SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence worldwide: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background COVID-19 is arguably the most important public health concern in 2020 worldwide, and efforts are now escalating to suppress or eliminate its spread. Objective In this study, we undertook a meta-analysis to estimate the global and regional SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rates in humans, and to assess whether seroprevalence associates with geographical, climatic and socio-demographic factors. Data sources We systematically reviewed PubMed, Scopus, Embase, medRxiv and bioRxiv databases for preprints or peer-reviewed articles (up to 14 August 2020). Study eligibility criteria Population-based studies describing the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 (IgG and/or IgM) serum antibodies. Participants People of different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds – from the general population – whose prior COVID-19 status was unknown were tested for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 serum antibodies. Interventions There were no interventions. Methods We used a random-effects model to estimate pooled seroprevalence, and then extrapolated the findings to the global population (for 2020). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses explored potential sources of heterogeneity in the data, and relationships between seroprevalence and socio-demographic, geographical and/or climatic factors. Results In total, 47 studies involving 399,265 people from 23 countries met the inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity (I2 = 99.4%, P Conclusion This study showed that SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence varied markedly among geographic regions, as might be expected early in a pandemic. Longitudinal surveys to continually monitor seroprevalence around the globe will be critical to support prevention and control efforts, and might indicate levels of endemic stability or instability in particular countries and regions. A. Rostami, Clin Microbiol Infect 2020.