Post COVID syndrome in health care workers in Tunisia: is there any correlation with SARS-CoV-2 IgG level?

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> The correlation between the level of IgG titers and disease severity during the acute phase of COVID-19 is well described. However, rare data are available on possible association between IgG titre and post COVID syndrome (PCS). <b>Methods:</b> It was a prospective study. HCW who presented to the post-COVID outpatient clinic, 3 months after recovery were included. HCW were asked about the acute phase of COVID-19 and PCS symptoms and had serum samples for SARS-CoV-2 IgG. <b>Aim:</b> analyse&nbsp;the incidence of PCS among health care workers (HCW) and correlation with SARS-COV2 IgG level. <b>Results:</b> 108 HCW were included (mean age: 42.12± 10.31 years, sex ratio was 0,4). Initially, 4.6% experienced severe disease. PCS was detected in 63% of cases. Main symptoms were memory impairment (36.8%), fatigue (35.3%), dry cough (32.4%), dyspnea (32.4%) and asthenia (29.4%). The incidence was 100%, 57,1% and 62,7% in patients with severe pneumonia, mild pneumonia and without pneumonia, respectively (p=0,079, p=0,45 and p=0,92) (The incidence was 7,4%, 23,5% and 69,1% in patients with severe pneumonia, mild pneumonia and without pneumonia, respectively (p=0,079, p=0,45 and p=0,92)). At Follow up, the IgG level was positive in 70.4% of cases with an average rate of 8.44. HCW with PCS, were more likely to have a positive IgG level (67% vs 32%; p=0,41). Moreover, IgG rate was higher in this population (9.06 vs 7,48; p=0,38). Patients with no IgG had 40% less possibility to have PCS symptoms. <b>Conclusion:</b> The present study confirmed a high incidence of PCS in HCW. These symptoms were associated to a higher level of IgG suggesting immunological mecanisms. Further studies are needed to confirm these data.