Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the first coronavirus that has caused a pandemic. Assessing the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare worker groups offers a unique opportunity to study the correlation between seroconversion and immunization because of their occupational exposure and a higher risk of contagion. The study enrolled 3242 asymptomatic employees of “Policlinico Riuniti”, Foggia. After the first screening, we collected sequential serum samples for up to 23 weeks from the same subjects. In order to perform a longitudinal follow-up study and get information about the titration of IgG levels, we analyzed data from subjects (33) with at least two consecutive serological IgG—positive tests; 62 (1.9%; 95% CI: 1.4–2.3) tested positive for at least one anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody. The seroprevalence was lower in the high-risk group 1.4% (6/428; 95% CI: 0.5–2.6) vs. the intermediate-risk group 2.0% (55/2736; 95% CI: 1.5–2.5). Overall, within eight weeks, we detected a mean reduction of –17% in IgG levels. Our data suggest a reduction of about 9.27 AU/mL every week (R2 = 0.35, p = 0.0003). This study revealed the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among Foggia’s hospital healthcare staff (1.9%). Moreover, the IgG level reduction suggests that the serological response fades fast in asymptomatic infections.
Highlights
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the first coronavirus that has caused a pandemic
In agreement with the Department of Health Promotion of the Apulia region, the Chief of Staff of our hospital activated a strategy for early detection of potential COVID-19 outbreaks among the personnel of Policlinico Riuniti Hospital, Foggia
The employees’ group was stratified into 3 subgroups, as follows: (1) Departments with a higher potential risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2, such as the emergency room (ER), intensive care unit (ICU), and pneumology unit (PI), infectious diseases (ID), and laboratory staff; (2) the remaining departments were classified as an intermediate-risk group (Other Departments); (3) administrative personnel (Smart Working Offices), with a lower risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2
Summary
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the first coronavirus that has caused a pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 was identified in the Chinese province of Hubei and rapidly spread all over the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic on 11 March 2020 [1]. As of 6 June 2020, over 6.6 million confirmed cases and 392,803 deaths worldwide had been reported [2]. The current clinical management of the disease is still based on standard symptom therapies as we do not yet have vaccines or drugs that can effectively cure it. The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak is an unprecedented event. The rapid spread of SARS-COV-2 is most likely due to respiratory and aerial droplet transmission.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
