Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, Concepción de La Vega, Dominican Republic, August-September 2021

Abstract

Background

SARS-CoV-2 antibodies can be detected in vaccinated people or who have had COVID-19. In July of 2021 the municipality of La Vega, Dominican Republic, had a high incidence of cases and a low vaccination coverage against COVID-19. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

A household survey of 210 adults in 30 groups of households, and seven adults per group selected at random conducted in August-September 2021. A cross-sectional study on data collected through questionnaire interviews, examination of vaccination card, and a lateral flow capillary test results for IgM/IgG for SARS-CoV-2. We used complex survey data analysis to estimate the prevalence ratio (PR), and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and stratified analysis.

Results

Among 210 participants, 91.0%(191/210) agreed to be tested; 58.6%(95%CI:51.3 – 66.0) has IgG positive antibodies. 12.6% (95%CI: 6.9-18.2) had self-reported COVID-19 and 65.4% (IC95% 58.3 – 72.6) were vaccinated. Those with three vaccination doses were three times as likely to have IgG antibodies than those unvaccinated (PR = 3.0 [95% CI =1.4-6.7]). Vaccination and COVID-19 were independently related to the presence of IgG antibodies.

Conclusions

The study results facilitated the opening of the economy and tourism in the country in 2022. COVID vaccination can achieve high levels of antibodies in the population.