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. 2023 Dec 1;12(4):77.
doi: 10.3390/antib12040077.

Factors Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Evaluated by Antibody Response in a Sample of Workers from the Emilia-Romagna Region, Northern Italy

Stefania Paduano  1 , Michele Granata  1 , Sara Turchi  1 , Alberto Modenese  1 , Pasquale Galante  1 , Alessandro Poggi  1 , Isabella Marchesi  1 , Giuseppina Frezza  1 , Giulia Dervishaj  1 , Roberto Vivoli  2 , Sara Verri  2 , Simona Marchetti  2 , Fabriziomaria Gobba  1 , Annalisa Bargellini  1
Affiliations

Factors Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Evaluated by Antibody Response in a Sample of Workers from the Emilia-Romagna Region, Northern Italy

Stefania Paduano et al. Antibodies (Basel). .

Abstract

Factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection risk are still debated. This case-control study aims to investigate the possible relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection, evaluated through antibody response, and the main sociodemographic, occupational, clinical-anamnestic, and biochemical factors in a population of Modena province (Northern Italy), mainly workers. Both workers who voluntarily joined the screening campaign proposed by companies and self-referred individuals who underwent serological testing were enrolled. Subjects with antibody positivity were recruited as cases (n = 166) and subjects tested negative (n = 239) as controls. A questionnaire on sociodemographic, occupational, and clinical data was administered through telephone interviews. Serum zinc/iron/copper/chromium/nickel, vitamins D/B12, folates, triglycerides, and LDL/HDL/total cholesterol were measured. Cases lived more often in urban areas (61.8% vs. 57%). Cases and controls did not differ significantly by working macrocategories, but the percentage of workers in the ceramic sector was higher among cases. Low adherence to preventive measures in the workplace was more frequent among seropositives. Folate concentration was significantly lower among cases. Therefore, adequate folate levels, living in rural areas, and good adherence to preventive strategies seem protective against infection. Workers in the ceramic sector seem to be at greater risk; specific factors involved are not defined, but preventive interventions are needed.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; antibody; case–control study; immune response; workers.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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