Population-based seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a high-altitude setting in Peru

ABSTRACT Background Little evidence exists about the prevalence of COVID-19 infection at high altitude. We aimed to estimate the population-based seroprevalence of COVID-19 in Cusco at the end of the first wave. Methods A population-based survey was conducted in September 2020 in three settings in Cusco: (1) Cusco city at 3300 meters above the sea level (m.a.s.l.), (2) the periphery of Cusco (Santiago, San Jerónimo, San Sebastián, and Wanchaq) at 3300 m.a.s.l., and (3) Quillabamba city, located at 1050 m.a.s.l. People aged ≥18 years within a family unit were included. The diagnosis of COVID-19 infection was based on identifying total antibodies (IgM and IgG) anti-SARS-CoV-2 in serum using the Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 chemiluminescence test. Findings We enrolled 1924 participants from 712 families. Of the total, 637 participants were COVID-19 seropositive. Seroprevalence was 38·8% (95%CI: 33·4%-44·9%) in Cusco city, 34·9% (95%CI: 30·4%-40·1%) in the periphery of Cusco, and 20·3% (95%CI: 16·2%-25·6%) in Quillabamba. In 141 families (19·8%; 95%CI: 17·0%-22·8%) the whole members were positive to the test. Living with more than three persons in the same house, a positive COVID-19 case at home, and a member who died in the last five months were factors associated with COVID-19 positivity. The smell/taste alteration was the symptom most associated with seropositivity (aOR= 14·27, 95% CI: 8·24-24·70); whereas always wearing a face shield (aOR= 0·62; 95% CI: 0·46-0·84) or a facial mask (aOR= 0·65, 95% CI: 0·47-0·88) reduced that probability. Interpretation Seroprevalence of COVID-19 in Cusco was high, with significant differences between settings. Wearing masks and face shields were associated with lower rate of infection; however, efforts must be made to sustain them over time since there is still a high proportion of susceptible people. Funding Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico, Tecnológico y de Innovación Tecnológica (FONDECYT – Perú) and Universidad Andina del Cusco.