Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Palestine: a cross-sectional seroepidemiological study

Qutob, N.; Awartani, F.; Salah, Z.; Asia, M.; Abu Khader, I.; Herzallah, K.; Balqis, N.; Sallam, H.

Seroprevalence rates are important indicators to the epidemiology of Covid-19 and the rates vary according to the population. In Palestine, there is lack of data on the the percentage of undiagnosed population with previous mild or asymptomatic COVID-19. The purpose of this study is to assess the seroprevalence rate in the Palestinian population residing in the West Bank. Blood samples were collected from1319 adults from Palestinian households in the West Bank and 1136 individuals visiting laboratories for a routine checkup. Serological tests for the 2455 serum samples were done using an Immunoassay for the qualitative detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 .The random sample of Palestinians living in the West Bank yielded 0% seroprevalence with 95% CI [0,0.0036], while the lab referrals sample yielded 4 positive cases. Hence the estimated seroprevalence in this sample is 0.354% with 95% CI [0.0011,0096]. Our results indicate that seroprevalence persist low and is inadequate to provide herd immunity and emphasize the need to maintain health measures to keep the outbreak under control.