Abstract
Temporal trends of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in Kenya
Adetifa IMO, Uyoga S, Gitonga JN, Mugo D, Otiende M, Nyagwange J, Karanja HK, Tuju J, Wanjiku P, Aman R, Mwangangi M, Amoth P, Kasera K, Ng'ang'a W, Rombo C, Yegon C, Kithi K, Odhiambo E, Rotich T, Orgut I, Kihara S, Bottomley C, Kagucia EW, Gallagher KE, Etyang A, Voller S, Lambe T, Wright D, Barasa E, Tsofa B, Bejon P, Ochola-Oyier LI, Agweyu A, Scott JAG, Warimwe GM
Nat Commun. 2021;12
Permenent descriptor
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-24062-3
Observed SARS-CoV-2 infections and deaths are low in tropical Africa raising questions about the extent of transmission. We measured SARS-CoV-2 IgG by ELISA in 9,922 blood donors across Kenya and adjusted for sampling bias and test performance. By 1st September 2020, 577 COVID-19 deaths were observed nationwide and seroprevalence was 9.1% (95%CI 7.6-10.8%). Seroprevalence in Nairobi was 22.7% (18.0-27.7%). Although most people remained susceptible, SARS-CoV-2 had spread widely in Kenya with apparently low associated mortality.