This Slovenian national study using a probability-based sample was planned in two phases. The first cross-sectional phase, which took place between 20 April and 1 May 2020, was performed to determine the burden of active SARS-CoV-2 infections in the general population that may have gone undetected within the past and current testing approaches and epidemiologic contact tracing. The second phase included longitudinal tracking of the cohort, allowing close and active monitoring of the epidemic dynamics at the population level in the following 6 months.
D.04 Initiative to set up a new research area in Slovenia
COBISS.SI-ID: 23262211Seroprevalence surveys provide crucial information on cumulative severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) exposure. This Slovenian nationwide population study is the first longitudinal 6-month serosurvey using probability-based samples across all age categories.SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Slovenia increased four-fold from late April to October/November 2020, mainly due to a devastating second wave.The main lessons learned were a need for caution when relying on manufacturer-generated assay evaluation data, the importance of multiple manufacturer-independent assay performance assessments, the need for concomitant use of highly-specific serological assays targeting different SARS-CoV-2 proteins in serosurveys conducted in low-prevalence settings or during epidemic exponential growth and the usefulness of a Bayesian approach for overcoming complex methodological challenges.
D.04 Initiative to set up a new research area in Slovenia
COBISS.SI-ID: 62248195The article summarizes current knowledge about the onset of an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 virus, describes virus transmission, possible clinical presentations of infection, quarantine when infected, infection control, and self-protection with preventive measures.
D.08 Management and development of research activities
COBISS.SI-ID: 34743001