Prevalence of Current and Past SARS-CoV-2 Infections among Police Employees in Poland, June–July 2020

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We aimed to determine the prevalence of current and past SARS-CoV-2 infections among police employees. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was undertaken among 5082 police employees from Mazowieckie Province, Poland. RT-PCR testing for current SARS-CoV-2 infection and serological tests (ELISA) for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM+IgA and IgG antibodies were performed. Results: All RT-PCR tests were negative. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM+IgA index was positive (>8) in 8.9% of participants, including 11.2% women and 7.7% men (p < 0.001). Equivocal IgM+IgA index (6–8) was found in 9.8% of participants, including 11.9% women and 8.7% men (p < 0.001). The IgG index was positive (>6) in 4.3% and equivocal (4–6) in 13.2% of participants. A higher odds of positive IgM+IgA index was found in women vs. men (OR: 1.742) and police officers vs. civilian employees (OR: 1.411). Participants aged ≥60 years had a higher odds of positive IgG index vs. those aged 20–29 years (OR: 3.309). Daily vaping also increased the odds of positive IgG index (OR: 2.058). Conclusions: The majority of Polish police employees are seronegative for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Vaping and older age (≥60 years) were associated with a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

A Multidimensional Cross-Sectional Analysis of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Seroprevalence Among a Police Officer Cohort: The PoliCOV-19 Study

“…This cross-sectional population serological survey among the police cohort demonstrated a prevaccinated anti–SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence of 13%. Few studies have investigated seroprevalence in police officers, which include those performed in New York City [ 22 ] and in Mazowieckie Province, Poland [ 23 ], as well as 2 further studies with low sample sizes [ 24 , 25 ]. However, our study did not demonstrate a higher seroprevalence than observed in the general population of the canton of Bern (ie, 14%), which was investigated in another study using a different serological test [ 26 , 27 ].…”

The prevalence of cigarette, e-cigarette and heated tobacco use among police employees in Poland: a 2020 cross-sectional survey

“…Moreover, this study showed that multiple nicotine products use seems to be the next public health problem, and educational activities are needed to provide information about the health effects of dual or triple use of nicotine-containing products. This study was carried out as a part of a research project on the prevalence of current and past SARS-CoV-2 infections among police employees in Poland [29]. Completing the questionnaire was obligatory to take part in laboratory tests for a SARS-CoV-2 infection because each respondent received an individual ID code for personal data after completing the questionnaire.…”

“…It can be hypothesized that a relatively high response rate reported in this occupational setting may result from the study protocol and the organization of the individual stages of the study. Detailed sampling methods are presented in the previous paper [29]. This study has several limitations.…”

Dynamics of humoral response to coronavirus antigens among employees of COVID-dedicated hospital: an observational study

“…Moreover, we did not find a study on longitudinal changes in seroprevalence among general population in Poland, but only a series of cross-sectional studies. What can be observed is that percentage of persons having IgG antibodies have increased from about 4.3% measured in July and August (group of police officers [15]) to about 18% in December and 25% in February (project "West Pomeranian Monitoring and Prevention Program of Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-Coronawirusa SARS-CoV-2 i Choroby COVID-19"], unpublished data [16,17]). When it comes to seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers as well as risk factors of elevated levels of immunoglobulins (taking care of COVID-19 patients, participating in aerosol-generating procedures) our findings are consistent with recent metaanalysis [18].…”