A change in seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare professionals (HCPs) of tertiary care hospital of northern state of India

Abstract

Background: SARS-CoV-2 is being managed rigorously by healthcare professionals (HCPs) making them vulnerable to infection and pose risk for human resource management. Objective: The current study was done to assess the change in seroprevalence, suggesting recent SARS-CoV-2 among HCPs of a tertiary care health facility as per government guidelines. Materials and Methods: Two hospital-based surveys (phase 1: September 2020 to January 2021; phase 2: May to June 2021) were carried out to quantify change in seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCPs. A total of 1279 and 765 HCPs were assessed in first and second phase accordingly. Out of 765, a total of 412 professionals were assessed for serum IgG antibody. Results: Seroprevalence increases from 12.7% to 31.1% from first to second phase of the study. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was found to be significantly high for residents [aOR: 3.57; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17–10.89], nurses (aOR: 3.54; 95% CI: 1.20–10.42), administrative (aOR: 8.18; 95% CI: 1.43–46.53), and laboratory staff (aOR: 6.03, 95% CI: 2.97–16.05). Adjusted odds were observed to be significantly more among participants positive for reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction test (aOR: 6.90; 95% CI: 2.97–16.05) and positive for IgG in P1 (aOR: 2.59; 95% CI: 1.32–5.09). Discussion: HCPs mainly residents, nurses, hospital support, and laboratory staff are observed with increased SARS-CoV-2 infection from first to second phase of the study.