Seroprevalence and Combined Profiles of IgM/IgG Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Ambulatory Patients in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Assiene Oyong Damase Serge
*
Department of Biology, Higher Institute of Medical Technology, Yaounde, Cameroon and Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon.
Tamdjo Ange Hillary
Department of Biology, Higher Institute of Medical Technology, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Minoué Kuum Marc Germain
Department of Biology, Higher Institute of Medical Technology, Yaounde, Cameroon and Départment of Psychology, Faculté of Lettees and Social Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon.
Youego Kouam Laetitia Elise
Department of Biology, Higher Institute of Medical Technology, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Cedric Gueguim
Department of Biology, Higher Institute of Medical Technology, Yaounde, Cameroon and Department of Environmental Sciences, Higher Institute of Agriculture, Wood, Water and the Environment, University of Bertoua, Belabo, Cameroon.
William Djeukeu Asongni
Department of Home Economics, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon.
Assiene Agamou Julien Armel
Department of Home Economics, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon.
Dieudonné Adiogo
Department of Biology, Higher Institute of Medical Technology, Yaounde, Cameroon and Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The study aims to assess the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies among ambulatory patients in Yaoundé and to identify clinical and demographic correlates associated with the humoral immune response.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2024 at the Central Hospital of Yaoundé. A probability sample of 350 adult patients was recruited. IgM and IgG antibodies were detected using indirect ELISA. Statistical analysis included the chi-square test, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05, multivariate logistic regression and multiple correspondence analysis (MCA).
Results: The study population was predominantly female (55.7%). The adjusted overall seroprevalence was 26.67% for IgM and 53.73% for IgG. Analysis of combined immune responses revealed that 39.49% of patients were IgM+/IgG−, 50.21% were IgM−/IgG+ and 60.50% were IgM+/IgG+. Asthenia (39.7%) and myalgia (35.1%) were the most frequent clinical manifestations. Multivariate logistic regression identified IgM status as the only statistically significant determinant of IgG presence (p = 0.012). MCA confirmed the limited discriminative power of symptoms with respect to serological status.
Conclusion: The study indicates a high level of exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The predominance of the IgM+/IgG+ profile suggests either an active infection phase or an important immunological transition within the hospital population, underscoring the need for continuous surveillance.
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, seroprevalence, IgM, IgG, ELISA, humoral immune response, ambulatory patients, serological surveillance