Seroprevalence of SARS-COV-2 antibodies among health-care workers exposed to COVID-19 patients in a large reference hospital, Iran

Background and Objectives: Health care warkers (HCWs) are a high-risk group for acquiring and transmitting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SiRS-CoV-2) infection. Aim of the study was the evaluation of sero-prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in a random sample of HCWs at a large acute care hospital in Iran. Materials and Methods: We collected blood samples of 180 medical staffs from September 22, 2020 to January 26, 2021. The enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (EUSA) tests were used for evaluation of the presence of IgG antibodies. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire, comprising demographics, occupational, the work area, and personal protection data. Results: Of the 180 HCWs who participated in this study, 44 (24.4%) were seropositive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. The percentage of IgG positivity was higher in males than females (P<0.05). Also, there was statistically significant difference between presence of the antibodies and the occupation, location, and infecting family members with Covid -1 (P<0.05). Other factors did not associate significantly to antibody presence against SARS-CoV-2 (P>0.05). Conclusion: According to this point that the number of COVID-19 cases is still growing rapidly among HCWs. So, the epideiniological estimate of SARS-CoV-2 infection remains a major challenge that is needed to prevent the spread of infection in the hospitals.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in a random sample of healthcare workers at a large acute care hospital in Iran. Results showed that 24.4% of the healthcare workers were seropositive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. Males had a higher percentage of IgG positivity than females. There were significant associations between the presence of antibodies and occupation, location, and infecting family members with COVID-1.