Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies pre- and post-COVID-19 vaccination in staff members of Bandar Abbas...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Healthcare workers (HCWs) face elevated COVID-19 risk due to patient contact.
• Hospital staff, including non-HCWs, may also have increased infection risk.
• Assessing vaccine effectiveness via seroprevalence in hospital staff is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in hospital staff before and after COVID-19 vaccination.
• To compare seroprevalence between healthcare workers (HCWs) and other hospital staff.
• To identify factors associated with seroconversion post-vaccination.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 228 hospital staff members (2020-2021).
• Measurement of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein IgG pre- and post-vaccination.
• Vaccination included vector and inactivated vaccines; analysis of dose intervals and age.

Main Results:

• Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence increased significantly from 8.8% pre-vaccination to 50% after the second dose.
• Seroprevalence in HCWs followed a similar pattern: 9.5% pre-vaccination to 48.8% post-second dose.
• Increased age (aOR=1.062) and shorter intervals between vaccine doses (aOR=0.595) were associated with higher seroprevalence.

Conclusions:

• Approximately 50% of hospital staff achieved seroconversion for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies after two vaccine doses.
• Vaccine effectiveness, indicated by seroprevalence, is influenced by patient age and the timing of vaccine administration.
• Findings highlight the importance of timely vaccination and appropriate dosing intervals for optimal immune response in hospital settings.