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Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in pediatric healthcare workers
Claudia R Morris1, Patrick Sullivan2, Grace Mantus3
1Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States; Center for Clinical and Translational Research, of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.
Insights
SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence was low in pediatric healthcare workers (pHCWs) but rose quickly. Emergency department work and COVID-19 exposure increased risk. Universal PPE is crucial for front-line worker protection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Pediatric healthcare workers (pHCWs) are vital front-line personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Understanding SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence in this group is crucial for assessing infection risk and informing protective strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in pediatric healthcare workers (pHCWs).
- To identify risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in pHCWs.
- To analyze the temporal trends of antibody prevalence over time.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study was conducted at a large pediatric healthcare facility.
- Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody prevalence was assessed.
- Data on prior SARS-CoV-2 testing, potential risk factors, and COVID-19 anxiety were collected.
- Prevalence differences between emergency department (ED) and non-ED pHCWs were modeled, controlling for covariates.
- Prevalence trends by enrollment month were examined using the Chi-square test-for-trend.
Main Results:
- Of 642 enrolled pHCWs, 4.1% had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies.
- Prevalence was significantly higher in ED-based pHCWs (8.4%) compared to non-ED pHCWs (2.0%) (p < 0.001).
- Independent risk factors for seropositivity included working in the ED and known COVID-19 exposure.
- Antibody prevalence increased significantly from 3.0% in April-June to 12.7% in July-August (p < 0.001).
- A notable proportion (31%) of antibody-positive pHCWs were asymptomatic.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among pHCWs was initially low but demonstrated a rapid increase over time.
- Working in the ED and exposure to a COVID-19-positive contact were significant risk factors for seropositivity.
- Continued universal personal protective equipment (PPE) utilization is essential for safeguarding healthcare workers.
- These findings can inform vaccination policies to enhance protection for front-line personnel.
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.
