Immunoglobulin G Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 Among Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Care Center in South India

Abstract

Introduction Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Seroprevalence in this group may offer insights into trends to monitor and revise strategies to prevent transmission. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in two phases among healthcare workers at a tertiary care center to detect IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Seropositivity was calculated during both phases, and possible associations were determined using regression analysis. Results A total of 382 and 168 HCWs took part in the two phases, respectively. IgG antibodies were detected in 13 of 382 (3.4%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2%-5.7%) and 71 of 168 (42.3%) participants in the first and second phases, respectively. Receiving at least one dose of vaccine (p < 0.001) and age (p = 0.028) were factors associated with the presence of antibodies, while gender, job type, exposure to COVID-19 cases, and comorbidities were not associated with seropositivity. Conclusion Serosurveys among HCWs may help identify transmission patterns and redesign infection control practices in the healthcare setting.; Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. (Copyright © 2022, Basheer et al.)