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.

Background: Many factors are involved in the development of SARS-CoV-۲ 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-۱۹ in Bandar Lengeh, Hormozgan province, southern Iran. Materials & Methods: Blood samples and demographic information were collected from suspected COVID-۱۹ 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-۲ infection. The thorax computed tomography (CT) was performed for all patients. Findings: According to the PCR test results, the prevalence rate of SARS-CoV-۲ infection was ۲۶.۹۲% among ۱۳۰ individuals enrolled in this study. SARS-CoV-۲ infection was more prevalent among clerks than in other occupational groups (p=۰.۰۱۷). Increased ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and decreased WBC (white blood cell), lymphocyte, and platelet counts were evident in COVID-۱۹ patients. Also, the prevalence of COVID-۱۹ infection was higher in patients with blood group A (۳۳.۳%) than in patients with other blood groups. The CRP (C-reactive protein) test was positive for ۳۱ patients whose PCR test was positive for SARS-CoV-۲. In addition, LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) level was higher in infected individuals compared to other participants (p=۰.۰۱۸). Conclusion: In addition to the PCR test result, the most effective factors for diagnosing COVID-۱۹ patients best on blood tests were as follows: increased CRP, ESR, and LDH levels and decreased WBC, lymphocyte, and platelet counts.

COVID-۱۹, Bandar Lengeh, Factors affecting, Iran.