ABSTRACT
Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection poses tremendous challenge to the healthcare system of nations across the globe. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are crucial to the ongoing response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. During the course of their work, they are exposed to hazards that place them at the risk of infection. Serological testing for SARS-CoV2 among healthcare workers, which form a high risk group helps in identifying the burden of hidden infection in an institutional setting. The present study aims to investigate the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among HCWs during 1st and 2nd wave. Material & Methods: A prospective study was conducted at Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, Government Medical College, Amritsar during June July 2020 (1st wave)and April May 2021(2nd wave). During this period, 184 blood samples were collected from healthcare workers from Government Medical College and Hospital, Amritsar. Serum was separated and used for detection of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies by ELISA technique. Results: Out of the 184 samples, 79 (42.9%) were found to be seropositive. Higher seropositivity was seen i.e 60.8% during the 2nd wave (April-May 2021) as compared to 25% during 1st wave. The increase in seroprevalence was observed in almost all categories of HCWs, Doctors 44.4% vz 13.04%, nurses 54.8% vz 34.7%, lab technicians 72% vz 30.4% and housekeeping staff 72.2% vz 21.7%. Also the unvaccinated HCWs showed higher seroprevalence during the second wave and 87.5% of vaccinated HCWs had demonstrable IgG antibodies. Conclusions: High seropositivity was observed among healthcare workers due to their nature of work. Rise of seropositivity among unvaccinated HCWs during 2nd wave concludes that increase in seroprevalence was attributable to natural infection. The vaccine's immunological response was also highlighted in the study.