Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG and COVID19 Vaccine Uptake in Healthy Volunteers in Nairobi, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Date
2024-11
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Frontiers in Virology
Abstract
Introduction: Seroprevalence of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome
coronavirus 2 (anti-SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in the postvaccination period in
Kenya remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to determine the
seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG and evaluate Covid-19
vaccination uptake in a university setting in Nairobi.
Methods: This cross-sectional study assayed serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and
IgG levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. A structured
questionnaire was used to determine vaccine uptake, vaccine hesitancy and
reasons for hesitancy.
Results: A total of 189 participants were enrolled (median age, 21 years; female,
50.8%). The seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 was 12.7% for IgM and 87.8% for
IgG. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers were higher among the vaccinated vs. nonvaccinated individuals (p < 0.001, U = 2817.5), females vs. males (p = 0.024, U =
3616), and those vaccinated ≤ 6 months before the study vs. those vaccinated >1
year earlier (p = 0.002, H = 12.359). The vaccination hesitancy rate was 43.4% and
the underlying reasons included mistrust (22.4%), health concerns (19.7%), and
lack of information (18.4%).
Discussion: The high seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG is an indication of
high exposure to SARS-CoV-2 either through natural infection or through
vaccination. The high vaccine hesitancy noted necessitates community
engagement, and public education to dispel myths and misinformation prior to
roll out of new vaccines and other health interventions.
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Citation
Otindo, A. M., Ndombi, E. M., Theuri, M., Muturi, M., Thamaini, P., Ogutu, J., ... & Okemo, P. (2024). Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG and COVID-19 vaccine uptake in healthy volunteers in Nairobi, Kenya: a cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Virology, 4, 1479645.