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SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in healthcare workers in a high-volume ophthalmology centre in Guatemala.
Davila-Siliezar, Pamela; Wer, Alfonso; Barnoya, Joaquin.
  • Davila-Siliezar P; Department of Ophthalmology, Unidad Nacional de Oftalmología, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
  • Wer A; Department of Ophthalmology, Unidad Nacional de Oftalmología, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
  • Barnoya J; Department of Ophthalmology, Unidad Nacional de Oftalmología, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
Ann Med ; 53(1): 1956-1959, 2021 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1500884
ABSTRACT

PURPOSE:

To determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in eye healthcare workers (EHCW) in the largest ophthalmology centre in Guatemala and factors associated with antibody positivity.

METHODS:

We conducted a cross sectional sero-survey in all the staff at the largest ophthalmology centre in Guatemala. Serum samples were collected and tested for total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 employing Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Immunoassay. Results were reported as reactive or non-reactive. According to patient exposure the staff were divided into low risk (technicians, domestic and administrative staff) and high risk (nurses, ophthalmologists, anaesthesiologists, and optometrists). Among those with positive antibodies, they were given a survey that included demographic characteristics, COVID-19 exposure, and related symptomatology. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with antibody positivity.

RESULTS:

On November 25th a total of 94 healthcare workers were sero-surveyed, mean age was 34.15 years (±8.41), most (57.44%) were females. Seroprevalence was 18%, the majority (77%) were in the low-risk group; while 64% at high-risk, tested negative. Those at low exposure, were five times more likely to have antibodies than those at high exposure (OR5.69; 95% CI 1.69-19.13). Age and gender were not associated to seropositivity.

CONCLUSIONS:

We found a similar seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in EHCW to what has been reported in other healthcare groups. Seropositivity was higher among HCW with fewer patient exposure, hence the probability of community transmission.Key messagesEven though eye healthcare workers are believed to be at higher risk of infection, the prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in this group is comparable to what has been reported previously in other healthcare groups.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Health Personnel / Ophthalmologists / SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 / Antibodies, Viral Type of study: Diagnostic study / Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Adult / Aged / Female / Humans / Male / Middle aged Country/Region as subject: Central America / Guatemala Language: English Journal: Ann Med Journal subject: Medicine Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 07853890.2021.1993325

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Health Personnel / Ophthalmologists / SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 / Antibodies, Viral Type of study: Diagnostic study / Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Adult / Aged / Female / Humans / Male / Middle aged Country/Region as subject: Central America / Guatemala Language: English Journal: Ann Med Journal subject: Medicine Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 07853890.2021.1993325