Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Int J Epidemiol. 2021 Aug 30;50(4):1077-1090. doi: 10.1093/ije/dyab077.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the first country in the Middle East to report severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Serosurveys are essential to understanding the extent of virus transmission. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Between 19 July and 14 August 2020, 4487 households were selected using a random sample stratified by region and citizenship of the head of household (UAE citizen or non-citizen). A cluster sample of 40 labour camps was selected. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors and symptoms compatible with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were collected. Each participant was first tested by Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay, followed, when reactive, by the LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG assay.
Among 8831 individuals from households, seroprevalence was 10·4% [95% confidence intervals (CIs) 9·5-11·4], with higher seroprevalence in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain regions compared with those in Al Dhafra. In households, we found no sex difference and UAE citizens had lower seroprevalence compared with those of other nationalities. Among 4855 workers residing in labour camps, seroprevalence was 68·6% (95% CI 61·7-74·7), with higher seroprevalence among workers from Southeast Asia. In households, individuals with higher body mass indexes demonstrated higher seroprevalences than individuals with normal weight. Anosmia and ageusia were strongly associated with seropositivity.
The majority of household populations in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi remained unexposed to SARS-CoV-2. In labour camps, SARS-CoV-2 transmission was high. Effective public health measures should be maintained.
阿拉伯联合酋长国（阿联酋）是中东地区第一个报告严重急性呼吸系统综合征冠状病毒 2（SARS-CoV-2）感染的国家。血清学调查对于了解病毒传播的程度至关重要。本横断面研究旨在评估阿布扎比酋长国 SARS-CoV-2 感染的血清流行率。
2020 年 7 月 19 日至 8 月 14 日，使用按地区和家庭户主国籍（阿联酋公民或非公民）分层的随机样本选择了 4487 户家庭。选择了 40 个劳务营地的聚类样本。收集了社会人口学特征、危险因素和与 2019 年冠状病毒病（COVID-19）相符的症状的数据。每个参与者首先接受罗氏 Elecsys®抗 SARS-CoV-2 检测，如果反应阳性，则接受 LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG 检测。
在来自家庭的 8831 人中，血清流行率为 10.4%[95%置信区间（CI）9.5-11.4]，阿布扎比和艾因地区的血清流行率高于阿尔达夫拉地区。在家庭中，我们没有发现性别差异，阿联酋公民的血清流行率低于其他国籍的公民。在居住在劳务营地的 4855 名工人中，血清流行率为 68.6%（95%CI 61.7-74.7），来自东南亚的工人的血清流行率较高。在家庭中，体重指数较高的个体的血清流行率高于体重正常的个体。嗅觉丧失和味觉丧失与血清阳性密切相关。
阿布扎比酋长国的大多数家庭人群仍未接触 SARS-CoV-2。在劳务营地，SARS-CoV-2 传播率很高。应继续采取有效的公共卫生措施。
