Antibody response to SARS-CoV-2-infected healthcare workers during first wave of Covid-19 pandemic in a tertiary care center of Assam

Abstract

Context: Healthcare workers (HCWs) were at the front line of the COVID-19 (corona virus disease-19) pandemic management and were at higher risks of contracting SARS-CoV-2 due to occupational exposure. The objectives of the present study were to estimate the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 among COVID-19-positive HCWs and its persistence in subsequent follow-up samples and to compare antibody response between rapid antigen/real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) groups. Settings and Designs: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Assam Medical College. Materials and Methods: Inclusion criteria were SARS-CoV-2 test, which was confirmed in HCWs. A total of 127 HCWs were included. The samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG by qualitative indirect ELISA using InBios SCoV-2 DetectTM IgG kit. First sample was collected from 25th day to 35th day of SARS-CoV-2. First and second follow-up samples were collected in 3 and 6 months, respectively. Statistical Analysis Used: Epi Info version 7 was used. The χ2 test was done. Results: A total of 69% male and 31% female HCWs were included. Most of them were in the 20–29 years age group (48%). About 92% were symptomatic and 20% had comorbidities. Overall seroconversion was 88% (RAT category 98.61% and RT-PCR 74.55%). Symptomatic category showed 90.68% seropositivity. The follow-up at the 3rd and 6th month showed 93.85% and 88.24% seropositivity, respectively. Conclusion: Rapid antigen test-positive symptomatic people have more chances of development of antibodies within a period of 1 month and sustained for more than 6 months in their blood.