SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in healthcare workers: The experience of a Portuguese COVID-19 front-line hospital during the 1st pandemic wave

Abstract

Background:

Healthcare workers (HCW) are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we describe the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in HCW who work daily at a COVID-19 front-line hospital in Portugal. Methods:

To this end, the seroprevalence of 1027 HCW, assessed after the peak of the first pandemic wave, was determined using the following immunoassays: Euroimmun Anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA IgG (Euroimmun, Luebeck, Germany), Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG (Abbott Laboratories, Chicago), and Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV–2 Total (Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland). Results:

We found a 2.7% seroprevalence, very close to the one determined in the community (2.9%) for the same period. Conclusions:

This low SARS-CoV–2 seroprevalence highlights the effectiveness of infection prevention and control measures implemented very early in the pandemic, namely the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.