Anti- SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies Seropositivity in Students and the Educational and Administrative Staffs at the Faculty of Pharmacy-Damascus University: A Cross-Sectional Screening Study in 2022

Background and Aim: Seroprevalence studies of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies have contributed to the assessment of COVID-19 prevalence and estimation of the community/herd immunity worldwide, which is considered crucial for COVID-19 epidemiological surveillance, and correspondingly designing appropriate response strategies. Our study aimed at investigating the seropositivity of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 virus in students and staffs at the Faculty of Pharmacy-Damascus University during the peak of Omicron variant infection, and evaluating the associations between SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity and some demographic and clinical variables in the study subjects.

Methods: In this cross-sectional screening study, we investigated the seropositivity of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using antibody rapid test in cohorts of students, faculty members, and administrative and technical staff at the Faculty of Pharmacy-Damascus University between mid-February and 24th of April 2022. Data on demographics, clinical and disease history were collected using a web-based questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using GraphPad PrismÒ 9th edition software.

Results: The IgG seropositivity was 67.07% in the total cohort (n=410). Three hundred eighty-four (93.66%) participants responded to the electronic questionnaire's items, with a majority of females (58.85%). A percentage of 43.48% of the cohort reported a previously symptomatic COVID-19 infection, and 48.44% received vaccination. Higher seropositivity was evident in females, those reported previous COVID-19 infection, and those with positive Rh blood type. Our results do not support a statistically difference in sero-positivity between vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals. 

Conclusion: Our study revealed that more than two thirds of the study cohort were SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive during the course of the study that coincided with the peak of Omicron's variant infection, and proved statistically significant differences in seropositivity according to gender, previous symptomatic COVID-19 infection, and Rh blood type positivity.