[SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and associated factors among migrants with a vocation for permanence, Bucaramanga, ColombiaSoroprevalencia de SARS-CoV-2 e fatores associados em migrantes com vocaao de permanencia, Bucaramanga, Colombia.]

Abstract

Introduction: There are few reports assessing anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in the migrant population in the world. These studies help to understand the exposure of populations to the virus to take actions to reduce the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Objective: To determine the anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in migrants with a vocation for permanence in Bucaramanga and to identify factors associated with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study using consecutive sampling, which included adult migrants in Bucaramanga in February 2021. Surveys were conducted, and chemiluminescent immunoassays were performed to detect IgM and IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in serum samples. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated using a log-binomial regression model.

Results: The study enrolled 462 participants. IgM seroprevalence was 11.7% (95% CI 9.1-14.9), IgG seroprevalence was 32.9% (95% CI 28.8-37.3), and IgM or IgG seroprevalence was 36.1% (95% CI 31.9-40.6). Contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 (PR:1.54; 95% CI 1.04-2.29) or suspected case (PR:1.56; 95% CI 1.13-2.16); living with six or more people (PR: 1.52; 95% CI 1.05-2.20); stay in Colombia > 2 years (PR:1.43; 95% CI 1.11-1.92), and presence of symptoms (PR:1.62; 95%CI 1.26-2.10) were some factors associated with higher IgG seroprevalence.

Discussion: In Bucaramanga, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among migrants was similar to the seroprevalences of migrants in Kuwait but lower than migrants in Paris and Singapore.

Conclusions: The anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among migrants with a vocation for permanence was similar to that reported among residents of Bucaramanga. Contact with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases and crowded conditions were some of the factors associated with seroprevalence.