Seroprevalence survey finds every third in Kyrgyzstan had COVID-19 antibodies in August

AKIPRESS.COM - The first phase of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence survey was completed in Kyrgyzstan, the Ministry of Health reported.
The survey was conducted from July to October 2020 with technical assistance of WHO Country Office.
The serology testing aimed to study the percentage of population with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by age, gender and location for evidence-based public health response measures.
4,691 people were tested during the survey.
The survey found that the percentage of people having SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by the beginning of August made 30.8%.
The high SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence level was found in the following regions:
- Naryn region - 62.7%;
- Chui region - 50.3%;
- Talas region - 49%;
- Issyk-Kul region - 46%;
- Bishkek - 52.2%.
The low percentage of population with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was found in the south of the country:
- Batken region - 13%;
- Jalal-Abad region - 13.0%;
- Osh region - 16.3%;
- Osh - 14.6%.
The low percentage of people with antibodies is explained with that the samples were taken at the beginning of July there, when antibodies were just developing, whereas samples in the northern parts of the country were taken in late July and early August.
According to the Ministry of Health, analysis of coronavirus infection incidence dynamics showed the regions with low level of collective immunity saw spike in daily coronavirus cases in October compared to the regions with high SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence level.
According to preliminary information, people having SARS-CoV-2 antibodies had clinical symptoms of COVID-19 in 70.8% cases. 22% of them visited medical facilities and 6% were hospitalized.
The Ministry of Health plans to continue serology testing further.