Estimated SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Seroprevalence in Firefighters from a Northeastern Brazilian State: A Cross-Sectional Study

Lysandro P. Borges, Laranda C. Nascimento, Luana Heimfarth, Daniela R. V. Souza, Aline F. Martins, José M. de Rezende Neto, Kezia A. dos Santos, Igor L. S. Matos, Grazielly B. da Invenção, Brenda M. Oliveira, Aryanne A. Santos, Nicolas A. A. Souza, Pamela C. de Jesus, Cliomar A. dos Santos, Marco A. O. Goes, Mércia S. F. de Souza and Adriana G. Guimarães
Additional contact information
Lysandro P. Borges: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Brazil
Laranda C. Nascimento: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Brazil
Luana Heimfarth: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Brazil
Daniela R. V. Souza: Department of Health Education, Federal University of Sergipe, Lagarto 49000-000, Brazil
Aline F. Martins: Department of Health Education, Federal University of Sergipe, Lagarto 49000-000, Brazil
José M. de Rezende Neto: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, Lagarto 49000-000, Brazil
Kezia A. dos Santos: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Brazil
Igor L. S. Matos: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Brazil
Grazielly B. da Invenção: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Brazil
Brenda M. Oliveira: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Brazil
Aryanne A. Santos: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Brazil
Nicolas A. A. Souza: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Brazil
Pamela C. de Jesus: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Brazil
Cliomar A. dos Santos: Sergipe Central Public Health Laboratory, Aracaju 49015-460, Brazil
Marco A. O. Goes: Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Aracaju 49060-100, Brazil
Mércia S. F. de Souza: Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Aracaju 49060-100, Brazil
Adriana G. Guimarães: Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Brazil

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 15, 1-6

Abstract: The new coronavirus has been affecting health worldwide and essential service workers are continually exposed to this infectious agent, increasing the chance of infection and the development of the disease. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the frequency of infection and seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 in military firefighters in a city in Northeastern Brazil in January 2021. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out with 123 firefighters who answered a brief questionnaire to collect socio-epidemiological data and underwent RT-PCR and immunofluorescence test (IgM and IgG). The results found reveal a positive seroprevalence, with a high rate of infection in this class of workers, since they are essential service professionals who are exposed to risk due to their working hours, in addition to sharing some spaces and work materials. Besides, there were significant associations between positivity for IgG and IgM, as well as for positive RT-PCR prior to the study and the presence of IgG, with odd ratios of 3.04 and 4.9, respectively. These findings reinforce the need for immunization in this category, whose line of service hinders the adoption of distancing measures, since in many situations physical contact is inevitable.

Keywords: occupational exposure; epidemiology; firefighters; COVID-19 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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