Study of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence by rapid diagnostic test

Project challenges
The level of Covid-19 screening in many African countries in general, and in West Africa in particular, is generally considered insufficient, and the figures communicated by the various national authorities do not accurately reflect the prevalence of the disease.

The few seroprevalence studies available have their limitations, notably that they are not population-based, with the exception of an (unpublished) survey carried out by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research. The planned study aims to address these and other issues.

Serological tests are designed and validated for surveillance and research purposes. These tests look for the presence of antibodies, specific proteins produced in response to infections, in this case with SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Seroprevalence surveys should estimate the prevalence of infection and exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in a population, and can indicate the immune status of individuals or populations.

In Nigeria, few seroprevalence surveys on SARS-CoV-2 have been carried out. A pilot study in Niger State involved just 85 participants. The study revealed a COVID 19 positivity rate of 25.41% and 2.16% for positive IgG and IgM respectively. Seroprevalence varied according to age group, gender and occupation.

Impact of the study:
The results of this study will influence policy decisions by the government, international development partners (IPS) and non-governmental organizations in the prevention and control of COVID 19 in Nigeria. It will also contribute to the body of knowledge by generating valuable information on the epidemiology of COVID 19 for future program evaluation.