The purpose of this observational study is to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2antibodies in the community with pregnant women aged 15-49 years attending firstantenatal care as the sentinel population. Further, the study seeks: - To determine the feasibility and acceptability of SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests among pregnant women - To estimate the prevalence of HIV-COVID 19 co-infection among pregnant women aged 15-49 years - To determine sociodemographic factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among pregnant women - To compare trends in seroprevalence among pregnant women with routine surveillance data to determine if ANC sentinel surveillance is a viable surveillance strategy for SARS-CoV-2The main question it aims to answer is: - What is the seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 among pregnant women attending first ANC visit in Zambia?Participants will be expected to give consent to participating in the study on the day oftheir first antenatal visit. They should allow the collection of a dried blood spot forSARS-CoV-2 antibody test.
This surveillance platform may be able to provide key information on the spread of the
SARS-CoV-2 virus through the general population. By using serologic testing to understand
trends in the proportion of pregnant women over time who were exposed to SARS-CoV-2, we
will be able to understand not only the ultimate proportion of pregnant women who were
ever infected, but also be able to track and potentially detect outbreaks (e.g. in areas
with increasing positivity rates), unlike data that would be available from a single
cross-sectional survey, which could give the overall prevalence at a single point in
time.
Zambia is experiencing a SARS-CoV-2 epidemic. From March 18, 2020 to February 19, 2021,
at total of 73,203 confirmed cases have been reported in Zambia. However, the true number
is likely much larger, because surveillance systems for SARS-CoV-2 in Zambia are
incomplete.
Since 2020, the coronavirus disease has become a major public health concern and
sustainable and efficient surveillance platforms are urgently needed; assessing women
attending 1st ANC should provide insights into transmission trends in the general
population. This activity will determine what proportion of pregnant women demonstrate
evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection over time. The findings of this research may be used to
change the way health system monitors the epidemic and ensures health services are made
available with minimal disruptions.
The study was implemented at 39 public health facilities. A sample of 20 pregnant women
attending their first ANC visit at the selected study sites will be enrolled into the
study until the monthly sample size is reached.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Confirmed pregnant and are registered for their first ANC visit
- Aged 15 to 49 years
- Able to provide consent to participate and have blood sample collected for the
SARS-CoV-2 antibody test
Exclusion Criteria:
- Not first ANC visit for the pregnant woman
- Women less than 15 years or above 49 years old
- Women not able to provide consent for study participation
Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia
Lusaka, Zambia
Not Provided