SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Prevalence among 85,529 Healthcare Workers following the First Wave of COVID-19 in Chile
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Date
2021
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Abstract
Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection, however not all face the same risk. We aimed to determine antibody prevalence and risk factors associated with seropositivity in the Chilean HCW community. Methods: This was a nationwide, cross-sectional study consisting of a questionnaire and COVID-19 antibody testing. All HCWs in the Chilean public health care system were invited to participate three to four months following the peak of the country's first wave. Findings: Overall SARS-Cov-2 blood antibody positivity by fingerstick or venipuncture in 85 529 HCWs was 7 · 2%, ranging from 1 · 6% to 12 · 4% between regions. SARS-Cov-2 positive PCR results were self-reported in 8 330 individuals (9 · 7%) of which 47% were seropositive. Overall 10 863 (12 · 7%) either reported prior PCR positive results and/or were seropositive. Several factors were independently associated with higher IRR for seropositivity, including working in hospital (IRR 1·484), medicine/surgery w ards (IRR 1·383), emergency room (IRR 1·266), and night shifts (IRR 1·616), as were history of contact with a confirmed case (IRR 1·462), and use of public transport (IRR 1·367). These variables remained significant when including self-reported PCR positive cases in the model. Interpretation: HCWs in the hospital were at highest risk for COVID-19, especially if working in medicine/surgery wards or emergency rooms, in night shifts, older age, exposed to confirmed cases and/or using public transport. Antibody results using lateral flow likely underestimated true infection rates by nearly 40-50%. Nevertheless, risk factors were sustained when adjusting for self-reported PCR positive cases.
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Keywords
Healthcare workers, COVID-19, Antibody prevalence, Vaccine priority