Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Among Asymptomatic Healthcare Workers of Dezful Ganjavian Hospital, Southwest Iran

Abstract

Background: The 21st century has seen the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Objectives: Given the elevated risk of COVID-19 transmission among healthcare workers, our objective was to assess the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in asymptomatic healthcare workers at Dezful Ganjavian Hospital in 2021. Methods: A total of 276 participants were included in this descriptive cross-sectional study. The study assessed the participants' medical history, including autoimmune diseases, corticosteroid administration, and underlying conditions. Additionally, the history of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and exposure to COVID-19 patients was recorded. Results: The results showed that 32.6% of the participants had a history of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. No significant associations were found between the previous infection history and variables such as sex, age, corticosteroid administration, autoimmune disease, or exposure to COVID-19 patients. However, a significant association was observed between the participants' history of COVID-19 and underlying conditions. Serum analysis revealed that 10.1% of the participants tested positive for IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, while 1.8% tested positive for IgM antibodies. A significant relationship was found between the presence of IgG antibodies and a history of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Similarly, all participants with IgM antibodies had a history of previous infection. Conclusions: The study findings indicate that a significant proportion of asymptomatic healthcare workers at Dezful Ganjavian Hospital have been previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2. These results can inform infection control measures and help protect both healthcare workers and patients in the hospital setting.