Tarbiat Modares University Infection Epidemiology and Microbiology 2588-4107 8 1 2022 02 01 Studying the Relationship between COVID-19 and Clinical, Laboratory, and Demographic Data in Patients Referring to Shahid Rajaei Governmental Health Centers in Bandar Lengeh 35 42 1872 10.52547/iem.8.1.35 EN Maryam Ghobahi Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical, Sciences Bandar Abbas, Iran. Behnosh Heidari Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical, Sciences Bandar Abbas, Iran Maryam Arfaatabar Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kashan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kashan, Iran Enayat Aghel Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical, Sciences Bandar Abbas, Iran. Fatemeh Rahimi Shohada hospital, Hormozgan University of Medical, Sciences Bandar Abbas, Iran. Marziyeh Yazdanpanah Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical, Sciences Bandar Abbas, Iran. Sareh Bagheri-Josheghani Vice Chancellor for Clinical Affairs, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran Zohreh Fakhrieh-Kashan Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Journal Article Background: Many factors are involved in the development of SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals in each region, such as physiological conditions, underlying diseases, and observance of personal protection and hygiene; therefore, this study aimed to investigate factors affecting the incidence of COVID-19 in Bandar Lengeh, Hormozgan province, southern Iran.<br> Materials & Methods: Blood samples and demographic information were collected from suspected COVID-19 patients referring to Shahid Rajaei governmental health centers in Bandar Lengeh city. Hematological, biochemical, and serological tests were performed on the samples. PCR experiment was conducted to confirm SARS-CoV-2 infection. The thorax computed tomography (CT) was performed for all patients.<br> Findings: According to the PCR test results, the prevalence rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 26.92% among 130 individuals enrolled in this study. SARS-CoV-2 infection was more prevalent among clerks than in other occupational groups (p=0.017). Increased ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and decreased WBC (white blood cell), lymphocyte, and platelet counts were evident in COVID-19 patients. Also, the prevalence of COVID-19 infection was higher in patients with blood group A (33.3%) than in patients with other blood groups. The CRP (C-reactive protein) test was positive for 31 patients whose PCR test was positive for SARS-CoV-2. In addition, LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) level was higher in infected individuals compared to other participants (p=0.018).<br> Conclusion: In addition to the PCR test result, the most effective factors for diagnosing COVID-19 patients best on blood tests were as follows: increased CRP, ESR, and LDH levels and decreased WBC, lymphocyte, and platelet counts.<span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span> https://iem.modares.ac.ir/article_1872_2f25f6e326adb93c5787175dda209ab6.pdf