Prevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody in Hospital Staff in Double-Center Setting: A Preliminary Report of a Cohort Study From Iran

Abstract

Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 in China in late 2019 was an unprecedented catastrophe that also involved many other countries, including Iran. Concerning the danger of disease contagion, it is necessary to detect asymptomatic or mild cases, especially in hospital staff who are highly exposed to the disease. Objectives: In this serosurvey study, we aimed to estimate IgG seroprevalence among hospital staff in two public hospitals to determine local transmission and infection risk factors, as well as protective immunity among high-risk populations. Methods: Screening was offered to the hospital staff of two public hospitals in Shiraz, Iran. Screening involved the measurement of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Besides, a checklist that consisted of questions about sociodemographic, occupational, and epidemiological characteristics was completed by the participants. Results: Among 494 participants in this study, 29 (5.8%) had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in their blood. Besides, 320 (64.8%) had at least one of the clinical symptoms within six months before this survey. Among participants with positive PCR, nine (21.4%) had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, while this figure was seven (33.3%) for individuals with positive CT scans. Non-proper disposal of used protective equipment or infectious wastes (OR = 26.5), rotational daily work shifts (OR = 7.5), being anxious about getting COVID-19 (OR = 3.8), and age (OR = 1.06) were the significant determinants of having anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in the hospital staff. Conclusions: It is essential to continue training and giving technical consultations about COVID-19, especially the proper disposal of used protective equipment or infectious wastes in rotational daily shift workers.

Different Laboratory Diagnosis Methods of COVID-19: A Systematic Review

“…In line with our recent studies on COVID-19 (11)(12)(13) and to help diagnose SARS-CoV-2, this study summarizes the methods used to identify coronavirus nucleic acid and examines the effectiveness of coronavirus nucleic acid detection kits as well as the performance of other diagnostic techniques. It is hoped that the findings would help researchers and physicians develop better techniques for the timely and effective diagnosis of coronavirus infections.…”

“…In our previous study measuring the IgG level of COVID-19 using the ELISA technique, it was revealed that there was anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in the blood of 29 patients, and that a majority of individuals did not have anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. Accordingly, education and technical advice on COVID-19 is necessary (12).…”

“…Moreover, among PCR-positive persons, nine cases had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, compared to seven case of positive CT. Accordingly, education and technical advice on COVID-19 is necessary (12). Studies examining the prevalence of IgG of COVID-19 using the ELISA technique in clinical environments have reached inconsistent results.…”

Differential Diagnostic Utility of Clinical Laboratory Data in Patients with Severe and Non-severe COVID-19

“…Fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, and loss of smell and taste are the common main symptoms of the disease. The range of COVID-19 manifestations varies from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory infection (4)(5)(6). For instance, previous studies have suggested that approximately 81% of patients with novel coronavirus infection are mild cases, 14% of the cases develop the severe disease requiring hospitalization and oxygen therapy, and 5% of the cases require admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) (5,7).…”

The role of educating health-care personnel in prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of COVID-19

“…Health personnel and more specifically hospital workers are highly exposed to the virus and therefore at higher risk for infection. [ 17 ] In this respect, front-line clinicians need to be educated for offering care for COVID-19 as with other critical situations such as large-scale catastrophes and pandemics. [ 18 ] In addition, students (specifically medical students) should be mentored and supported in order to mentally and emotionally deal with additional stress related to the pandemic.…”