Seroprevalence of IgG against SARS-CoV-2 and its determinants among healthcare workers of a COVID-19 dedicated hospital of India

Abstract

Healthcare workers (HCWs) due to their job profile are at utmost risk of contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Serological survey is an useful tool for vulnerability mapping in an infectious disease pandemic. The aim of the current study was to assess seroprevalence of IgG against SARS-CoV-2 and its determinants among HCWs of a tertiary healthcare facility of India. It was an observational study, cross-sectional in design conducted among 919 HCWs of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India during September, 2020. In results, IgG seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 among the study subjects was 13.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 11.2-15.6%]. In univariate logistic regression analysis; gender, occupation, place of posting, use of full personal protective equipment (PPE), prior corona virus disease (COVID)-19 infection, influenza like illness (ILI), use of steam inhalation, consumption of azithromycin, zinc and vitamin C were the significant attributes which affected the IgG seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2. In the multivariable logistic regression model; occupation, place of posting, prior COVID-19 infection and ILI were significant determinants of IgG seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2. To conclude, majority of the HCWs were found to be IgG seronegative for SARS-CoV-2. Till availability of effective vaccine all of the HCWs should abide by infection prevention and control (IPC) measures to keep themselves and their contacts protected from SARS-CoV-2.

Keywords: COVID-19; epidemiologic factors; health personnel; immunoglobulin G; seroepidemiologic studies.

Figure 1

Flowchart showing recruitment of the study subjects.