Seroprevalence and socioeconomic impact of the first SARS-CoV-2 infection wave in a small town in Navarre, Spain

Ribes, Marta; Montañà, Júlia; Vidal, Marta; Aguilar, Ruth; Nicolás, Patricia; Alfonso, Uxue; Rodrigo Melero, Natalia; Carolis, Carlo; Dobaño, Carlota; Moncunill, Gemma; Chaccour, Carlos

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-30542-x

Seroprevalence and socioeconomic impact of the first SARS-CoV-2 infection wave in a small town in Navarre, Spain

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Ribes M, Montañà J, Vidal M, Aguilar R, Nicolás P, Alfonso U, Rodrigo N, Carolis C, Dobaño C, Moncunill G, Chaccour C. Seroprevalence and socioeconomic impact of the first SARS-CoV-2 infection wave in a small town in Navarre, Spain. Sci Rep. 2023 Mar 8;13(1):3862. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30542-x

Abstract

The characterization of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 and its determinants are key for the understanding of COVID-19. The identification of vulnerable populations to the infection and to its socioeconomic impact is indispensable for inclusive policies. We conducted an age-stratified cross-sectional community-based seroprevalence survey between June 12th and 19th 2020-during the easing of lockdown-in Cizur, Spain. We quantified IgG, IgM and IgA levels against SARS-CoV-2 spike and its receptor-binding domain in a sample of 728 randomly selected, voluntarily registered inhabitants. We estimated a 7.9% seroprevalence in the general population, with the lowest seroprevalence among children under ten (n = 3/142, 2.1%) and the highest among adolescents (11-20 years old, n = 18/159, 11.3%). We found a heterogeneous immune-response profile across participants regarding isotype/antigen-specific seropositivity, although levels generally correlated. Those with technical education level were the most financially affected. Fifty-five percent had visited a supermarket and 43% a sanitary centre since mid-February 2020. When comparing by gender, men had left the household more frequently. In conclusion, few days after strict lockdown, the burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection was the lowest in children under 10. The findings also suggest that a wider isotype-antigen panel confers higher sensitivity. Finally, the economic impact biases should be considered when designing public health measures.