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The second round of a population-based seroprevalence study of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and the assessment of COVID-19 vaccination in the Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • +12
  • Jela Acimovic,
  • Biljana Mijović,
  • Srđan Mašić,
  • Miroslav Petkovic,
  • Dragana Puhalo Sladoje,
  • Darija Knežević,
  • Jelena Đaković Dević,
  • Dragan Spaić,
  • Jelena Vladićić Mašić,
  • Dejan Bokonjić,
  • Mirza Palo,
  • Aisling VAUGHAN,
  • Richard Pebody,
  • Anthony Nardone,
  • Ranko Škrbić
Jela Acimovic
Public Health Institute of the Republic of Srpska

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Biljana Mijović
University of East Sarajevo Medical Faculty
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Srđan Mašić
University of East Sarajevo Medical Faculty
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Miroslav Petkovic
University of Banja Luka
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Dragana Puhalo Sladoje
University of East Sarajevo Medical Faculty
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Darija Knežević
University of Banja Luka
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Jelena Đaković Dević
Public Health Institute of the Republic of Srpska
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Dragan Spaić
University of East Sarajevo Medical Faculty
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Jelena Vladićić Mašić
University of East Sarajevo Medical Faculty
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Dejan Bokonjić
University of East Sarajevo Medical Faculty
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Mirza Palo
World Health Organization Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Aisling VAUGHAN
World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe
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Richard Pebody
World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe
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Anthony Nardone
Epiconcept SAS
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Ranko Škrbić
University of Banja Luka
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Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, after five waves of COVID-19 and one year after introduction of vaccination to better understand the true extent of the COVID-19 pandemic and role of vaccination in achieving herd immunity. Methods: The population-based study was conducted from December 2021 to February 2022 in a group of 4,463 individuals from the Republika Srpska. Total anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were determined in serum specimens using the Wantai total antibody ELISA assay and Kantaro Quantitative IgG assays. Results: The overall cumulative seroprevalence was 94.6%. Of all participants, 61.3% were vaccinated against COVID-19. Significantly higher seroprevalence rates were observed among vaccinated participants. Among various professions, the highest seroprevalence was found in the service industry (98.1%), education (98.0%) and healthcare (96.9%). This study found that 2.2% of vaccinated participants, and 3.6% of individuals with SARS-CoV-2 positivity during 2021, had no detectable IgG antibodies. Both seroprevalence and antibody titres were significantly higher in people with hybrid immunity. Conclusion: Our findings reveal a 2,3-fold increase in seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies due to infection and vaccination, comparing to the first study performed one year earlier. This study provides better understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 transmission and highlights the important role of the vaccination in achieving the population immunity. Periodically conducted population-based seroprevalence studies are important for assessment of surveillance system performance and public compliance with vaccination policies. Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, seroprevalence, population-based study, Bosnia and Herzegovina, UNITY, SEROPREV.
03 Oct 2023Submitted to Influenza and other respiratory viruses
05 Oct 2023Submission Checks Completed
05 Oct 2023Assigned to Editor
19 Oct 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
05 Feb 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
20 Feb 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major
27 Jun 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
22 Jul 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
17 Aug 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
06 Oct 20242nd Revision Received
28 Oct 2024Submission Checks Completed
28 Oct 2024Assigned to Editor
28 Oct 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending