scholarly journals Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Among Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Academic Hospital in New York City

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayce Mansour ◽  
Emily Levin ◽  
Kimberly Muellers ◽  
Kimberly Stone ◽  
Rao Mendu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Academic Hospital ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Frontline Staff ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Cdc Guidelines ◽  
Viral Illness

Background: SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing is important for understanding immunity prevalence, and may have implications for healthcare workers (HCW) during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Methods: We conducted immunologic testing of healthcare workers to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG in this population. HCW were advised to wait at least two weeks from time of symptom onset or suspected exposure before undergoing testing. All participants were self-reported asymptomatic for at least three days at the time of testing. Results: Two hundred eighty-five samples were collected from March 24, 2020 to April 4, 2020. The average age of participants was 38 years (range 18-84), and 54% were male. Thirty-three percept tested IgG positive, 3% tested weakly positive, and 64% tested negative. Neither age nor sex was associated with antibody development. Conclusion: Thirty-six percent of HCW had IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, reflecting the high exposure of inpatient and ambulatory frontline staff to this viral illness, most of whom had minimal symptoms and were working in the weeks preceding testing. While we continue to recommend standard protective precautions per CDC guidelines for all HCW, HCW with SARS-CoV-2 IgG may become our safest frontline providers as we learn if our IgG antibodies confer immunity. Knowing IgG antibody status may ease concerns regarding personal risk as this pandemic continues.

scholarly journals COVID-19 symptoms, duration, and prevalence among healthcare workers in the New York metropolitan area

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Fran A. Ganz-Lord ◽  
Kathryn R. Segal ◽  
Michael L. Rinke
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Return To Work ◽  
Sore Throat ◽  
Symptom Onset ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Shortness Of Breath ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
York Metropolitan Area ◽  
Antibody Tests

Abstract Objective: To evaluate symptoms, workforce implications, and testing patterns related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among healthcare workers (HCWs) in the New York metropolitan area during spring 2020. Design: Retrospective cohort study of occupational health services (OHS) records. Setting: A large, urban, academic medical center with 5 inpatient campuses and multiple ambulatory centers throughout Bronx and Westchester counties. Participants: We included HCWs who called OHS to report COVID-19 symptoms and had either severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or IgG antibody testing. Methods: We analyzed the impact of COVID-19–related symptoms on (1) time from symptom onset to return to work, (2) the results of SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal PCR testing, and (3) the results of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody testing in HCWs with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Results: The median time from symptom onset until return to work for HCWs who did not require hospitalization was 15 days (interquartile range, 10–22). Shortness of breath, fever, sore throat, and diarrhea were significantly associated with longer durations from symptom onset to return to work. Among symptomatic HCWs who had PCR testing during the study period, 51.9% tested positive. Of the previously symptomatic HCWs who had IgG antibody testing, 55.4% had reactive tests. Ageusia was associated with having both positive PCR and reactive antibody tests. Sore throat was associated with both negative PCR and nonreactive antibody tests. Conclusion: HCWs with COVID-19 who did not require hospitalization still had prolonged illness. Shortness of breath, fever, sore throat, and diarrhea are associated with longer durations of time away from work.

scholarly journals Immunoglobulin (Ig)A seropositivity against SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers in Israel, 4 April to 13 July 2020: an observational study

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (48) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaniv Lustig ◽  
Carmit Cohen ◽  
Asaf Biber ◽  
Hanaa Jaber ◽  
Yael Becker Ilany ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Exposure Risk ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Iga Antibodies ◽  
Iga Response ◽  
Antibody Elisa

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has put healthcare workers (HCW) at significant risk. Presence of antibodies can confirm prior severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Aim This study investigates the prevalence of IgA and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in HCW. Methods Performance of IgA and IgG antibody ELISA assays were initially evaluated in positive and negative SARS-CoV-2 serum samples. IgA and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were measured in 428 asymptomatic HCW. We assessed the risk of two groups: HCW with high exposure risk outside work (HROW) residing in areas where COVID-19 was endemic (n = 162) and HCW with high exposure risk at work (HRAW) in a COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) (n = 97). Results Sensitivities of 80% and 81.2% and specificities of 97.2% and 98% were observed for IgA and IgG antibodies, respectively. Of the 428 HCW, three were positive for IgG and 27 for IgA. Only 3/27 (11%) IgA-positive HCW had IgG antibodies compared with 50/62 (81%) in a group of previous SARS-CoV-2-PCR-positive individuals. Consecutive samples from IgA-positive HCW demonstrated IgA persistence 18–83 days in 12/20 samples and IgG seroconversion in 1/20 samples. IgA antibodies were present in 8.6% of HROW and 2% of HRAW. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 exposure may lead to asymptomatic transient IgA response without IgG seroconversion. The significance of these findings needs further study. Out of work exposure is a possible risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCW and infection in HCW can be controlled if adequate protective equipment is implemented.

SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Among Healthcare Workers by Job Function and Work Location in a New York Inner-City Hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Murli U Purswani ◽  
Jessica Bucciarelli ◽  
Jose Tiburcio ◽  
Shamuel M Yagudayev ◽  
Georgia H Connell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
New York ◽  
Inner City ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Administrative Staff ◽  
City Hospital ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Pharmacy Staff ◽  
Work Location ◽  
Job Function

OBJECTIVE: To describe the seroprevalence and risk for SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers (HCWs) by job function and work location following the pandemic’s first wave in New York City (NYC). METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted between May 18 and June 26, 2020, during which HCWs at a large inner-city teaching hospital in NYC received voluntary antibody testing. The main outcome was presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies indicating previous infection. Seroprevalence and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for seropositivity by type and location of work were calculated using logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Of 2,749 HCWs tested, 831 tested positive, yielding a crude seroprevalence of 30.2% (95% CI, 29%-32%). Seroprevalence ranged from 11.1% for pharmacy staff to 44.0% for nonclinical HCWs comprised of patient transporters and housekeeping and security staff, with 37.5% for nurses and 20.9% for administrative staff. Compared to administrative staff, aORs (95% CIs) for seropositivity were 2.54 (1.64-3.94) for nurses; 2.51 (1.42-4.43) for nonclinical HCWs; between 1.70 and 1.83 for allied HCWs such as patient care technicians, social workers, registration clerks and therapists; and 0.80 (0.50-1.29) for physicians. Compared to office locations, aORs for the emergency department and inpatient units were 2.27 (1.53-3.37) and 1.48 (1.14-1.92), respectively. CONCLUSION: One-third of hospital-based HCWs were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 by the end of the first wave in NYC. Seroprevalence differed by job function and work location, with the highest estimated risk for nurses and the emergency department, respectively. These findings support current nationwide policy prioritizing HCWs for receipt of newly authorized COVID-19 vaccines.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence study of SARS-CoV-2 infection in General Practice in Ireland

BJGP Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. BJGPO.2021.0038
Author(s):  
Michael Edmund O'Callaghan ◽  
Elizabeth Ryan ◽  
Cathal Walsh ◽  
Peter Hayes ◽  
Monica Casey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Seroprevalence Study ◽  
History Of ◽  
Pcr Test

Background: SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing in community settings may help us better understand the immune response to this virus and therefore help guide public health efforts. Aim: Conduct a seroprevalence study of IgG antibodies in Irish GP clinics. Design and Setting: Participants were 172 staff and 799 patients of 15 general practices in the Midwest region of Ireland. Methods: This seroprevalence study utilised 2 manufacturers’ point-of-care (POC) SARS-CoV-2 IgM-IgG combined antibody tests, offered to patients and staff in general practice from mid-June to mid-July 2020. Results: Immunoglobulin G (IgG) seroprevalence was 12.6% in patients attending general practice and 11.1% in staff working in general practice, with administrative staff having the lowest seroprevalence at 2.5% and nursing staff having the highest at 17.6%. Previous symptoms suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 and history of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test were associated with higher seroprevalence. IgG antibodies were detected in approximately 80% of participants who had a previous PCR-confirmed infection. Average length of time between participants’ positive PCR test and positive IgG antibody test was 83 days. Conclusion: Patients and healthcare staff in general practice in Ireland had relatively high rates of IgG to SARS-CoV-2 compared to the national average at the time (1.7%). Four-fifths of participants with a history of confirmed COVID-19 disease still had detectable antibodies an average of 12 weeks post-infection. While not proof of immunity, SARS-CoV-2 POC testing can be used to estimate IgG seroprevalence in general practice settings.

scholarly journals Validation of dried blood spot sample modifications to two commercially available COVID-19 IgG antibody immunoassays

Bioanalysis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theodore T Zava ◽  
David T Zava
Keyword(s):  
Venous Blood ◽  
Dried Blood Spot ◽  
Blood Collection ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Nucleocapsid Proteins ◽  
Antibody Assays ◽  
Finger Stick ◽  
Blood Spot

Aim: Coronavirus disease 2019 antibody testing often relies on venous blood collection, which is labor-intensive, inconvenient and expensive compared with finger-stick capillary dried blood spot (DBS) collection. The purpose of our work was to determine if two commercially available anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for IgG antibodies against spike S1 subunit and nucleocapsid proteins could be validated for use with DBS. Materials & methods: Kit supplied reagents were used to extract DBS, and in-house DBS calibrators were included on every run. Results: Positive/negative concordance between DBS and serum was 100/99.3% for the spike S1 subunit assay and 100/98% for the nucleocapsid assay. Conclusion: Validation of the DBS Coronavirus disease 2019 IgG antibody assays demonstrated that serum and DBS can produce equivalent results with minimal kit modifications.

scholarly journals Results and Impact of Intensive SARS-CoV-2 Testing in a High Volume, Outpatient Radiation Oncology Clinic in a Pandemic Hotspot

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean M McBride ◽  
Kimberly Bundick ◽  
Harper Hubbeling ◽  
Morgan Freret ◽  
Leslie Modlin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
New York City ◽  
Radiation Oncology ◽  
Radiation Treatment ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
External Radiation ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Igg Antibody

Background: In an attempt to reduce interruptions in radiation treatment, our department implemented universal SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing during the peak of the New York City COVID-19 epidemic. Methods: Starting 4/18/20, outpatients coming into the Department of Radiation Oncology for either simulation or brachytherapy were required to undergo PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2. Starting on 5/6/20, patients were offered simultaneous SARS CoV-2 IgG antibody testing. Results: Between 4/18/20-6/25/20, 1360 patients underwent 1,401 outpatient screening visits (Table 1). Of the patients screened, 411 were screened between 4/18/20 and 5/6/20 (Phase 1) with PCR testing: 13 (3.1%) patients were PCR positive. From 5/7/20 to 6/25/20, 990 patients were scheduled for both PCR and antibody testing (Phase 2), including 41 previously screened in Phase 1. Of those with known antibody status (n=952), 5.5% were seropositive. After 5/21/20, no screened patient (n=605) tested PCR positive. In the month prior to screening (3/17/20-4/19/20), 24 of 625 patients initiating external radiation had treatment interrupted due to COVID-19 infection (3.8%) vs 7 of 600 patients (1.1%) in the month post screening (4/20/20-5/24/20) (p=0.002). Conclusions: State-wide mitigation efforts, coupled with intensive departmental screening, helped prevent interruptions in radiation during the COVID-19 epidemic that could have compromised treatment efficacy.

scholarly journals Kinetics and performance of the Abbott Architect SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody assay

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fergus Hamilton ◽  
Peter Muir ◽  
Marie Attwood ◽  
Alan Noel ◽  
Barry Vipond ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Antibody Assay ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Hospitalised Patients ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Negative Controls ◽  
Abbott Architect

ObjectivesTo assess the performance (sensitivity and specificity) of the Abbott Architect SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody assay across three clinical settings.MethodsAntibody testing was performed on three clinical cohorts of COVID-19 disease: hospitalised patients with PCR confirmation, hospitalized patients with a clinical diagnosis but negative PCR, and symptomatic healthcare workers (HCW’s). Pre-pandemic respiratory infection sera were tested as negative controls. The sensitivity of the assay was calculated at different time points (<5 days, 5-9 days, 10-14 days, 15-19 days, >20 days, >42 days), and compared between cohorts.ResultsPerformance of the Abbot Architect SARS-CoV-2 assay varied significantly between cohorts. For PCR confirmed hospitalised patients (n = 114), early sensitivity was low: <5 days: 44.4% (95%CI: 18.9%-73.3%), 5-9 days: 32.6% (95%CI, 20.5%-47.5%), 10-14 days: 65.2% (95% CI 44.9%-81.2%), 15-20 days: 66.7% (95% CI: 39.1%-86.2%) but by day 20, sensitivity was 100% (95%CI, 86.2-100%).In contrast, 17 out of 114 symptomatic healthcare workers tested at >20 days had negative results, generating a sensitivity of 85.1% (95%CI, 77.4% - 90.5%). All pre-pandemic sera were negative, a specificity of 100%. Seroconversion rates were similar for PCR positive and PCR negative hospitalised cases.ConclusionsThe sensitivity of the Abbot Architect SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay increases over time, with sensitivity not peaking until 20 days post symptoms. Performance varied markedly by setting, with sensitivity significantly worse in symptomatic healthcare workers than in the hospitalised cohort. Clinicians, policymakers, and patients should be aware of the reduced sensitivity in this setting.

scholarly journals Joint Detection of Serum IgM/IgG Antibody Is an Important Key to Clinical Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fang Hu ◽  
Xiaoling Shang ◽  
Meizhou Chen ◽  
Changliang Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Screening Tool ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Joint Detection ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Important Diagnostic Tool ◽  
Acid Test ◽  
Combined Detection

Background. This study was aimed to investigate the application of SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies in diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. Method. This study enrolled a total of 178 patients at Huangshi Central Hospital from January to February 2020. Among them, 68 patients were SARS-CoV-2 infected, confirmed with nucleic acid test (NAT) and CT imaging. Nine patients were in the suspected group (NAT negative) with fever and other respiratory symptoms. 101 patients were in the control group with other diseases and negative to SARS-CoV-2 infection. After serum samples were collected, SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies were tested by chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) for all patients. Results. The specificity of serum IgM and IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 was 99.01% (100/101) and 96.04% (97/101), respectively, and the sensitivity was 88.24% (60/68) and 97.06% (66/68), respectively. The combined detection rate of SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies was 98.53% (67/68). Conclusion. Combined detection of serum SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies had better sensitivity compared with single IgM or IgG antibody testing, which can be used as an important diagnostic tool for SARS-CoV-2 infection and a screening tool of potential SARS-CoV-2 carriers in clinics, hospitals, and accredited scientific laboratories.

scholarly journals Prevalence of IgM and IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in health care workers at a tertiary care New York hospital during the Spring COVID-19 surge

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lillian R. Talbot ◽  
Jamie L. Romeiser ◽  
Eric D. Spitzer ◽  
Tong J. Gan ◽  
Sunitha M. Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
New York ◽  
General Population ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
New York State ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Care Workers

Abstract Background Health care workers (HCW) such as anesthesiologists, surgeons, and intensivists face high rates of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 through direct contact with COVID-19 patients. While there are initial reports of the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies among the general population, there are few reports comparing the seroprevalence of IgM/IgG COVID-19 antibodies in HCW of different exposure levels as well as different HCW professions. Methods A convenience sample of health care workers provided blood for COVID-19 antibody testing and a review of medical history and work exposure for correlative analyses. Results Overall, 474 HCW were enrolled in April 2020 including 102 front-line physicians (e.g., anesthesiologists, surgeons, intensivists, emergency medicine), 91 other physicians, 135 nurses, 134 other clinical staff, and 12 non-clinical HCW. The prevalence of IgM or IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 was 16.9% (95% CI 13.6–20.6) (80/474). The proportion of positive antibodies in the PCR + group was significantly higher than health care workers without symptoms (84.6% [95% CI 54.6–98.1] vs. 12.3% [95% CI 8.5–17.2], p < 0.001). No significant differences in proportions of COVID-19 antibodies were observed among the different exposure groups (e.g., high vs minimal/no exposure) and among the different HCW professionals. Conclusions Despite exposure to COVID-19 patients, the prevalence of antibodies in our HCW was similar to what has been reported for the general population of New York State (14%) and for another New York HCW cohort (13.7%). Health care workers with higher exposure rates were not more likely to have been infected with COVID-19. Therefore, these data suggest that infection of HCW may result from exposure in the community rather than at work. Trial registration This investigator-initiated study was observational; therefore, no registration was required. Not applicable.

scholarly journals MO877PREVALENCE AND PERSISTENCE OF COVID-19 ANTIBODIES IN NEW YORK CITY HEMODIALYSIS CLINIC

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ohnmar Thwin ◽  
Nadja Grobe ◽  
Xiaoling (Janice) Ye ◽  
Priscila Preciado Rojas ◽  
Leticia M Tapia Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
New York City ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Clinical Diagnosis ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Luminescence Signal

Abstract Background and Aims Dialysis patients are at higher risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Longevity of antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 infection remains unclear. It is reported that maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients can mount an antibody response that is similar in intensity and timing to the non-dialysis population. We aim to investigate the prevalence and persistence of antibodies in hemodialysis patients. Method We measured IgG and IgM antibodies in MHD patients as part of a quality improvement project. Four New York City dialysis clinics participated in this study. Strict policy of RT-PCR testing was implemented in clinics for patients with signs and symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Initial antibody testing was done on June 10 and July 13, 2020 (phase 1) and retesting was done for previously positive patients between December 9 and 17, 2020 (phase 2). Upon obtaining verbal consent, 3.5 ml of pre-dialysis blood samples were taken via vascular access. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were determined using the emergency use authorized Diazyme DZ-Lite SARS-CoV-2 IgM / IgG CLIA assays with 100% sensitivity and 98% specificity. Detection of formed immune-complexes is achieved with N-(4-amino-butyl)-N-ethyl-isoluminol; the luminescence signal is reported as units per ml (AU/ml), values ≥ 1.00 AU/ml are considered as “reactive” and &lt; 1.00 AU/ml as “non-reactive.” Results A total of 429 MHD patients were studied in phase 1. Antibodies were present in 130 (30.3%) and only 55 patients with Covid-19 diagnosis confirmed by RT-PCR test were reactive for IgG antibodies. The time to antibody testing was 73 days (median 77; range 30-111) days. In the phase 2 antibody testing, IgG antibodies were only detected in 47 patients (85.5%) 242 days (median 245, range 204 to 268) after clinical diagnosis of Covid-19. Between the two phases of antibody testing, the luminescence signal declined by 40.9 AU/mL (95% confidence interval 31.5 to 50.3) from 54.1±45.3 to 13.2±20.9 AU/mL (P&lt;0.0001 by paired t-test; Figure 1). In univariate logistic regression, a higher number of days between clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 and the second antibody measurement was associated with a lower seropositivity rate (odds ratio 0.929, 95% confidence interval 0.864 to 0.998, P=0.044). Antibody persistence was not associated with age, gender, race, and ethnicity. Conclusion We observed that about 6 out of 7 MHD patients maintain SARS-CoV-2 antibodies over 6-9 months but there is a significant decline of IgG level. The time between clinical diagnosis and IgG testing was associated with IgG decline. Follow up study to understand antibody dynamics in MHD population is a crucial step once vaccines become available.

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