Longitudinal Tracking of COVID-19 seroprevalence and Host Risk-Factors Study in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan

Collaborative Research Program 2021-2023

To determine the COVID-19 seroprevalence of Kazakhstan population by testing for the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies to SARS-COV-2 over the course of one year, using random sampling of selected participants. Differences between general population and healthcare workers, as well as between various ethnic and other groups will also be analyzed. The result of this longitudinal study will provide baseline information regarding the COVID-19 seroprevalence status of the Kazakhstan population, which will be tracked over the course of one year. This study will also provide insights about the nature of some host risk factors that may be unique, since the number of cases registered in Kazakhstan is much lower than neighboring countries including China and Russia. The study results can inform some crucial official decisions and policies to implement control and preventative measures against COVID-19 such as a probable nationwide vaccination program when the efficacious and safe vaccine becomes available.