SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and asymptomatic viral carriage in healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study
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Open Access
- 11 September 2020
- Vol. 75 (12), 1089-1094
- https://doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-215414
Abstract
Objective To determine the rates of asymptomatic viral carriage and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthcare workers. Design A cross-sectional study of asymptomatic healthcare workers undertaken on 24/25 April 2020. Setting University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHBFT), UK. Participants 545 asymptomatic healthcare workers were recruited while at work. Participants were invited to participate via the UHBFT social media. Exclusion criteria included current symptoms consistent with COVID-19. No potential participants were excluded. Intervention Participants volunteered a nasopharyngeal swab and a venous blood sample that were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein antibodies, respectively. Results were interpreted in the context of prior illnesses and the hospital departments in which participants worked. Main outcome measure Proportion of participants demonstrating infection and positive SARS-CoV-2 serology. Results The point prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 viral carriage was 2.4% (n=13/545). The overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 24.4% (n=126/516). Participants who reported prior symptomatic illness had higher seroprevalence (37.5% vs 17.1%, χ2=21.1034, pConclusions and relevance We identify differences in the occupational risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 between hospital departments and confirm asymptomatic seroconversion occurs in healthcare workers. Further investigation of these observations is required to inform future infection control and occupational health practices.Keywords
Funding Information
- CRUK Centre Birmingham (C17422/A25154)
- Scripps Consortium for HIV Vaccine Development (AI144462)
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP1084519 and OPP1115782)
- Birmingham Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (C11497/A25127)
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