RESUMO
Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted healthcare workers, a professional category at risk of infection in both hospital and community settings. The aim of the study was to compare morbidity among hospital staff and that in general population, as well as the factors predicting non-vaccination and reinfection. Patients and Methods: The present study is a retrospective, cross-sectional study. It was conducted by including all the confirmed COVID-19 infection cases in medical staff members during the period 01.01.2021-31.03.2022 that were reported to the Public Health Authority of Timis County, Timisoara, Western Romania. Results: Direct, strong, statistically significant correlations were found between the incidence of COVID-19 recorded in all categories of medical personnel and the community pandemic trend, with maximum values for auxiliary and medium medical staff (rho = 0.852/0.821, p < 0.001). The high socio-economic level, as well as the advanced medical education level, were predictor factors for anti-SARS-COV-2 vaccination among the personnel. The non-vaccinated status as well as incomplete vaccination or even the 2-dose vaccination represented independent risk factors for reinfection in 2022. Conversely, receiving a higher number of vaccine doses emerged as the primary protective factor. Notably, reduced adherence to the administration of the following doses was observed particularly among medium and auxiliary staff, leading to additional risks of infection with the Omicron variant. Conclusion: Despite over 70% vaccination coverage among all studied medical personnel categories, there was low adherence to repeat doses of vaccination, particularly among medium and auxiliary staff. The study highlighted a distinct necessity for enhanced training on preventive behaviours and targeted prevention/control strategies for all professional groups interacting with patients, including caretakers, ambulance workers, receptionists, physiotherapists, and psychologists.
RESUMO
The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Romanian children is currently unknown. A serological survey was undertaken to determine T. gondii infection among children from Western Romania. Serum samples of 441 children (aged 1-18 years) were screened for T. gondii immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M antibodies. The overall T. gondii seroprevalence was 16.6% and tended to increase with age. Seroprevalence was 18.4% in children from rural regions and 14.7% in those from urban regions. T. gondii antibodies were demonstrated in 19.5% of females and 13.3% of males. This report provided the first seroepidemiological data and evaluated the demographic risk factors regarding T. gondii infection in children from Western Romania. Our results may serve as a basis for a future prevention program for toxoplasmosis.
