ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at a high risk for disease exposure. Given the limited availability of nucleic acid testing by PCR in low resource settings, serological assays can provide useful data on the proportion of HCWs who have recently or previously been infected. Therefore, in this study, we conducted an immunologic study to determine the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in two university hospitals in Egypt. METHODS: in this cross sectional study, HCWs who were working in SARS-CoV-2 Isolation Hospitals were interviewed. Estimating specific antibodies (IgM and IgG) against SARS-CoV-2 was carried out using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay targeting the Spike antigen of SARS-CoV-2 virus. RESULTS: Out of 111, 82 (74%) HCWs accepted to participate with a mean age of 31.5 ± 8.5 years. Anti-SARS-COV2 antibodies were detected in 38/82 (46.3%) of cases with a mean age of 31 years and female HCWs constituted 57.6% of cases. The highest rate of seropositivity was from the nurses (60.5%), and physicians (31.6%) with only (7.9%) technicians. Only 28/82 (34.1%) HCWs reported previous history of COVID19. We reported a statistically significant difference in the timing of exposure (p = 0.010) and the frequency of contact with COVID-19 cases (p = 0.040) between previously infected and on-infected HCWs. Longer time of recovery was reported from IgG positive HCWs (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: The high frequency of seropositive HCWs in investigated hospitals is alarming, especially among asymptomatic personnel. Confirmation of diseased HCWs (among seropositive ones) are warranted.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Adult , Antibodies, Viral , Cross-Sectional Studies , Egypt/epidemiology , Female , Health Personnel , Hospitals, University , Humans , Prevalence , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Young AdultABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The ongoing coronavirus-disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic had a variable history with differences in its various stages. This study evaluates the status of knowledge, perception, and confidence about COVID-19 preventive measures during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Egypt. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, in July 2020, in Egypt. An-online-based questionnaire was used to collect data. It included items to record demographic data, and an assessment of knowledge, the perception of healthcare facilities preparedness, and HCW confidence about applying infection prevention measures. RESULTS: A total of 465 responses were analyzed. HCWs' mean age was 36.76 ± 9.57 years, 94.2% (n=438) had an adequate level of knowledge, 31% (n=144) had an adequate perception level, and 39.4% (n=183) had an adequate confidence level. The main source of information was international organizations' websites 46.5% (n=216). The main barriers to applying preventive measures were the overcrowding of patient care areas 73.1% (n=339), and limited infection control supplies 68% (n=316). Factors associated with COVID-19 among HCWs were COVID-19 infected family members (OR: 5.86), inability to protect themselves and their families (OR: 5.73), uncertainty about the available hand hygiene supplies (OR: 3.76), male gender (OR: 3.07), and single HCWs (OR: 2.88). CONCLUSIONS: Although the majority reported an adequate knowledge level, lower rates of adequate perception and confidence were observed. Revision of preparedness plans in different facilities should be further studied. Psychological support and gender differences should be considered in response programs.