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Prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike antibodies in some healthcare settings in Egypt.


ABSTRACT:

Background

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the front line in battling infection transmission, such as that in coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Additionally, they may act as potential carriers passing the virus on to others. Anti-spike (anti-S) antibodies for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are formed either as a result of infection or vaccination with both indicating immunity against future COVID-19 infection.

Aim

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of COVID-19 seropositivity among HCWs.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 559 HCWs from 39 hospitals with variable degrees of COVID-19 exposure risk (depending on the occupation, department, and hospital type). Demographic data were recorded as well as history of COVID-19 infection and vaccination. Serum samples were collected and tested for SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies.

Results

Anti-S positivity was found in 59.0% of the participating 559 HCWs, indicating a high level of seroprotection. Of the 559 HCWs, 34.1% had reported previous infection with COVID-19. Following infection, only 46 (24.0%) of those affected received vaccination. Anti-S seropositivity was found in 39.1% of participants who were unvaccinated and had no history of infection. Physicians had the highest median anti-S titers (58.0 relative units (RU)/mL), whereas pharmacists and office staff had the lowest (25.7 and 38.2 RU/mL, respectively).

Conclusions

Overall, 59.0% of the 559 HCWs were anti-S positive, indicating a relatively high seroprotective status. Among those who were unvaccinated and had no history of infection, 39.1% were seropositive for anti-S, denoting a high rate of silent/asymptomatic infections. Screening of HCWs for SARS-CoV-2 anti-S is recommended, along with the vaccination of seronegative individuals.

SUBMITTER: El-Ghitany EM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9166239 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike antibodies in some healthcare settings in Egypt.

El-Ghitany Engy Mohamed EM   Farghaly Azza Galal AG   Farag Shehata S   Hashish Mona H MH   Charl Fahmy F   Omran Eman A EA  

The Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association 20220604 1


<h4>Background</h4>Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the front line in battling infection transmission, such as that in coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Additionally, they may act as potential carriers passing the virus on to others. Anti-spike (anti-S) antibodies for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are formed either as a result of infection or vaccination with both indicating immunity against future COVID-19 infection.<h4>Aim</h4>This study aimed to identify the pr  ...[more]

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