Seroprevalence of IgG Anti-SARS-CoV-2 among Voluntary Blood Donors in Dubai: Demographic and Risk Factors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: During the pandemic of CO­VID-19, additional blood donor eligibility criteria have been added to ensure safety of donors and donations. The aim of this study is to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody in eligible donors and to study the demography and lifestyle of asymptomatic cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One thousand four hundred eighteen eligible donors were enrolled in this study in the Dubai Blood Donation Center from August to December 2020. Blood samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibody. Donors' demographic characteristics and lifestyle were studied further. The χ² test was used to analyze the data association. RESULTS: 88.4% of the studied group were males, 85% were from age 17 to 45 years, and 53% were regular donors. The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody was 13.5% and significantly related to gender, frequency of donation, collection site, type of donation, and more frequent when donors shared transport and accommodation. Blood group and age had no significant association. 5.5% were found to have cough/fever or a history of contact with positive COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody was 13.5% among eligible blood donors, and hence the current eligibility criteria allow asymptomatic COVID-19 patients to donate blood. The seroprevalence was seen more in first time donors, suggesting that regular blood donors are safer. Additional risk factors related to lifestyle can be identified to ensure safety of transfusion during COVID-19 pandemic.