Seropositivity and flight-associated risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection among asylum seekers arriving in Berlin, Germany - a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Refugees and asylum seekers might be at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to precarious living conditions during flight.

Methods

Between March 24th and June 15th 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional study among adult asylum seekers arriving in Berlin. Each participant was tested for acute SARS-CoV-2 infection with a nasopharyngeal swab using reverse transcriptase PCR (rt-PCR), and for anti-SARS-CoV-2-S1 IgG antibodies using ELISA. Seropositivity, antibody avidity, and data on flight history were used to categorize individuals into two groups according to the estimated time of infection before or during flight. Sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19 related symptoms, hygiene behaviors, and living conditions during transit were assessed using two self

SUBMITTER: Brandt A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10291620 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature