Memari  2 , Hassib Narchi  1 , Laila Abdel Wareth  3   4 , Hazem Kamal  2 , Mai Al Ketbi  5 , Durra Al Baloushi  5 , Abubaker Elfateh  6 , Ahmed Khudair  2 , Shereena Al Mazrouei  2 , Hiba Saud Al Humaidan  6 , Noura Alghaithi  5 , Khalil Afsh  7 , Nawal Al Kaabi  6 , Basel Altrabulsi  3   4 , Matthew Jones  3 , Sami Shaban  8 , Mohamud Sheek-Hussein  9 , Taoufik Zoubeidi  10
Affiliations

Seroprevalence of COVID-19 infection in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: a population-based cross-sectional study

Ahmed R Alsuwaidi et al. Int J Epidemiol. .

Abstract

Background: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the first country in the Middle East to report severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Serosurveys are essential to understanding the extent of virus transmission. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Methods: Between 19 July and 14 August 2020, 4487 households were selected using a random sample stratified by region and citizenship of the head of household (UAE citizen or non-citizen). A cluster sample of 40 labour camps was selected. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors and symptoms compatible with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were collected. Each participant was first tested by Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay, followed, when reactive, by the LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG assay.

Results: Among 8831 individuals from households, seroprevalence was 10·4% [95% confidence intervals (CIs) 9·5-11·4], with higher seroprevalence in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain regions compared with those in Al Dhafra. In households, we found no sex difference and UAE citizens had lower seroprevalence compared with those of other nationalities. Among 4855 workers residing in labour camps, seroprevalence was 68·6% (95% CI 61·7-74·7), with higher seroprevalence among workers from Southeast Asia. In households, individuals with higher body mass indexes demonstrated higher seroprevalences than individuals with normal weight. Anosmia and ageusia were strongly associated with seropositivity.

Conclusions: The majority of household populations in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi remained unexposed to SARS-CoV-2. In labour camps, SARS-CoV-2 transmission was high. Effective public health measures should be maintained.

Keywords: Serosurvey; UAE; households; labour camps.

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Figures

Figure 1A
Figure 1A
Flowcharts describing the sampling frame from (A) households and (B) labour camps
Figure 1B
Figure 1B
Flowchart describing the sampling frame from labor camps.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Association of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence with self-reported risk factors by households (A) and camp workers (B) Adjusted odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) for sampling design and test characteristics, controlled for age, region, sex, education, nationality, ethnicity, occupation and contact with COVID-19 in a logistic-regression model. A risk factor for which the odds ratio 95% confidence intervals cross the value of 1 (solid horizontal line) is not associated with seropositivity.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Association of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence with self-reported preceding clinical symptoms by households (A) and camp workers (B) Adjusted odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) for sampling design and test characteristics, controlled for age, region, sex, education, nationality, ethnicity, occupation and contact with COVID-19 in a logistic-regression model. A symptom for which the odds ratio 95% confidence intervals cross the value of 1 (solid horizontal line) is not associated with seropositivity.
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