Prevalence, Viral Load Dynamics, and Factors Influencing SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Cross-sectional Study in Lahore, Pakistan

Ali Ahsan, Zahra Kalim, Muhammad Abdul Qadeer, Muhammad Saif Ullah Khan, Muhammad Imran, Muhammad Anees Sharif, Kiran Jalil, Chaudhry Ahmed Shabbir

Abstract


Background: The pandemic caused by novel coronavirus has caused disaster worldwide and impacted the clinical settings with huge burden. The virus presented with diverse patterns of severity and the gold standard testing for corona virus was real-time PCR.

Methods: This study aimed to understand the impact of the coronavirus healthcare crisis by examining SARS-CoV-2 prevalence and viral load patterns. A substantial population sample from Lahore's diagnostic center was analyzed. A total of 17,260 samples were received out of which 1548 samples were meticulously analyzed to study the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 patients by age group and gender between October 2021 and December 2022. CT ranges in positive cases were examined across various age groups. Descriptive statistics for viral load, factoring in gender, age, and vaccination status, were reported. To comprehensively assess the influence of gender and age on viral load, a multivariate analysis employing two-way ANOVA was conducted, yielding valuable insights.

Results: Among the sampled individuals, the positive patients (n=1250, 80.7%) were predominantly male (mean age 36.08 years), while females (n=298, 19.3%) had a mean age of 37.69. The positivity prevalence was 8.96% with CT values spanning 12 to 35. Mainly, cases occurred in CT ranges 26-30 (29.97%) and 31-35 (28.43%). Males showed higher mean viral load (25.88 ± 5.75) than females (23.25 ± 4.94). Age groups didn't significantly alter viral load; vaccination showed no significant viral load association. Gender and age collectively influenced viral load dynamics per multiple logistic regression.

Conclusion: The study emphasizes the significant SARS-CoV-2 burden and the necessity for sustained surveillance and prevention. Gender and age impacted viral load dynamics, while vaccination's direct influence was inconclusive. Investigating the intricate relationship between gender, age, viral load, and outcomes is warranted for improved epidemiological comprehension and effective prevention strategies.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; Viral load; Prevalence; Vaccination; Public health; Infection dynamic  


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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.62940/als.v12i1.2973

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