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The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Malaysia: 7 August to 11 October 2020

Zhuo-Lin Chong1, Wan Shakira Rodzlan Hasani2, Filza Noor Asari1

  • 1Institute for Public Health, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia Setia Alam Selangor Malaysia.

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses
|October 4, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study found a low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Malaysia before vaccines were available. A significant number of infections were asymptomatic and undiagnosed, highlighting the need for better detection methods.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Malaysia recorded approximately 15,000 COVID-19 cases by mid-October 2020.
  • Undiagnosed and asymptomatic infections likely contributed to a higher true SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) prevalence.
  • Seroprevalence studies are crucial for accurately estimating the extent of viral infections by detecting antibodies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Malaysia's general population.
  • To quantify the proportion of asymptomatic and undiagnosed SARS-CoV-2 infections.
  • To provide baseline data before the emergence of new variants and widespread vaccination.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional seroprevalence study was conducted with 5,131 participants aged 1 year and above.
  • Two-stage stratified random cluster sampling ensured population representativeness.
  • SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed using antibody screening (Wantai ELISA) and virus neutralization tests (GenScript sVNT).

Main Results:

  • The overall weighted prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 0.49% (95% CI: 0.28-0.85).
  • Approximately 84.1% of individuals with past infection were asymptomatic.
  • Around 90.1% of those infected were undiagnosed prior to the study.

Conclusions:

  • Malaysia exhibited low pre-variant, pre-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence.
  • A substantial proportion of infections were asymptomatic and undiagnosed.
  • Findings supported the adoption of rapid antigen tests to improve case detection and control measures.
Keywords:
COVID‐19MalaysiaSARS‐CoV‐2WHO‐UNITY studiesseroprevalence

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