Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in pediatric healthcare workers. (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morris, Claudia R.; Sullivan, Patrick; Mantus, Grace; Sanchez, Travis; Zlotorzynska, Maria; Hanberry, Bradley; Iyer, Srikant; Heilman, Stacy; Camacho-Gonzalez, Andres; Figueroa, Janet; Manoranjithan, Shaminy; Leake, Deborah; Mendis, Reshika; Cleeton, Rebecca; Chen, Christie; Krieger, Rachel; Bush, Patricia; Hughes, Tiffany; Little, Wendalyn K.; Suthar, Mehul S.; Wrammert, Jens; Vos, Miriam B.
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 105(2021)
• Page Start: 474
• Page End: 481
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: SARS-CoV-2 -- healthcare workers -- COVID-19 -- Emergency Department -- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) -- Anti-SARS-CoV-2-IgG Antibodies; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.03.017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: Prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG was 4.1% in Atlanta pediatric healthcare workers (HCWs). 4-fold increased risk of COVID-19 infection in frontline emergency department-based HCWs. High workplace anxiety identified among all HCWs surveyed linked to COVID-19. Abstract: Objectives: To determine SARS-CoV-2-antibody prevalence in pediatric healthcare workers (pHCWs). Design: Baseline prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2-IgG was assessed in a prospective cohort study from a large pediatric healthcare facility. Prior SARS-CoV-2 testing history, potential risk factors and anxiety level about COVID-19 were determined. Prevalence difference between emergency department (ED)-based and non-ED-pHCWs was modeled controlling for those covariates. Chi-square test-for-trend was used to examine prevalence by month of enrollment. Results: Most of 642 pHCWs enrolled were 31-40years, female and had no comorbidities. Half had children in their home, 49% had traveled, 42% reported an illness since January, 31% had a known COVID-19 exposure, and 8% had SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing. High COVID-19 pandemic anxiety was reported by 71%. Anti-SARS-CoV-2-IgG prevalence was 4.1%; 8.4% among ED versus 2.0% among non-ED pHCWs (p < 0.001). ED-work location and known COVID-19 exposure were independent risk factors. 31% of antibody-positive pHCWs reported no symptoms. Prevalence significantly (p < 0.001) increased from 3.0% in April–June to 12.7% in July–August. Conclusions: Anti-SARS-CoV-2-IgG prevalence was low in pHCWs but increased rapidly over time. Both working in the ED and exposure to a COVID-19-positive contact were associated with antibody-seropositivity. Ongoing universal PPE utilization is essential. These data may guide vaccination policies to protect front-line workers.