No seroconversion among healthcare workers exposed to SARS-CoV-2 during the early phase of the pandemic
ABSTRACT Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is associated with morbidity, hospitalizations, absenteeism, and mortality among healthcare workers (HCW). Aim: To evaluate the seroconversion rate in HCW exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in the early pandemic phase in 2020 at a regional reference hospital. Material and Methods: One hundred seventy-nine HCW working at a regional hospital were invited to a longitudinal study performed between April-July 2020. A serological analysis by ELISA IgG for viral nucleoprotein and protein S with a secondary analysis by ELISA IgG protein S1/S2 for samples with positive or doubtful result was carried out together with a complementary online survey to inquire about occupational or community exposures to SARS-CoV-2. Results: Two cases with baseline infection were detected (1.1%, one symptomatic and one asymptomatic) and no cases of seroconversion were detected. During the study period, there were 136 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, and regional weekly COVID-19 incidence ranged from 2.7 to 24.4 per 100,000 inhabitants. No SARS-CoV-2 cases were detected by PCR among 27 HCW who consulted for respiratory symptoms in the period. Online surveys confirmed direct care of COVID-19 patients and also detected a high degree of unprotected social interaction at work. Conclusions: There was no evidence of seroconversion in this group of HCW exposed to the risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2 during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Personal protective equipment and other measures used by the HCW were extremely useful for their protection in the initial phase of the pandemic.
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Digital revista |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Sociedad Médica de Santiago
2023
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| Online Access: | http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0034-98872023000100023 |
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