Varicella Seroprevalence among Healthcare Workers: A Pilot Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in Northern India

Abstract

Introduction: Susceptible Healthcare Workers (HCWs) lacking immunity to Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) can get infected and spread the infection to their patients. Effective screening can help in early vaccination to limit nosocomial transmission of VZV. Aim: To assess the seroprevalence of VZV among HCWs. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based pilot study where serum samples were collected from 201 HCWs working in different departments of the Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India and its eight associated hospitals over a period from January 2021 to February 2021, after obtaining their consent to participate in the study. Samples were tested for VZV Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies using the Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) method (NovaLisaVZVIgG, ELISA Kit). Variables including age, sex, professional category, history of varicella infection, and VZV vaccination were collected in a proforma. Statistical analysis was done using Open Epi version 3.01. Results: The overall prevalence of antibodies to varicella was 150/196 (76.53%). HCWs had equivocal results in 4 (2.04%) cases. An age-related increase in seroprevalence was observed. Only 6/196 (3.06%) participants were vaccinated against VZV, and 38/196 (19.39%) participants had a history of VZV infection in the past. Conclusion: The present study found a significant proportion of HCWs susceptible to VZV, making them potentially at risk of acquiring and transmitting the infection. This reinforces the need for screening HCWs against VZV and vaccinating them whenever necessary to protect the patients.