SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity and antibody prevalence among asymptomatic hospital-based health care workers

Abstract

Background The level of asymptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2 could be substantial and among health care workers (HCWs) a source of continuing transmission of the virus to patients and co-workers. Objectives Measure the period prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies among a random sample of asymptomatic health system hospital-based health care workers (HCWs) 6½ -15½ weeks after 4/5/2020, the peak of the first surge of COVID-19 admissions. Results Of 524 eligible and consented participants from four metropolitan hospitals, nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from 439 (83.8%) and blood from 374 (71.4%). Using PCR nucleic acid-based amplification (NAAT) methods, the period prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 0.23% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01%-1.28%; 1/439) from 5/21/20-7/16/20. The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies from June 17-July 24, 2020 was 2.41% (95% CI 1.27%-4.51%; 9/374). Those who were reactive were younger (median age 36 versus 44 years; p = 0.050), and those with self-reported Hispanic/Latino ethnicity had a higher seroprevalence rate (2/12 = 16.7% versus 7/352 = 2.0%; p = 0.051). There were no significant differences by sex, race, residence, hospital, unit or job type. The one employee who was found to be PCR test positive in this study was also reactive for IgG antibodies, tested 27 days later. Conclusions The period prevalence of PCR positivity to SARS-CoV-2 and IgG seroprevalence was unexpectedly low in asymptomatic HCWs after a peak in COVID-19 admissions and the establishment of state and institutional infection control policies, suggesting that routine screening tests while community prevalence is relatively low would produce a minimal yield.

High SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence among Healthcare Workers in Bamako, Mali

“…Although many SARS-CoV-2 serological surveys have been performed about HCWs in industrialized countries [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11], few have reported about HCWs in sub-Saharan countries [12][13][14][15][16][17]. HCWs are supposedly at higher occupational exposure risk and, therefore, need additional layers of protection.…”

COVID‐19 in the hotspot of Metropolitan Detroit: A multi‐faceted health system experience

“…Abundant food donations, signs conveying support, and other spontaneous acts of goodwill were also key to sustaining the health care staff. [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] While some work led to dead ends, the idea early in the pandemic of treating patients with corticosteroids 23 proved to be successful 26 and likely contributed to earlier discharges and better ability to manage beds. In their predictive modelling efforts, HFHS researchers determined that while patients of colour were more highly represented among admissions, their mortality was not higher, which was also found among ICU patients.…”

“…Many formal research inquiries such as clinical trials, case series describing COVID‐19 patients, and epidemiological studies were conceived, executed, written, and submitted within only a few months. 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 While some work led to dead ends, the idea early in the pandemic of treating patients with corticosteroids 23 proved to be successful 26 and likely contributed to earlier discharges and better ability to manage beds. In their predictive modelling efforts, HFHS researchers determined that while patients of colour were more highly represented among admissions, their mortality was not higher, which was also found among ICU patients.…”