COVID-19 seroconversion in the aircrew from Turkey. Issue 44 (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Islamoglu, Mehmet Sami; Cengiz, Mahir; Borku Uysal, Betul; Ikitimur, Hande; Demirbilek, Mahmut; Dokur, Mehmet; Seyhan, Serhat; Koc, Suna; Yavuzer, Serap
• Is Part Of: Travel medicine and infectious disease. Issue 44(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- SARS-CoV-2 -- Antibody -- Aircrew -- Healthcare workers -- Seroprevalence; Travel -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Tropical medicine -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2021.102190
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1477-8939

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Pneumonia due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is spreading rapidly all over the world and air travel is the leading transmission route of the virus among countries. The aim of the study is to determine the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in aircrew, to determine occupational exposure, and to understand the spread of immunity in social groups. Method: The study was designed as a cross-sectional retrospective study. SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels were measured in patients who applied to between December 1, 2020 and January 13, 2021. Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positivity was investigated before December 1, 2020. Results: The patients were divided into three groups according to their jobs such as 313 aircrew; 451 healthcare workers; 4258 other patients. The PCR positivity rate was found to be 39% in the aircrew group, 32% in the healthcare workers and %20 other patient group (p < 0.001). The IgG antibody positivity rate was 46% in the aircrew, 41% in healthcare workers, and 35.3% in the other patient group (p < 0.001).The group with the highest IgG antibody titer is in the aircrew; there was a significant difference between the groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In our study, it was observed that aircrew, similar to healthcare workers, are at serious risk against SARS-CoV-2. In this process, it is suggested that the vaccination processes included repeated doses of aircrew should be accelerated and protective measures and equipment should be increased in terms of reinfection. Highlights: Sars-CoV-2 is spreading rapidly all over the world. Air travel is the leading transmission route of the virus among countries. Infection contamination during flights may be caused by direct contact with blood, skin or other body fluids. Highly exposed groups, including flight crew, are acutely affected by the pandemic. Preventing viral transmission in airline travel is very important.