Abstract :
Introduction: The diagnosis and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19 illness) are based on two different types of tests: (i) RT-PCR (reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction) test that detects the presence of viral RNA, and (ii) antibody test that detects antibodies to SAR-CoV-2. Studies have demonstrated that antibody testing is useful for the identification of asymptomatic or subclinical infection of SARS-CoV-2 among close contacts with COVID-19 patients, including the HCP.
Objectives: This study presents the first SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence study among 307 HCP in Central India. This study also evaluates the risk of exposure of the HCP of different roles/departments to COVID-19 infection by the SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroconversion rate.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using serum obtained from 307 HCP, who were on duty in the hospitals in Indore City of Central India during the COVID-19 pandemic from March till June 2020. Siemens Healthineers COV2T assay that detects total antibody (including IgM and IgG) against the S1-RBD (receptor binding domain of spike protein subunit 1) antigen was selected to be used in this study due to its robust sensitivity and specificity, compared to IgG or IgM assay alone
Results: Overall, the prevalence of COVID-19 infection among HCP in Central India hospital is 7.82% (n=24/307) as evaluated using SARS-CoV-2 total antibody test. Of the 307 HCP. Seropositivity rate varies widely by professions/departments ranging from intensivists (66.7%), general surgeons (25%), ophthalmologist (20%), pediatrician (20%), anesthetist (12.5%), radiologist (10%), general physician (9.7%) to gynaecologist (4.9%).
Conclusion: This seroprevalence study, along with other studies, highlights the importance of SARS-CoV-2 antibody in seroprevalence and epidemiology studies which may subsequently guide the policy-making in implementing an effective infection control strategy to curb SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the hospital settings; on top of the use as aid-in-diagnosis, contact-tracing, pre and post vaccination screening and evaluation of convalescent plasma therapy.
Keyword :
COVID- 19, Siemens healthineers, Seroprevalence