Prevalence of Seropositivity to SARS-CoV-2
among Health Care Workers in Tertiary
COVID-19 Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
BC01-BC04
Correspondence
Mukesh G Gohel,
T/20, Shantam Bunglows, Near Khodiyar Temple, Chenpur Road, New Ranip,
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
E-mail: mks.gohel@gmail.com
Introduction: Healthcare Workers (HCW) are at increased risk of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARSCoV-2) infection due to occupational exposure to infected patients and contaminated surfaces.
Aim: To determine the prevalence of seropositivity against SARS-CoV-2 among HCW in a tertiary COVID-19 designated hospital in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 1st July to 31st July, 2020 on 1333 HCWs. HCWs included doctors, nurses, lab personnel, general service assistants and ancillary staff who work in hospital. Anti SARSCoV-2 total antibodies were measured in serum sample by chemiluminescent technique.
Results: Prevalence of seropositivity was found in 27.76% (370 out of 1333). It was highest among general service assistant 34.76% (especially among house keeping staff, 43.44%) and lowest among doctors (19.33%). The percentage of seropositivity among asymptomatic HCWs was 24.84%.
Conclusion: The percentage of seropositivity among asymptomatic HCWs indicates that a large amount of infection passes asymptomatically. The discrepancy between various job categories might be due to differential occupational exposure and risk, lack of awareness and seriousness regarding transmission and risk of getting infection, various demographic factors like literacy, residential environment, community prevalence etc.