Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (Jul 2020)

Sequential serological surveys in the early stages of the coronavirus disease epidemic: limitations and perspectives

  • Marcelo Adriano da Cunha e Silva Vieira,
  • Chrystiany Plácido de Brito Vieira,
  • Amaríles de Souza Borba,
  • Maria Clara de Carvalho Melo,
  • Marilene de Sousa Oliveira,
  • Rodrigo Moraes Melo,
  • Vanessa Veloso Nunes,
  • Wesllany Sousa Santana,
  • Yara Amorim de Aguiar

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0351-2020
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 53

Abstract

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Abstract INTRODUCTION: Estimates of the number of individuals infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 are important for health planning and establishment of expectations regarding herd immunity. METHODS: Seven testing rounds of a serological survey were conducted at 1-week intervals between April 19 and May 31, 2020 in Teresina municipality. RESULTS Over the 7 weeks, serological positivity increased from 0.56% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18%-1.30%) to 8.33% (95% CI: 6.61%-10.33%), representing 33-53 persons infected for each reported case. CONCLUSIONS: Serological screening may be an important tool for understanding the immunity of a population and planning community interventions.

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