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

Background: In the response to the current COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2, one of the groups at higher risk were healthcare workers (HCWs), especially those who worked on the frontline. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies (seropositivity) in certain populations provides better understanding of virus circulation and transmission. Our aim was to study the seroprevalence rates of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among a group of healthcare workers before and after vaccination/COVID-19 infection. Material and Methods: We determined the presence of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG and IgA antibodies against S-antigen of by ELISA method. In this study, we enrolled 74 healthcare workers and three months later, 48 of the participants were followed up. At the baseline, none of the participants was vaccinated or had suffered COVID-19. Results: SARS-Cov-2 specific IgG antibodies were found in 32.4% of the participants. Higher prevalence of class IgA antibodies – 44.6% was detected. All samples that were IgG seropositive were also positive or borderline for IgA antibodies. Overall, virus-specific antibodies were not detected in 40.6% of HCWs in the group. During the follow-up (after vaccination and/or COVID-19 infection) high rates of both IgG and IgA seroprevalence were established. SARS-C0V-2 specific IgG antibodies were detected in 95.8% of the participants. Statistically significant difference was found in the levels of IgG and IgA antibodies both before and after vaccination, p<0.0001. Conclusions: Based on detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, seroprevalence of 32.4% was established in an unvaccinated group of HCWs. Our survey demonstrated that asymptomatic COVID-19 infection may induce weaker humoral immune response, with production of IgA but not of IgG antibodies.

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“…Socan at all. observed a seroprevalence rate of 20.4% among hospital staff during the second COVID-19 wave in Slovenia (5).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 92%

Sars-Cov-2 Serosurvey Among Bulgarian Healthcare Workers Before and After Vaccination

Trifonova

Ngoc

Gladnishka

et al. 2023

Probl Infect Parasit Dis

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SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and associated risk factors in healthcare settings: systematic review and meta-analysis

Bansal,

Trieu,

Eriksson

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Background: Reducing infection rates has been crucial to protect healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we determined the rates and potential risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCWs. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar from 1 December 2019 to 5 February 2024. The potential risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCWs included occupational and household exposure to SARS-CoV-2; personal protective equipment (PPE) use, infection prevention and control (IPC) training; hand hygiene, aerosol generating procedures; quarantine; decontamination of high-touch areas; and working in environmental services. Odd ratios (ORs) for each risk factor were pooled from the selected studies in R. Results: From 498 initial records, 190 articles were reviewed, and 63 studies were eligible. Globally, 10% (95% confidence interval (CI): 8-12) of 279,590 HCWs were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Household exposure (OR: 7.07; 95% CI: 3.93-12.73), working as cleaner (OR: 2.72; 95% CI: 1.39-5.32), occupational exposure (OR:1.79; 95% CI: 1.49-2.14), inadequate IPC training (OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.14-1.87), inefficient use of PPE (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.14-1.84), performing aerosol generating procedures (OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.21-1.52) and inadequate hand hygiene (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.79-1.73) were associated with an increased SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conversely, history of quarantine and frequent decontamination of high touch areas were protective factors against SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.08-0.60; and OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.42-0.64 respectively). These findings indicate a tiered risk of infection in HCWs. Conclusions and Relevance: We found high global SARS-CoV-2 infection rates of 10% among HCWs. Household exposures and working as cleaner were the strongest risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection, whereas history of quarantine and frequent decontamination of high touch areas were protective. We suggest a three-step strategy (minimising exposure and decontamination practices, IPC and aerosol-limiting procedure training, and PPE use) to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

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SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and associated risk factors in healthcare settings: systematic review and meta-analysis

Bansal,

Trieu,

Eriksson

et al. 2024

Preprint

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To protect healthcare workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, rigorous efforts were made to reduce infection rates among healthcare workers (HCWs), especially prior to vaccine availability. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCWs and identify potential risk factors associated with transmission. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar from 1 December 2019 to 5 February 2024. From 498 initial records, 190 articles were reviewed, and 63 studies were eligible. ROBINS-E tool revealed a lower risk of bias in several domains; however, some concerns related to confounding and exposure measurement were identified. Globally, 11% (95% confidence interval (CI): 9-13) of 283,932 HCWs were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Infection rates were associated with a constellation of risk factors and major circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. Household exposure (odds ratio (OR): 7.07; 95% CI: 3.93-12.73), working as a cleaner (OR: 2.72; 95% CI: 1.39-5.32), occupational exposure (OR:1.79; 95% CI: 1.49-2.14), inadequate training on infection prevention and control (OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.14-1.87), inefficient use of personal protective equipment (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.14-1.84), performing aerosol generating procedures (OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.21-1.52) and inadequate hand hygiene (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.79-1.73) were associated with an increased SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conversely, history of quarantine (OR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.08-0.60) and frequent decontamination of high touch areas (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.42-0.64) were protective factors against SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study quantifies the substantial global burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs. We underscore the urgent need for effective infection prevention and control measures, particularly addressing factors such as household exposure and occupational practices by HCWs, including cleaning staff.

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

Cited by 3 publications

References 30 publications

Sars-Cov-2 Serosurvey Among Bulgarian Healthcare Workers Before and After Vaccination

Sars-Cov-2 Serosurvey Among Bulgarian Healthcare Workers Before and After Vaccination

SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and associated risk factors in healthcare settings: systematic review and meta-analysis

SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and associated risk factors in healthcare settings: systematic review and meta-analysis

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