Sero-Detection of Sars-Cov-2 Antibodies and some Associated Risk Factors among Staff of Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria

Mohammed N.,1 Ashafa M.A.,1 Akyala I.A.,1 Abba O.,1 Abubakar S.C.,1 Ukwaja V.C.1 Kabiru I.1 and Asi G.R.2

1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State
2Laboratory Department, University Health Services, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State

*Corresponding author: amashafa@fugusau.edu.ng, doi.org/10.55639/607.8485


ABSTRACT

This study was aimed at detecting the level of SARS-CoV-2 antibody response among the staff of Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State. A cross-sectional study design and clusteredstratified-random sampling strategy were used to sample staff of the University comprising academic, technical and non-academic staff. SARS CoV-2 antigen Rapid Tests were carried out using on the spot analysis of nasopharyngeal and blood samples of the participants using SARS-CoV-2 antigen RDT kits and total antibody ELISA kit. None of the samples collected was positive to the antigen RDT kit, however further confirmation with ELISA kit revealed a prevalence of 32.8%. This study showed that academic staffs are more exposed to SARS-CoV-2 viruses due to high incidence of antibodies detected among the academics; however the difference in the prevalence between academic and non-academic staff was not statistically significant. Knowledge of SARS-CoV-2, belief, behaviour towards COVID19 protocols, contact history and flu-like symptoms were risk factors that predispose one to SARS-CoV-2 viruses.

Keywords:

SARS-CoV-2,
Antibodies,
Sero-detection,
Naso-pharyngeal,
Gusau