Publication:

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence among non-vaccinated healthcare workers: a study from rural North India

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease reported in China initially which spread around the world in no time affecting millions of people. It is caused by a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 or 2019 n-CoV). The healthcare workers (HCW) are at increased risk of acquiring the disease as well as antibody response.

Methods 457 health care workers (HCW) were recruited to give blood samples for anti-SARS CoV-2 IgG testing between September to October 2020.

Results Of the 457 participants, IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 116 health care workers (25.4%). The anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected maximally in HCWs involved in laboratory work. Around 4 % of health care workers were RT-PCR positive form whom IgG were detected in 15 individuals (71.4%) only.

Conclusions The study concludes a higher prevalence among health care workers involved with patient’s samples and laboratory.