We evaluated the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and risk factors among 4,987 oligo/asymptomatic HCW. The seroprevalence was 14% and factors associated with being infected with SARS-CoV-2 were lower educational level(aOR of 1.93;95%CI1.03-3.60), using public transport to work (aOR of 1.65;95%CI 1.07-2.62), and working in cleaning or security (aOR of 10.1;95%CI 3.40-26.9).

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Highlights COVID-19 diagnosis; high sensitivity and specificity qualitative rapid chromatographic immunoassays; can be used for the diagnosis of RT-PCR-negative patients.

Ventilator associated pneumonia(VAP) is a severe complication that can lead to high mortality when not early identified or when therapy is delayed. The aim of this study was to evaluate procalcitonin(PCT) as a biomarker for VAP development. In total, 73 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were analyzed. PCT levels greater than 0.975ng/ml were more related to VAP. No association was found for C-reactive protein (CRP). The results show that procalcitonin may be a pertinent biomarker for VAP diagnosis and can be a helpful tool for antibiotic withdrawal.

This study assessed the disinfection using 70% ethanol; H 2 O 2 -quaternary ammonium salt mixture; 0.1% sodium hypochlorite and autoclaving of four 3D-printed face shields with different designs, visor materials; and visor thickness (0.5-0.75 mm). We also investigated their clinical suitability by applying a questionnaire to health workers (HW) who used them. Each type of disinfection was done 40 times on each type of mask without physical damage. In contrast, autoclaving led to appreciable damage.