Background Reports suggest that some persons previously infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) lack detectable IgG antibodies. We aimed to determine the proportion IgG seronegative and predictors for seronegativity among persons previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. Methods We analyzed serologic data collected from health care workers and first responders in New York City and the Detroit metropolitan area with history of a positive SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result and who were tested for IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein at least 2 weeks after symptom onset. Results Of 2,547 persons with previous confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, 160 (6.3%) were seronegative. Of 2,112 previously symptomatic persons, the proportion seronegative slightly increased from 14 to 90 days post symptom onset (p=0.06). The proportion seronegative ranged from 0% among 79 persons previously hospitalized to 11.0% among 308 persons with asymptomatic infections. In a multivariable model, persons taking immunosuppressive medications were more likely to be seronegative (31.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 10.7%-64.7%), while participants of non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity (versus non-Hispanic White) (2.7%, 95% CI 1.5%-4.8%), with severe obesity (versus under/normal weight) (3.9%, 95% CI 1.7%-8.6%), or with more symptoms were less likely to be seronegative. Conclusions In our population with previous RT-PCR confirmed infection, approximately one in 16 persons lacked IgG antibodies. Absence of antibodies varied independently by illness severity, race/ethnicity, obesity, and immunosuppressive drug therapy. The proportion seronegative remained relatively stable among persons tested up to 90 days post symptom onset.
H ealthcare, first response (e.g., firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians), and public safety (e.g., law enforcement officers) personnel have served on the front lines of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic response in several capacities. Many of these occupations require intensive interaction with persons with suspected or confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Both reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) testing for SARS-CoV-2 and assessing COVID-19 symptoms could be used to determine infection status, but not all infected persons develop symptoms or are tested within the necessary time window. Measuring antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 is necessary to inform our understanding of viral transmission dynamics in high-risk situations (1). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collaborated with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Region 2 South and North Healthcare Coalitions to invite personnel working onsite in hospital, first response, and public safety settings to be tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and to complete a web-based survey about workplace, occupation, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and selected exposures. The primary study objective was to estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among this population. A second objective was to describe associations between seroprevalence and participant and workplace characteristics. Methods The MDHHS Region 2 South Healthcare Coalition area is the most populous region in Michigan and comprises Monroe, Washtenaw, and Wayne (including the city of Detroit) Counties. MDDHS Region 2 North Healthcare Coalition includes Macomb, Oakland, and St. Clair Counties. The Healthcare Coalitions coordinated with 27 hospitals and 7 MDHHS Medical Control Authorities (MCAs), which supervise and
Healthcare personnel are recognized to be at higher risk for infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. We conducted a serologic survey in 15 hospitals and 56 nursing homes across Rhode Island, USA, during July 17–August 28, 2020. Overall seropositivity among 9,863 healthcare personnel was 4.6% (95% CI 4.2%–5.0%) but varied 4-fold between hospital personnel (3.1%, 95% CI 2.7%–3.5%) and nursing home personnel (13.1%, 95% CI 11.5%–14.9%). Within nursing homes, prevalence was highest among personnel working in coronavirus disease units (24.1%; 95% CI 20.6%–27.8%). Adjusted analysis showed that in hospitals, nurses and receptionists/medical assistants had a higher likelihood of seropositivity than physicians. In nursing homes, nursing assistants and social workers/case managers had higher likelihoods of seropositivity than occupational/physical/speech therapists. Nursing home personnel in all occupations had elevated seropositivity compared with hospital counterparts. Additional mitigation strategies are needed to protect nursing home personnel from infection, regardless of occupation.
We conducted a serologic survey in public service agencies in New York City, New York, USA, during May–July 2020 to determine prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among first responders. Of 22,647 participants, 22.5% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2–specific antibodies. Seroprevalence for police and firefighters was similar to overall seroprevalence; seroprevalence was highest in correctional staff (39.2%) and emergency medical technicians (38.3%) and lowest in laboratory technicians (10.1%) and medicolegal death investigators (10.8%). Adjusted analyses demonstrated association between seropositivity and exposure to SARS-CoV-2–positive household members (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.52 [95% CI 3.19–3.87]), non-Hispanic Black race or ethnicity (aOR 1.50 [95% CI 1.33–1.68]), and severe obesity (aOR 1.31 [95% CI 1.05–1.65]). Consistent glove use (aOR 1.19 [95% CI 1.06–1.33]) increased likelihood of seropositivity; use of other personal protective equipment had no association. Infection control measures, including vaccination, should be prioritized for frontline workers.
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