Acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and seropositivity among healthcare workers and medical students in summer 2020, Hungary

Abstract

The aim was to compare the prevalence of acute infection and seropositivity of SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers (HCWs) and medical students. Material and Methods: A high-volume, single-center analysis was conducted in the period of July 1-August 1, 2020, at the Semmelweis University. Naso-and oropharyngeal samples were collected for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and blood samples for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. A questionnaire was also administered about the infection symptoms and the obtained results were assessed by profession and site of care delivery. Results: From the total cohort (N = 7948), 4478 (56%) and 3470 (44%) were health professionals and medical students, respectively. They were mainly female (67%), and the mean age of HCWs and students was 40 and 25 years, respectively. By profession, physicians (1.5%) and other HCWs (1.8%) showed a comparable SARS-CoV-2 exposure. International students had the highest (2.1%), whereas Hungarian students had the lowest (0.6%) prevalence of seropositivity. The highest prevalence was detected among the staff of COVID-19 wards (12.1%). By PCR, medical students showed the lowest occurrence of active infection with a prevalence of 0.17%, while physicians and other HCWs had a higher prevalence (1.46% and 1.71%, respectively). By site of care delivery, positive test results were the most frequent at COVID-19 wards (3.8%). Conclusions: Physicians and other HCWs showed comparable SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity prevalence, approximately twice as high as in the general population of Budapest. Hungarian students had lower prevalence of seropositivity than this reference. High prevalence among international students suggests that they had imported the infection. The very high prevalence of documented exposure among staff members at COVID-19 wards urges for improving the safety measures.

PCR TESTING FOR SARS-CoV-2 AMONG STUDENTS OF MEDICAL UNIVERSITY-PLEVEN DURING THE FOURTH WAVE OF COVID PANDEMIC

“…A similar age distribution was mentioned by Wouambo RK et al [6]. The gender distribution showed female prevalence (150/200; 75%, p < 0.0005) and was consistent with data from other studies [7][8][9]. Multiple studies have shown that females were more sensitive to eventual adverse health consequences of the pandemic, and therefore, they are more likely to comply with preventive measures, including testing for SARS-CoV-2 [10].…”

Determinants of seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 in hospital staff in the second wave of the pandemic in Slovenia

“…A study from Croatia found a 2.7% prevalence rate of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after the first wave of the pandemic [ 11 ]. A high-volume, single-center Hungarian study, including physicians, other HCW and medical students confirmed 1.5%, 1.8% and 0.6% sero-prevalence rate during summer 2020 [ 12 ]. Three sero-epidemiological studies from eastern countries of the EU were conducted among specialist groups of HCWs (2 studies of HCWs in pediatric wards and 1 study of HCWs in gastroenterology units) [ 13 – 15 ].…”

SARS-CoV-2 Exposition und Seroprävalenz von SARS-CoV-2-Antikörpern bei Medizinstudierenden in der ersten Phase der Pandemie, 2020–2021

“…3,5 % [9,10]. Unterschiede in der Seroprävalenz zu Medizinstudierenden anderer Länder (Sa lamanca/Spanien 7-10 % im Oktober 2020 [6]; Budapest/Ungarn 0,6-2,1 % im Juli/August 2020 [7]), lassen sich am ehesten auf die damaligen lokalen COVID19Inzidenzen zurückführen.…”

“…Zum SARS-CoV-2-Serostatus von Medizinstudierenden gibt es auch international bislang nur wenige veröffentlichte Daten 6 7 . Ziel der im Jahr 2020 begonnenen Studie war, die Seroprävalenz von Medizinstudierenden in der Anfangsphase der Pandemie zu ermitteln und mögliche Risikofaktoren für SARS-CoV-2-Exposition zu erfassen, um gegebenenfalls zeitnah Konsequenzen hinsichtlich ihrer Schulung zur Umsetzung von Infektionsschutz- und Hygienemaßnahmen ziehen zu können und damit zu einem besseren Schutz der Medizinstudierenden selbst und der von ihnen mitbetreuten Patienten beizutragen.…”

“…Zum SARSCoV2Serostatus von Medizinstudierenden gibt es auch international bislang nur wenige veröffentlichte Daten [6,7]. Mit einem standardisierten OnlineFragebogen (Programm Eva Sys V8.0, 2022; Electronic Paper Evaluationssystem GmbH) wur den soziodemographische Daten der Teilnehmenden sowie mög liche Expositionen gegenüber SARSCoV2 im privaten, universitä ren und ggf.…”