Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in pediatric healthcare workers

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Claudia Morris, Emory University; Patrick Sullivan, Emory University; Grace Mantus, Emory University; Travis Sanchez, Emory University; Maria Zlotorzynska, Emory University; Bradley Hanberry, Emory University; Srikant Iyer, Emory University; Stacy Heilman, Emory University; Andres Camacho-Gonzalez, Emory University; Janet Figueroa, Emory University; Shaminy Manoranjithan, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta; Deborah Leake, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta; Rashika Mendis, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta; Rebecca Cleeton, Emory University; Christie Chen, Emory University; Rachel Krieger, Emory University; Patricia Bush, Emory University; Tiffany Hughes, Emory University; Wendalyn Little, Emory University; Mehul Suthar, Emory University; Jens Wrammert, Emory University; Miriam Vos, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2021-04-01
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2021 The Author(s)
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2021.03.017
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: International Journal of Infectious Diseases
• Volume: 105
• Start Page: 474
• End Page: 481
• Grant/Funding Information: This work was supported in part by the Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Family Foundation, a donation by Michael and Natalia Beinenson, by the E mory University Woodruff Health Sciences Center Synergy Award, an Emory COVID-19 CUREaward made possible by philanthropic support from the O. Wayne Rollins Foundation and the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, and by a generous donation by the Scott Hudgens Family Foundation.
• Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; healthcare workers; Emergency Department; Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); COVID-19; Anti-SARS-CoV-2-IgG Antibodies
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Immunology; Health Sciences, Pathology; Biology, Virology

Abstract

Objectives: To determine SARS-CoV-2-antibody prevalence in pediatric healthcare workers (pHCWs). Design: Baseline prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2-IgG was assessed in a prospective cohort study from a large pediatric healthcare facility. Prior SARS-CoV-2 testing history, potential risk factors and anxiety level about COVID-19 were determined. Prevalence difference between emergency department (ED)-based and non-ED-pHCWs was modeled controlling for those covariates. Chi-square test-for-trend was used to examine prevalence by month of enrollment. Results: Most of 642 pHCWs enrolled were 31-40years, female and had no comorbidities. Half had children in their home, 49% had traveled, 42% reported an illness since January, 31% had a known COVID-19 exposure, and 8% had SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing. High COVID-19 pandemic anxiety was reported by 71%. Anti-SARS-CoV-2-IgG prevalence was 4.1%; 8.4% among ED versus 2.0% among non-ED pHCWs (p < 0.001). ED-work location and known COVID-19 exposure were independent risk factors. 31% of antibody-positive pHCWs reported no symptoms. Prevalence significantly (p < 0.001) increased from 3.0% in April–June to 12.7% in July–August. Conclusions: Anti-SARS-CoV-2-IgG prevalence was low in pHCWs but increased rapidly over time. Both working in the ED and exposure to a COVID-19-positive contact were associated with antibody-seropositivity. Ongoing universal PPE utilization is essential. These data may guide vaccination policies to protect front-line workers.