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Meta-Analysis
. 2022 Mar;32(2):e2271.
doi: 10.1002/rmv.2271. Epub 2021 Jul 6.

Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Master R O Chisale  1 , Sheena Ramazanu  2 , Saul Eric Mwale  1 , Pizga Kumwenda  3 , Mep Chipeta  4 , Atipatsa C Kaminga  5 , Obed Nkhata  6 , Billy Nyambalo  7 , Elton Chavura  8 , Balwani C Mbakaya  8
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Master R O Chisale et al. Rev Med Virol. 2022 Mar.

Abstract

We estimated the seroprevalence of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in residents of African countries and explored its associated factors. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, AMED, CINAHL, DOAJ and Google Scholar databases for peer reviewed articles and pre-prints that reported anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence of general or specific human populations resident in Africa. The eligible studies were evaluated using Joana Briggs Institute prevalence critical appraisal tool. Twenty-three studies involving 27,735 individuals were included in our paper. The pooled seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Africa was 22% (95%CI: 14-31) with very high heterogeneity (I2 = 100%, p < 0.001). Seroprevalence was highest in studies conducted in Central Africa compared to Southern Africa, West Africa, North Africa and East Africa respectively. The number of days between the first reported coronavirus disease 2019 case in each country and when a seroprevalence study was conducted was a significant moderator of seroprevalence. Seropositivity was numerically influenced by gender and age of the participants with males and those aged below 50 years being most affected with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The highest pooled seroprevalence in Africa reported in this review should be interpreted cautiously due to high heterogeneity between studies. Continued seroprevalence surveillance is warranted to establish Africa's transition towards herd immunity.

Keywords: Africa; Covid-19; SARS-CoV-2; antibody; seroprevalence.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses flow diagram
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Forest plot of the seroprevalence of anti‐severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) antibodies with corresponding 95% confidence intervals in African countries. The proportional weight assigned to a study is shown by the size of the box and the horizontal lines symbolize the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) according to the random effects analysis
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Estimated seroprevalence rates of anti‐severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies in African countries using the Arc Geographical Information System. Number of days represent days since the first reported coronavirus disease 2019 case in each study area
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Subgroup analysis of the regions of Africa and anti‐severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies seroprevalence in Africa
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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