Seroepidemiological study of the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgG and IgM) positive titers in the population, referring to the laboratories of Urmia city

Abstract

Background & Aims: COVID-19 is one of the most significant diseases of recent years, spreading globally through human-to-human transmission. The purpose of this study is to investigate the seroepidemiological titers of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the urban population of Urmia city based on samples from individuals who referred to local laboratories. This study aims to provide new insights into the epidemiologic behavior of COVID-19 in society. Materials & Methods: Approximately 4,000 people who referred to the laboratories of Urmia participated in this study. Plasma levels of IgM and IgG antibodies were measured, and the frequency of positive antibody titers in the entire population was calculated based on demographic characteristics such as age and gender. IgM and IgG levels were compared between the two genders. Additionally, IgM and IgG levels were compared across age groups: children and adolescents under 20 years old; young adults (20–40 years old); middle-aged individuals (40-60 years old); and the elderly (60 years and older). Results: In this study, the frequencies of IgM+ and IgG+ were determined as well as the frequency of (IgM/IgG+) among the participants. Plasma levels of IgG were not different between women and men, whereas IgM levels were higher in women than in men. The plasma levels of antibodies in the age groups of children and young people were lower than in the middle-aged and elderly age groups. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight that older adults and individuals with confirmed infections mounted a stronger antibody response. Additionally, the differences in IgM levels between genders warrant further research to explore their potential clinical significance.

Keywords

• covid19
• igg antibody
• igm antibody
• sars-cov2
• seroepidemiology