scholarly journals Eastern Cape Healthcare Workers Acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 (ECHAS): Cross-Sectional (Nested Cohort) Study Protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 323
Author(s):  
Oladele Vincent Adeniyi ◽  
David Stead ◽  
Mandisa Singata-Madliki ◽  
Joanne Batting ◽  
Leo Hyera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Infection Rate ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of infection by the virulent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Though data exist on the positivity rate of the SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test as well as COVID-19-related deaths amongst HCWs in South Africa, the overall infection rate remains underestimated by these indicators. It is also unclear whether the humoral immune response after SARS-CoV-2 infection offers durable protection against reinfection. This study will assess the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence amongst HCWs in the Eastern Cape (EC) and examine the longitudinal changes (rate of decay) in the antibody levels after infection in this cohort. Using a multi-stage cluster sampling of healthcare workers in selected health facilities in the EC, a cross-sectional study of 2250 participants will be recruited. In order to assess the community infection rate, 750 antenatal women in the same settings will be recruited. Relevant demographic and clinical characteristics will be obtained by a self-administered questionnaire. A chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) will be used for the qualitative detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. A nested cohort study will be conducted by performing eight-weekly antibody assays (X2) from 201 participants who tested positive for both SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR and serology. Logistic regression models will be fitted to identify the independent risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The cumulative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate and infection fatality rate among the frontline HCWs will be estimated. In addition, the study will highlight the overall effectiveness of infection prevention and control measures (IPC) per exposure sites/wards at the selected health facilities. Findings will inform the South African Department of Health’s policies on how to protect HCWs better as the country prepares for the second wave of the SARS-CoV pandemic.

scholarly journals Safer primary healthcare facilities are needed to protect healthcare workers and maintain essential services: lessons learned from a multicountry COVID-19 emergency response initiative

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. e005833
Author(s):  
Leena N Patel ◽  
Samantha Kozikott ◽  
Rodrigue Ilboudo ◽  
Moreen Kamateeka ◽  
Mohammed Lamorde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
National Level ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Health Facility Level ◽  
Ensure Patient Safety ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Facility Level

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of infection from SARS-CoV-2 and other disease pathogens, which take a disproportionate toll on HCWs, with substantial cost to health systems. Improved infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes can protect HCWs, especially in resource-limited settings where the health workforce is scarcest, and ensure patient safety and continuity of essential health services. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we collaborated with ministries of health and development partners to implement an emergency initiative for HCWs at the primary health facility level in 22 African countries. Between April 2020 and January 2021, the initiative trained 42 058 front-line HCWs from 8444 health facilities, supported longitudinal supervision and monitoring visits guided by a standardised monitoring tool, and provided resources including personal protective equipment (PPE). We documented significant short-term improvements in IPC performance, but gaps remain. Suspected HCW infections peaked at 41.5% among HCWs screened at monitored facilities in July 2020 during the first wave of the pandemic in Africa. Disease-specific emergency responses are not the optimal approach. Comprehensive, sustainable IPC programmes are needed. IPC needs to be incorporated into all HCW training programmes and combined with supportive supervision and mentorship. Strengthened data systems on IPC are needed to guide improvements at the health facility level and to inform policy development at the national level, along with investments in infrastructure and sustainable supplies of PPE. Multimodal strategies to improve IPC are critical to make health facilities safer and to protect HCWs and the communities they serve.

scholarly journals Healthcare Workers Infection Rate in the Era of Coronavirus Disease 2019 - in Tertiary Teaching Hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (A) ◽  
pp. 651-658
Author(s):  
Mona Mohiedden ◽  
Aml M. Said ◽  
Ahmed M. Ali ◽  
Mohammed M. Abdel Razik ◽  
Maha Ali Gad
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Tertiary Teaching ◽  
Potential Risk Factors

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the frontline defense against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. AIM: The study aimed to describe the characteristics and appraise potential risk factors of COVID-19 transmission among HCWs who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in one of Cairo University Hospitals. METHOD: Cross-sectional descriptive analysis of confirmed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive versus negative cases for COVID-19. RESULTS: Through March–June 2020, (145/846; 17%) suspected HCWs were tested for COVID-19 by PCR; out of them (70/145; 48.3%) were confirmed as positive, these positive cases represented (70/846; 8.3%) of all HCWs of the hospital. About 33% of confirmed COVID-19 positive HCWs acquired the infection from the healthcare while only (13/70; 19%) from community settings, and no clear exposure data were identified in (34/70; 48%) of cases. Most of symptomatic cases showed a positive PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 versus asymptomatic cases, p < 0.001. There was no statistical significance regarding gender, age, presence of comorbidity, workload or the type of acquisition. CONCLUSION: HCWs are at an increased risk of COVID-19 infection at the workplace. Strict implementation of infection control measures is of crucial role in preventing transmission of COVID-19 infection in health-care settings.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in healthcare workers of dedicated-COVID hospitals and non–COVID hospitals of District Srinagar, Kashmir

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Salim Khan ◽  
Inaamul Haq ◽  
Mariya Amin Qurieshi ◽  
Sabhiya Majid ◽  
Arif Akbar Bhat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Institutional Setting ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Specific Igg ◽  
Specific Igg Antibodies

AbstractBackground and objectiveSARS-CoV-2 infection poses tremendous challenge to the healthcare system of nations across the globe. Serological testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers, which form a high-risk group, helps in identifying the burden of hidden infection in an institutional setting.MethodsWe present the results of a cross-sectional serosurvey in healthcare workers from two different hospital settings based on their role in the management of SARS-CoV-2 patients in District Srinagar, Kashmir. In addition to testing for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG, we collected information on influenza-like symptoms in the last four weeks and the status of RT-PCR testing. SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies were detected in serum samples using a sensitive and specific chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay technology.Interpretation and ConclusionOf 2915 healthcare workers who participated in the study, we analysed data from 2905 healthcare workers. The overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies was 2.5% (95% CI 2.0-3.1) in the healthcare workers of District Srinagar. Healthcare workers who had ever worked at a dedicated-COVID hospital had a substantially lower seroprevalence of 0.6% (95% CI: 0.2 - 1.9). Among healthcare workers who had tested positive for RT-PCR, seroprevalence was 27.6% (95% CI: 14.0 - 47.2).The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers of District Srinagar is low, reflecting that a high proportion of healthcare workers are still susceptible to the infection. It is crucial to lay thrust on infection prevention and control activities and standard hygiene practices by the healthcare staff to protect them from acquiring infection within the healthcare setting.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Perception of COVID-19 Pandemic During the First Wave (Feb-May 2020): a Web Based Survey Among Italian Healthcare Workers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caterina Rizzo ◽  
Ilaria Campagna ◽  
Elisabetta Pandolfi ◽  
Ileana Croci ◽  
Luisa Russo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Precautionary Measures

Abstract Background Italy was the first country in Europe to face the coronavirus pandemic. Healthcare workers (HCWs) were at higher risk of contracting COVID-19, because of their closer contact with patients. The present study aimed to analyze HCWs’ knowledge, practices, and attitude towards COVID-19.MethodsWe set up a cross-sectional survey through SurveyMonkey® and circulated the link in Facebook and Whatsapp closed groups. It was conducted in Italy from the end of February to the first week of May 2020. The study participants were general practitioners, pediatricians and other health professionals. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire including demographic, scope of knowledge, awareness and practice assessment section.ResultsA total of 958 participants were included. Of these, 320 (33.4%) were general practitioners, 248 (25.9%) were pediatricians and 390 (40.7%) were other health professionals. The highest response rate was from Northern Italy (48.1%), followed by the Center (29.9%) and Southern Italy (22.0%). The reported risk of having contact with a patient affected by Covid-19 was higher in the lockdown period than the pre-lockdown period (19.4% vs 10.2%, p=0.002). Respondents reported to have changed their clinical practice, more during lockdown period (81.1%) than in the pre-lockdown (46.3%). Particularly, they increased the use of masks (87.1%, p<0.001), disinfection and sanitization of doctors’ offices (75.8%, p<0.001), the use of protective glasses (71.2%, p<0.001), alcoholic hand solution (71.2%, p<0.001), and hand washing (31.8%, p=0.028).ConclusionsThe majority of HCWs felt prepared to face the pandemic, and increased significantly their knowledge on infection prevention and control measures less known in the routine clinical practice (such as use of protective glasses and alcoholic hand solution), compared to other well-known measures (such as hand washing). HCWs are at high risk of infection and need extensive knowledge and awareness of the disease to take adequate precautionary measures and they are crucial to disseminate good practices.

scholarly journals Prevalence and incidence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers in Belgian hospitals before vaccination: a prospective cohort study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e050824
Author(s):  
Laure Mortgat ◽  
Kristien Verdonck ◽  
Veronik Hutse ◽  
Isabelle Thomas ◽  
Cyril Barbezange ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Prospective Cohort Study ◽  
Prospective Cohort ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Vaccination Strategy ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Reverse Transcription Pcr

ObjectivesTo describe prevalence and incidence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among Belgian hospital healthcare workers (HCW) in April–December 2020.DesignProspective cohort study. Follow-up was originally planned until September and later extended.SettingMulticentre study, 17 hospitals.Participants50 HCW were randomly selected per hospital. HCW employed beyond the end of the study and whose profession involved contact with patients were eligible. 850 HCW entered the study in April–May 2020, 673 HCW (79%) attended the September visit and 308 (36%) the December visit.Outcome measuresA semiquantitative ELISA was used to detect IgG against SARS-CoV-2 in serum (Euroimmun) at 10 time points. In seropositive samples, neutralising antibodies were measured using a virus neutralisation test. Real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect SARS-CoV-2 on nasopharyngeal swabs. Participant characteristics and the presence of symptoms were collected via an online questionnaire.ResultsAmong all participants, 80% were women, 60% nurses and 21% physicians. Median age was 40 years. The seroprevalence remained relatively stable from April (7.7% (95% CI: 4.8% to 12.1%) to September (8.2% (95% CI: 5.7% to 11.6%)) and increased thereafter, reaching 19.7% (95% CI: 12.0% to 30.6%) in December 2020. 76 of 778 initially seronegative participants seroconverted during the follow-up (incidence: 205/1000 person-years). Among all seropositive individuals, 118/148 (80%) had a positive neutralisation test, 83/147 (56%) presented or reported a positive RT-qPCR, and 130/147 (88%) reported COVID-19-compatible symptoms at least once. However, only 46/73 (63%) of the seroconverters presented COVID-19-compatible symptoms in the month prior to seroconversion.ConclusionsThe seroprevalence among hospital HCW was slightly higher than that of the general Belgian population but followed a similar evolution, suggesting that infection prevention and control measures were effective and should be strictly maintained. After two SARS-CoV-2 waves, 80% of HCW remained seronegative, justifying their prioritisation in the vaccination strategy.Trial registration numberNCT04373889

scholarly journals National COVID-19 Hospital Admissions and Mortality among Healthcare Workers in South Africa, 2020-2021

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nonhlanhla Tlotleng ◽  
Waasila Jassat ◽  
Cheryl Cohen ◽  
Felix Made ◽  
Tahira Kootbodien ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Hospital Mortality ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) in close contact with SARS-CoV-2-infected patients have an increased risk of infection compared to non-HCWs, but little is known about the clinical course and risks for mortality amongst HCWs in South Africa. In this study, we compared characteristics of hospitalised HCWs with non-HCWs with COVID-19 and assessed factors associated with COVID-19 mortality among HCWs.Methods: Data from 5 March 2020 to 30 April 2021 was obtained from DATCOV, the national surveillance programme monitoring COVID-19 admissions in private and public hospitals across South Africa. A logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with COVID-19 HCW admissions and mortality. Results: There were a total 169,678 confirmed COVID-19 admissions reported on DATCOV, of which 6,364 (3.8%) were HCWs. Compared to non-HCWs, HCWs were less likely to be male [aOR 0.3, 95%CI (0.3-0.4)], and more likely to be younger, white or other race, have pre-existing obesity and asthma, and be admitted in the private sector, in Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Limpopo, Northern Cape and North West provinces. Pre-wave 1 [aOR 3.0; 95%CI 2.4-3.7)], wave 1 [aOR 2.1; 95%CI (1.8-2.5)] and post-wave 1 [aOR 1.3; 95%CI (1.0-1.7)] were associated with increase in HCW admissions compared to wave 2. There was an increased risk for in-hospital mortality among HCWs in the older age group (40-49 [aOR 3.8; 95%CI (1.6-8.80)]; 50-59 [aOR 4.7; 95%CI (2.0-10.9)] and 60-65 years [aOR 9.8; 95%CI (4.2-23.0)] compared to HCWs less than 40 years, with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney diseases, malignancy and TB. Mortality was decreased for HCWs who were coloured [aOR 0.5; 95%CI (0.3-0.8)], admitted in the public sector [aOR 0.7; 95%CI (0.5-0.9)] in pre-wave 1 [aOR 0.6; 95%CI (0.3-0.9)] compared to wave one period. Conclusion: In-hospital mortality in HCWs was associated with age, race, wave period, presence of comorbidites and sector. Policies should be put in place to remove older HCWs with comorbidities from direct patient care. Optimal management of comorbid conditions is advised and improvement of infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings for those that come into direct contact with infected patients.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in healthcare workers of a teaching hospital in a highly endemic region in the Netherlands after the first wave: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. e051573
Author(s):  
Maud Bouwman ◽  
Frits van Osch ◽  
Francy Crijns ◽  
Thera Trienekens ◽  
Jannet Mehagnoul-Schipper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Increased Risk

ObjectiveTo study the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate among hospital healthcare workers after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and provide more knowledge in the understanding of the relationship between infection, symptomatology and source of infection.DesignA cross-sectional study in healthcare workers.SettingNorthern Limburg, the Netherlands.ParticipantsAll employees of VieCuri Medical Center (n=3300) were invited to enrol in current study. In total 2507 healthcare workers participated.InterventionBetween 22 June 2020 and 3 July 2020, participants provided venous blood samples voluntarily, which were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies with the Wantai SARS-CoV-2 Ig total ELISA test. Work characteristics, exposure risks and prior symptoms consistent with COVID-19 were gathered through a survey.Main outcome measureProportion of healthcare workers with positive SARS-CoV-2 serology.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence was 21.1% (n=530/2507). Healthcare workers between 17 and 30 years were more likely to have SARS-CoV-2 antibodies compared with participants >30 years. The probability of having SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was comparable for healthcare workers with and without direct patient (OR 1.42, 95% CI 0.86 to 2.34) and COVID-19 patient contact (OR 1.62, 95% CI 0.80 to 3.33). On the contrary, exposure to COVID-19 positive coworkers (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.93) and household members (OR 6.09, 95% CI 2.23 to 16.64) was associated with seropositivity. Of those healthcare workers with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, 16% (n=85/530) had not experienced any prior COVID-19-related symptoms. Only fever and anosmia were associated with seropositivity (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.42 to 2.55 and OR 10.51, 95% CI 7.86 to 14.07).ConclusionsHealthcare workers caring for hospitalised COVID-19 patients were not at an increased risk of infection, most likely as a result of taking standard infection control measures into consideration. These data show that compliance with infection control measures is essential to control secondary transmission and constrain the spread of the virus.

scholarly journals National COVID-19 Hospital Admissions and Mortality Among Healthcare Workers in South Africa, 2020-2021

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nonhlanhla Tlotleng ◽  
Waasila Jassat ◽  
Cheryl Cohen ◽  
Felix Made ◽  
Tahira Kootbodien ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Hospital Mortality ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) in close contact with SARS-CoV-2-infected patients have an increased risk of infection compared to non-HCWs, but little is known about the clinical course and risks for mortality amongst HCWs in South Africa. In this study, we compared characteristics of hospitalised HCWs with non-HCWs with COVID-19 and assessed factors associated with COVID-19 mortality among HCWs. Methods: Data from 5 March 2020 to 30 April 2021 was obtained from DATCOV, the national surveillance programme monitoring COVID-19 admissions in private and public hospitals across South Africa. A logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with COVID-19 HCW admissions and mortality.Results: There were a total 169,678 confirmed COVID-19 admissions reported on DATCOV, of which 6,364 (3.8%) were HCWs. Compared to non-HCWs, HCWs were less likely to be male [aOR 0.3, 95%CI (0.3-0.4)], and more likely to be younger, white or other race, have pre-existing obesity and asthma, and be admitted in the private sector, in Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Limpopo, Northern Cape and North West provinces. Pre-wave 1 [aOR 3.0; 95%CI 2.4-3.7)], wave 1 [aOR 2.1; 95%CI (1.8-2.5)] and post-wave 1 [aOR 1.3; 95%CI (1.0-1.7)] were associated with increase in HCW admissions compared to wave 2. There was an increased risk for in-hospital mortality among HCWs in the older age group (40-49 [aOR 3.8; 95%CI (1.6-8.80)]; 50-59 [aOR 4.7; 95%CI (2.0-10.9)] and 60-65 years [aOR 9.8; 95%CI (4.2-23.0)] compared to HCWs less than 40 years, with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney diseases, malignancy and TB. Mortality was decreased for HCWs who were coloured [aOR 0.5; 95%CI (0.3-0.8)], admitted in the public sector [aOR 0.7; 95%CI (0.5-0.9)] in pre-wave 1 [aOR 0.6; 95%CI (0.3-0.9)] compared to wave one period. Conclusion: In-hospital mortality in HCWs was associated with age, race, wave period, presence of comorbidites and sector. Policies should be put in place to remove older HCWs with comorbidities from direct patient care. Optimal management of comorbid conditions is advised and improvement of infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings for those that come into direct contact with infected patients.

scholarly journals Occupational Health Hazards among Healthcare Workers in Kampala, Uganda

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rawlance Ndejjo ◽  
Geofrey Musinguzi ◽  
Xiaozhong Yu ◽  
Esther Buregyeya ◽  
David Musoke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Health Hazards ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional

Objective.To assess the occupational health hazards faced by healthcare workers and the mitigation measures.Methods.We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing quantitative data collection methods among 200 respondents who worked in 8 major health facilities in Kampala.Results.Overall, 50.0% of respondents reported experiencing an occupational health hazard. Among these, 39.5% experienced biological hazards while 31.5% experienced nonbiological hazards. Predictors for experiencing hazards included not wearing the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), working overtime, job related pressures, and working in multiple health facilities. Control measures to mitigate hazards were availing separate areas and containers to store medical waste and provision of safety tools and equipment.Conclusion.Healthcare workers in this setting experience several hazards in their workplaces. Associated factors include not wearing all necessary protective equipment, working overtime, experiencing work related pressures, and working in multiple facilities. Interventions should be instituted to mitigate the hazards. Specifically PPE supply gaps, job related pressures, and complacence in adhering to mitigation measures should be addressed.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and asymptomatic viral carriage in healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study

Thorax ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (12) ◽  
pp. 1089-1094 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Shields ◽  
Sian E Faustini ◽  
Marisol Perez-Toledo ◽  
Sian Jossi ◽  
Erin Aldera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
General Internal ◽  
Increased Risk

ObjectiveTo determine the rates of asymptomatic viral carriage and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthcare workers.DesignA cross-sectional study of asymptomatic healthcare workers undertaken on 24/25 April 2020.SettingUniversity Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHBFT), UK.Participants545 asymptomatic healthcare workers were recruited while at work. Participants were invited to participate via the UHBFT social media. Exclusion criteria included current symptoms consistent with COVID-19. No potential participants were excluded.InterventionParticipants volunteered a nasopharyngeal swab and a venous blood sample that were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein antibodies, respectively. Results were interpreted in the context of prior illnesses and the hospital departments in which participants worked.Main outcome measureProportion of participants demonstrating infection and positive SARS-CoV-2 serology.ResultsThe point prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 viral carriage was 2.4% (n=13/545). The overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 24.4% (n=126/516). Participants who reported prior symptomatic illness had higher seroprevalence (37.5% vs 17.1%, χ2=21.1034, p<0.0001) and quantitatively greater antibody responses than those who had remained asymptomatic. Seroprevalence was greatest among those working in housekeeping (34.5%), acute medicine (33.3%) and general internal medicine (30.3%), with lower rates observed in participants working in intensive care (14.8%). BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) ethnicity was associated with a significantly increased risk of seropositivity (OR: 1.92, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.23, p=0.01). Working on the intensive care unit was associated with a significantly lower risk of seropositivity compared with working in other areas of the hospital (OR: 0.28, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.78, p=0.02).Conclusions and relevanceWe identify differences in the occupational risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 between hospital departments and confirm asymptomatic seroconversion occurs in healthcare workers. Further investigation of these observations is required to inform future infection control and occupational health practices.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document