Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody in healthcare workers: A report from Rafsanjan, Iran

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) have a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Seroprevalence studies can provide related data on HCWs who have a history of infections. According to numerous seroepidemiological reports of COVID-19 in different groups and the lack of seroepidemiological reports of COVID-19 in HCWs in Rafsanjan, the aim of this study was to determine the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among HCWs. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 295 participants, including healthcare personnel and administrative staff. The SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody was measured by the ELISA method and the data were analyzed with chi-square and logistic regression tests. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The previous exposure to COVID-19 in HCWs was higher in comparison to administrative department staff. The other 15/130 (11.5%) of participants had experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection without any symptoms. The results of logistic regression indicated that traveling (OR: 018, 95 % CI (0.08 – 0.74), p-value: 0.001), occupation (OR: 0.2, 95 % CI (0.01 – 0.94), p-value < 0.05), history of respiratory problems (OR: 0.15, 95 % CI (0.01 – 1.94), p-value < 0.05), and major clinical signs (OR: 8.09, 95 % CI (3.7 - 17.66), p-value < 0.001) are important factors which effect on positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. Conclusion: Our results indicated that an occupational risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs. Because some HCWs are asymptomatic, their communication, such as travelling, must be controlled, and it is necessary to ensure the safety of HCWs and reduce their transfer to the community and patients.