High Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among Healthcare Workers in a North Italy Hospital

Chiara Airoldi, Filippo Patrucco, Fulvia Milano, Daniela Alessi, Andrea Sarro, Maicol Andrea Rossi, Tiziana Cena, Silvio Borrè and Fabrizio Faggiano
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Chiara Airoldi: Department of Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
Filippo Patrucco: Osservatorio Epidemiologico, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
Fulvia Milano: Osservatorio Epidemiologico, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
Daniela Alessi: Osservatorio Epidemiologico, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
Andrea Sarro: Department of Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
Maicol Andrea Rossi: Osservatorio Epidemiologico, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
Tiziana Cena: Osservatorio Epidemiologico, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
Silvio Borrè: Osservatorio Epidemiologico, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
Fabrizio Faggiano: Department of Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 7, 1-11

Abstract: Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) have been the key players in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of our study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG anti-bodies. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among workers of two hospitals and Territorial Medical and Administrative services in Northern Italy. From 8 May to 3 June 2020, 2252 subjects were tested. Seroprevalence and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for all individuals who were stratified by job title, COVID-19 risk of exposure, direct contact with patients, unit ward, and intensity of care. Results: Median age was 50 years, and 72% of subjects were female. The overall seroprevalence was 17.11% [95% CI 15.55–18.67]. Around 20% of healthcare assistants were seropositive, followed by physicians and nurses (16.89% and 15.84%, respectively). HCWs with high risk of exposure to COVID-19 were more frequently seropositive (28.52%) with respect to those with medium and low risks (16.71% and 12.76%, respectively). Moreover, personnel in direct contact had higher prevalence (18.32%) compared to those who did not (10.66%). Furthermore, the IgG were more frequently detected among personnel of one hospital (19.43%). Conclusion: The high seroprevalence observed can be partially explained by the timing and the population seroprevalence; the study was conducted in an area with huge spread of the infection.

Keywords: seroprevalence; healthcare workers; SARS-CoV-2 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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