Evolution of seroprevalence to SARS-CoV-2 in blood donors in Sarajevo
Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: cross-sectional and
longitudinal studies
Abstract
Background Sarajevo Canton in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
has recorded several waves of high SARS-CoV-2 transmission and has
struggled to reach adequate vaccination coverage. We describe the
evolution of infection- and vaccine-induced SARS-CoV-2 antibody response
and persistence. Methods We conducted repeated cross-sectional analyses
of blood donors aged 18-65 years in Sarajevo Canton in November-December
2020 and 2021. We analyzed serum samples for anti-nucleocapsid (anti-N)
and anti-spike (anti-S) antibodies. To assess immune durability, we
conducted longitudinal analyses of seropositive participants at 6 and 12
months. Results 1015 participants were included in Phase 1
(November-December 2020), and 1152 in Phase 2 (November-December 2021).
Seroprevalence increased significantly from 19.2% (95% CI:
17.2-21.4%) in Phase 1 to 91.6% (95% CI: 89.8-93.1%) in Phase 2.
Anti-S IgG titers were significantly higher among vaccinated (58.5%)
than unvaccinated infected participants across vaccine products
(p<0.001), though highest among those who received an mRNA
vaccine. At 6 months, 78/82 (95.1%) participants maintained anti-spike
seropositivity; at 12 months, 58/58 (100.0%) participants were
seropositive and 33 (56.9%) had completed the primary vaccine series
within 6 months. Among 11 unvaccinated participants who were not
reinfected at 12 months, anti-S IgG declined from median 770.1 (IQR
615.0-1321.7) to 290.8 (IQR 175.7-400.3). Anti-N IgG antibodies waned
earlier; from 35.4% seropositive at 6 months to 24.1% at 12 months.
Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence increased significantly over 12
months from end of 2020 to end of 2021. Although individuals with
previous infection may have residual protection, COVID-19 vaccination is
vital to strengthening population immunity.