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Serology surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers in COVID-19 designated facilities in Malaysia.
Woon, Yuan Liang; Lee, Yee Leng; Chong, Yoong Min; Ayub, Nor Aliya; Krishnabahawan, Swarna Lata; Lau, June Fei Wen; Subramaniam-Kalianan, Ramani; Sam, I-Ching; Chan, Yoke Fun; Sevalingam, Raj Kumar; Ramli, Azura; Chuah, Chuan Huan; Mat-Hussin, Hani; Leong, Chee Loon; Chidambaram, Suresh Kumar; Peariasamy, Kalaiarasu M; Goh, Pik Pin.
  • Woon YL; Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Institute for Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
  • Lee YL; Clinical Research Center, Sungai Buloh Hospital, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
  • Chong YM; Institute for Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
  • Ayub NA; Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Malaysia.
  • Krishnabahawan SL; Clinical Research Center, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
  • Lau JFW; Clinical Research Center, Sungai Buloh Hospital, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
  • Subramaniam-Kalianan R; Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Institute for Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
  • Sam IC; Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Institute for Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
  • Chan YF; Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Malaysia.
  • Sevalingam RK; Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Malaysia.
  • Ramli A; Clinical Research Center, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
  • Chuah CH; Clinical Research Center, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
  • Mat-Hussin H; Infectious Disease Unit, Medical Department, Sungai Buloh Hospital, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
  • Leong CL; National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
  • Chidambaram SK; Infectious Disease Unit, Medical Department, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
  • Peariasamy KM; Infectious Disease Unit, Medical Department, Sungai Buloh Hospital, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
  • Goh PP; Institute for Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
Lancet Reg Health West Pac ; 9: 100123, 2021 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1142118
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections are well documented. Healthcare workers (HCW) are at increased risk of infection due to occupational exposure to infected patients. We aim to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCW who did not come to medical attention.

METHODS:

We prospectively recruited 400 HCW from the National Public Health Laboratory and two COVID-19 designated public hospitals in Klang Valley, Malaysia between 13/4/2020 and 12/5/2020. Quota sampling was used to ensure representativeness of HCW involved in direct and indirect patient care. All participants answered a self-administered questionnaire and blood samples were taken to test for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by surrogate virus neutralization test.

FINDINGS:

The study population comprised 154 (38.5%) nurses, 103 (25.8%) medical doctors, 47 (11.8%) laboratory technologists and others (23.9%). A majority (68.9%) reported exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in the past month within their respective workplaces. Adherence to personal protection equipment (PPE) guidelines and hand hygiene were good, ranging from 91-100% compliance. None (95% CI 0, 0.0095) of the participants had SARS-CoV-2 antibodies detected, despite 182 (45.5%) reporting some symptoms one month prior to study recruitment. One hundred and fifteen (29%) of participants claimed to have had contact with known COVID-19 persons outside of their workplace.

INTERPRETATION:

Zero seroprevalence among HCW suggests a low incidence of undiagnosed COVID-19 infection in our healthcare setting during the first local wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The occupational risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission within healthcare facilities can be prevented by adherence to infection control measures and appropriate use of PPE.

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Language: English Journal: Lancet Reg Health West Pac Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: J.lanwpc.2021.100123

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Language: English Journal: Lancet Reg Health West Pac Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: J.lanwpc.2021.100123