Title: Sero-surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody (IgG) among garment workers in Banglades

Abstract

Background: Since the detection of first corona virus infection in Bangladesh on 8th March, 2020, it has been spread to the whole country quickly. Though there is lack of proper treatment facility, diagnostic facility, lack of awareness, unwillingness of people to follow the social distance guideline and lack of other containment strategies, the prevalence of COVID-19 infection especially severe and symptomatic infection among people of Bangladesh specially among working people like garment workers, people living in slum areas and rural areas are low. Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the sero-prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody (IgG) among garment workers in Bangladesh. Methods: An observation and cross-sectional study was carried out among 402 garment workers (69.4% female; mean age = 28.9 ± 6.9 years) in Dhaka city. A semi-structured questionnaire including informed consent as well as, socio-demographics and COVID-19 related information, was used to conduct the survey. Likewise, blood samples of all participants were also collected to measure the SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody (IgG). Serum level of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody (IgG) will be assessed by Chemiluminescent immunoassay technique as per instruction of manufacturer. Results: The prevalence of sero-prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody (IgG) was 80.8% which was slightly higher among females compared to male but not significant (82.1% vs. 78.0%, p > 0.05). It was notable that no significant differences were obtained in other socio-demographic information (e.g., age, education, marital status, residence, and economic status). Conclusions: The findings reflect that the SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody (IgG) was more prevalent among garment workers in Bangladesh. It may be due to the virus itself, genetic factor of virus, people and presence of preexisting immunity specially COVID-19 specific antibody due to previous cross infections with other corona viruses in Bangladesh.

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