Differences in SARS-COV-2 seroprevalence in the population of Cusco, Peru

Huamaní C.; Concha-Velasco F.; Velásquez L.; Antich M.K.; Cassa J.; Palacios K.; Bernable-Villasante L.; Giraldo-Alencastre G.; Benites-Calderon E.; Mendieta-Nuñez S.; Quispe-Jihuallanca H.; Quispe-Yana M.; Zavala-Vargas K.; Hinojosa-Florez L.; Ramírez-Escobar J.; Spelucin-Runciman J.; Bernabe-Ortiz A. · Global Epidemiology (2024) · DOI: 10.1016/j.gloepi.2023.100131

Resumen

Background: The spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Peru has been reported at the regional level, few studies have evaluated its spread at the provincial level, in which the mechanisms could be different. Methods: We conducted an analytical, cross-sectional, multistage observational population study to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-COV-2 at the provincial and urban/rural levels in a high-altitude setting. The sampling unit was the household, including a randomly selected family member. Sampling was performed using a data collection sheet on clinical and epidemiological variables. Chemiluminescence tests were used to detect total anti-SARS-COV-2 antibodies (IgG and IgM simultaneously). The percentages were adjusted to the sampling design. Results: The overall prevalence in the region of Cusco was 25.9%, with considerably different prevalence between the 13 provinces (from 15.9% in Acomayo to 40.1% in Canchis) and between rural (21.1%) and urban (31.7%) areas. In multivariable model, living in a rural area was a protective factor (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61–0.76). Conclusions: Geographic diversity and population density determine different prevalence rates, typically lower in rural areas, possibly due to natural social distancing or limited interaction with people at risk.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Universidad Científica del Sur; Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco; Universidad Continental; Universidad Andina del Cusco