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Chasinga TB, Cikwanine JPB, Kribi S, Yoyu JT, Hofmann N, Grossegesse M, Nitsche A, Tomczyk S, Vietor AC, Leendertz FH, Eckmanns T, Kusinza AB, Munguakonkwa E, Kalk A, Raha M, Kambale NS, Ayagirwe RB, Schubert G, Mukwege D. Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and risk of viral exposure among healthcare workers in the South Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e072212. [PMID: 38176860 PMCID: PMC10773362 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Healthcare workers (HCWs) are on the frontline of combating COVID-19, hence are at elevated risk of contracting an infection with SARS-CoV-2. The present study aims to measure the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on HCWs in central sub-Saharan Africa. SETTING A cross-sectional serological study was conducted at six urban and five rural hospitals during the first pandemic wave in the South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). PARTICIPANTS Serum specimens from 1029 HCWs employed during the first pandemic wave were collected between August and October 2020, and data on demographics and work-related factors were recorded during structured interviews. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The presence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was examined by ELISA. Positive specimens were further tested using a micro-neutralisation assay. Factors driving SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity were assessed by multivariable analysis. RESULTS Overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was high among HCWs (33.1%), and significantly higher in urban (41.5%) compared with rural (19.8%) hospitals. Having had presented with COVID-19-like symptoms before was a strong predictor of seropositivity (31.5%). Personal protective equipment (PPE, 88.1% and 11.9%) and alcohol-based hand sanitizer (71.1% and 28.9%) were more often available, and hand hygiene was more often reported after patient contact (63.0% and 37.0%) in urban compared with rural hospitals, respectively. This may suggest that higher exposure during non-work times in high incidence urban areas counteracts higher work protection levels of HCWs. CONCLUSIONS High SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity indicates widespread transmission of the virus in this region of DRC. Given the absence of publicly reported cases during the same time period at the rural sites, serological studies are very relevant in revealing infection dynamics especially in regions with low diagnostic capacities. This, and discrepancies in the application of PPE between urban and rural sites, should be considered in future pandemic response programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tshass B Chasinga
- Université Evangélique en Afrique, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
- Panzi General Referral Hospital, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | - Jean-Paul Buhendwa Cikwanine
- Université Evangélique en Afrique, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
- Panzi General Referral Hospital, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | | | - Jonathan Tunangoya Yoyu
- Université Evangélique en Afrique, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
- Département des Œuvres et Recherches Médicales, ECC-NK, Goma, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Fabian H Leendertz
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for One Health, Greifswald, Germany
| | | | - Aline B Kusinza
- Université Evangélique en Afrique, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
- Panzi General Referral Hospital, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | - Eric Munguakonkwa
- Panzi General Referral Hospital, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | - Andreas Kalk
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Kinshasa, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | - Maroyi Raha
- Université Evangélique en Afrique, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
- Panzi General Referral Hospital, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | - Nelson S Kambale
- Université Evangélique en Afrique, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
- Département des Œuvres et Recherches Médicales, ECC-NK, Goma, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | - Rodrigue B Ayagirwe
- Université Evangélique en Afrique, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | | | - Denis Mukwege
- Université Evangélique en Afrique, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
- Panzi General Referral Hospital, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
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Dias NJD, da Silva MS, Barbosa MS, Pereira GR, Silva DR. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 seroprevalence among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2023; 69:e20230661. [PMID: 37729381 PMCID: PMC10508950 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20230661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies in patients with tuberculosis. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at an outpatient tuberculosis clinic in Alvorada, RS, Brazil, with data collection between October and December 2020. Outpatients aged>18 years with active pulmonary tuberculosis, no prior history of coronavirus disease 2019, and no suspected coronavirus disease 2019 were included in the study. Whole blood samples were collected to perform the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies test. RESULTS During the study period, 52 patients met the inclusion and were included in the analysis. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies were positive in 16 (30.8%) patients. Male sex was more frequent among patients with negative severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies than in patients with positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies (86.1 vs. 56.3%, p=0.031). Contact with coronavirus disease 2019 case was more common in patients with positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies compared with patients with negative severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies (87.5 vs. 8.3%, p<0.0001). In a multivariate analysis, in a model including the variables such as male sex and contact with coronavirus disease 2019 case, only contact with coronavirus disease 2019 was independently associated with positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies (OR 77.0, 95%CI 11.5-512.4, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION This study revealed a seroprevalence of 30.8% severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 among patients with tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natan José Dutra Dias
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Pneumológicas – Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Márcia Silva Barbosa
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Pneumológicas – Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Giovana Rodrigues Pereira
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Pneumológicas – Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratório Municipal de Alvorada – Alvorada, Brazil
| | - Denise Rossato Silva
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Pneumológicas – Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre – Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Faculdade de Medicina – Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Schablon A, Harth V, Terschüren C, Kleinmüller O, Wohlert C, Schnabel C, Brehm TT, Schulze zur Wiesch J, Kersten JF, Nienhaus A. Longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence among Employees in Outpatient Care Services in Hamburg. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085599. [PMID: 37107881 PMCID: PMC10138530 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection is particularly high for healthcare workers during the pandemic. Home care workers visit many different households per shift. Encounters with mostly elderly patients and their relatives increase the potential for the undetected spread of SARS-CoV-2. In order to gain insight into the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and possible transmission risks in outpatient care, this follow-up study was conducted with nursing services in Hamburg. The aim was to estimate the dynamics of seroprevalence in this occupational group over a 12-month period, to identify occupation-specific risk factors, and to collect information on the vaccination status of the surveyed nursing staff. Antibody testing for SARS-CoV-2 IgG against the S1 domain (EUROIMUN Analyser I® Lübeck, Germany) was performed on participating healthcare workers with patient contact at a total of four time points within one year from July 2020 to October 2021 (baseline, follow-up after three, six and twelve months). The data were mostly analysed descriptively. Differences in IgG titres were analysed using variance analysis methods, particularly Tukey's range test. The seroprevalence was 1.2% (8/678) at baseline and 1.5% (9/581) at the three-month follow-up (T1). At the second follow-up (T2) after six months, vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 was available from January 2021 onwards. The prevalence rate of positive IgG antibodies relative to the S1 domain of the spike protein test among unvaccinated individuals was 6.5%. At (T3) after twelve months (July to October 2021), 482 participants were enrolled, and 85.7% of the workers were considered fully vaccinated at this time point, while 51 individuals were unvaccinated. The prevalence was 13.7% (7/51). In our study, a low seroprevalence was found among home care workers, which was lower than in our studies conducted in the clinical setting. Therefore, it can be assumed that the occupational risk of infection is rather low for both the nursing staff and the patients/clients cared for in the outpatient setting. The good provision of protective equipment and the high vaccination rate of the staff probably had a positive influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Schablon
- Competence Centre for Epidemiology and Health Services Research for Healthcare Professionals (CVcare), University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Volker Harth
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Terschüren
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Olaf Kleinmüller
- Competence Centre for Epidemiology and Health Services Research for Healthcare Professionals (CVcare), University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Wohlert
- Competence Centre for Epidemiology and Health Services Research for Healthcare Professionals (CVcare), University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Schnabel
- Laboratory of Fenner and Colleagues, Bergstrasse 14, 20095 Hamburg, Germany
- Asklepios Campus Hamburg, Semmelweis University, Lohmühlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Theo Brehm
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julian Schulze zur Wiesch
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Felix Kersten
- Competence Centre for Epidemiology and Health Services Research for Healthcare Professionals (CVcare), University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Albert Nienhaus
- Competence Centre for Epidemiology and Health Services Research for Healthcare Professionals (CVcare), University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Hazardous Substances and Public Health (AGG), Institution for Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention in the Health and Welfare Services (BGW), 22089 Hamburg, Germany
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Markovic-Denic L, Zdravkovic M, Ercegovac M, Djukic V, Nikolic V, Cujic D, Micic D, Pekmezovic T. Seroprevalence in health care workers during the later phase of the second wave: Results of three hospitals in Serbia, prior to vaccine administration. J Infect Public Health 2022; 15:739-745. [PMID: 35691217 PMCID: PMC9130304 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the COVID-19 pandemic has started, Serbia has faced problems in implementing proper public health measures in the population, including non-pharmaceutical interventions, as well as protecting health care workers (HCWs) from disease, like all other countries. This study aimed to estimate COVID-19 seroprevalence and evaluate the risk perception of COVID-19 among HCWs in three different hospitals in Belgrade, Serbia: non-COVID hospital, Emergency Center (EC), and dedicated COVID hospital. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in three hospitals during the second wave of the outbreak in Serbia, from June to early October. All staff in these hospitals were invited to voluntarily participate in blood sampling for IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and questionnaire testing. The questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, known exposure to COVID-19 positive persons, previous signs and symptoms related to COVID-19 infection since the outbreak had started in our country, and SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing. RESULTS The overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody among 1580 HCWs was 18.3 % [95 % CI 16.4-20.3 %]. Significantly higher prevalence of HCWs with positive results for the serum IgG antibody test was observed in COVID hospital (28.6 %, 95 %CI: 24.0-33.6 %) vs. prevalence in the EC (12.6 %, 95 %CI: 10.1-15.4 %), and in the non-COVID hospital (18.3 %, 95 %CI: 15.2-26.7 %). The prevalence adjusted for declared test sensitivity and specificity would be 16.8 %; that is 27.4 % in COVID-19 hospital, 10.9 % in EC, and 16.8 % in non-COVID hospital. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the independent predictors for seropositivity were working in COVID-hospital, the profession of physician, and the presence of the following symptoms: fever, shortness of breath, and anosmia/ageusia. CONCLUSIONS We found an overall seropositivity rate of 18.3 % and 16.0 % of the adjusted rate that is higher than seroprevalence obtained in similar studies conducted before vaccinations started. The possibility that patients in non-COVID dedicated hospitals might also be infectious, although PCR tested, imposes the need for the use of personal protective equipment also in non-COVID medical institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ljiljana Markovic-Denic
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia; Institute of Epidemiology, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Marija Zdravkovic
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia; University Medical Center Bezanijska kosa, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko Ercegovac
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia; Emergency Center of the Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Djukic
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia; Clinical Centre dr Dragisa Misovic, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Nikolic
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia; Institute of Epidemiology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danica Cujic
- University of Belgrade, Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy INEP, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dusan Micic
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia; Emergency Center of the Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Pekmezovic
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia; Institute of Epidemiology, Belgrade, Serbia
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Paduano S, Galante P, Berselli N, Ugolotti L, Modenese A, Poggi A, Malavolti M, Turchi S, Marchesi I, Vivoli R, Perlini P, Bellucci R, Gobba F, Vinceti M, Filippini T, Bargellini A. Seroprevalence Survey of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in a Population of Emilia-Romagna Region, Northern Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137882. [PMID: 35805539 PMCID: PMC9266015 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Italy was the first Western European country to be severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Variations in seroprevalence rates were reported according to geographical and temporal differences of previous surveys, as well as depending on demographic and occupational factors. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a population of the Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy after the first wave in the period from 26 September 2020−26 March 2021. We included 5128 subjects who voluntarily underwent serological tests to determine anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity, including both self-referred individuals (24.2%) and workers adhering to company screening programs (76.8%). Overall, seroprevalence was 11.3%, higher in self-referred (13.8%) than employed-referred (10.5%) individuals. A slightly higher seroprevalence emerged in women compared to men (12.3% and 10.7%), as well as in the extreme age categories (18.6% for 60−69 years, 18.0% for ≥70 years, and 17.1% for <20 years compared to 7.6% for 20−39 years). Healthcare professionals showed the highest prevalence of seropositivity (22.9%), followed by workers in direct contact with customers, such as the communication, finance, and tourism sectors (15.7%). Overall subgroups seroprevalence increased compared to the first wave data but the trends agreed between the first and subsequent waves, except for an increase in the younger age group and in the sector in direct contact with customers. Among the occupational categories, our study confirms that healthcare workers and workers in the sports sector were at high risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Paduano
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-059-205-5472
| | - Pasquale Galante
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Nausicaa Berselli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Luca Ugolotti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Alberto Modenese
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Marcella Malavolti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Sara Turchi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Isabella Marchesi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Roberto Vivoli
- Test Laboratory, 41100 Modena, Italy; (R.V.); (P.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Paola Perlini
- Test Laboratory, 41100 Modena, Italy; (R.V.); (P.P.); (R.B.)
| | | | - Fabriziomaria Gobba
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Marco Vinceti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Tommaso Filippini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Annalisa Bargellini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
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Nienhaus A. COVID-19 – Arbeitsfähigkeit und Fehlzeiten bei
Beschäftigten im Gesundheitswesen. REHABILITATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1830-0269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Dávila-Conn V, Soto-Nava M, Caro-Vega YN, Paz-Juárez HE, García-Esparza P, Tapia-Trejo D, Pérez-García M, Belaunzarán-Zamudio PF, Reyes-Terán G, Sierra-Madero JG, Galindo-Fraga A, Ávila-Ríos S. Seroepidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare personnel working at the largest tertiary COVID-19 referral hospitals in Mexico City. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264964. [PMID: 35298500 PMCID: PMC8929624 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction We performed a longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 seroepidemiological study in healthcare personnel of the two largest tertiary COVID-19 referral hospitals in Mexico City. Methods All healthcare personnel, including staff physicians, physicians in training, nurses, laboratory technicians, researchers, students, housekeeping, maintenance, security, and administrative staff were invited to voluntarily participate, after written informed consent. Participants answered a computer-assisted self-administered interview and donated blood samples for antibody testing every three weeks from October 2020 to June 2021. Results A total of 883 participants (out of 3639 registered employees) contributed with at least one blood sample. The median age was 36 years (interquartile range: 28–46) and 70% were women. The most common occupations were nurse (28%), physician (24%), and administrative staff (22%). Two hundred and ninety participants (32.8%) had a positive-test result in any of the visits, yielding an overall adjusted prevalence of 33.5% for the whole study-period. Two hundred and thirty-five positive tests were identified at the baseline visit (prevalent cases), the remaining 55 positive tests were incident cases. Prevalent cases showed associations with both occupational (institution 2 vs. 1: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.54–3.25; laboratory technician vs. physician: aOR = 4.38, 95% CI: 1.75–10.93) and community (municipality of residence Xochimilco vs. Tlalpan: aOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.09–3.79) risk-factors. The incidence rate was 3.0 cases per 100 person-months. Incident cases were associated with community-acquired risk, due to contact with suspect/confirmed COVID-19 cases (HR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.21–5.00). Conclusions We observed that between October 2020 and June 2021, healthcare workers of the two largest tertiary COVID-19 referral centers in Mexico City had similar level of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 than the general population. Most variables associated with exposure in this setting pointed toward community rather than occupational risk. Our observations are consistent with successful occupational medicine programs for SARS-CoV-2 infection control in the participating institutions but suggest the need to strengthen mitigation strategies in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Dávila-Conn
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Maribel Soto-Nava
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yanink N. Caro-Vega
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Héctor E. Paz-Juárez
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Pedro García-Esparza
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daniela Tapia-Trejo
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marissa Pérez-García
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Gustavo Reyes-Terán
- Institutos Nacionales de Salud y Hospitales de Alta Especialidad, Secretaría de Salud de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan G. Sierra-Madero
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arturo Galindo-Fraga
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Santiago Ávila-Ríos
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Mexico City, Mexico
- * E-mail:
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Platten M, Nienhaus A, Peters C, Cranen R, Wisplinghoff H, Kersten JF, Bach AD, Michels G. Cumulative Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 in Healthcare Workers at a General Hospital in Germany during the Pandemic-A Longitudinal Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042429. [PMID: 35206616 PMCID: PMC8872027 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Health workers (HW) are at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection. In order to monitor the infection dynamic on the basis of contact with patients, HW at the St. Antonius Hospital (SAH) were tested four times in one year by PCR and serology. The cumulative incidence of infection in HW was calculated. Swab and blood tests were simultaneously performed between April 2020 and April 2021. Risk factors and demographic information were assessed at the beginning of the study. The response rate was above 75% in all rounds of testing. The study comprised 1506 HW, 165 (10.6%) of which tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Working in an ICU or on wards with patient contact were risk factors (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.73–13.6 and OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.27–8.49). At the end of the study, the majority of HW (810 of 1363 (59.4%)) had been vaccinated at least once. A total of 29.1% of unvaccinated HW and 5.3% of vaccinated HW showed an immune response typical for natural SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of the 73 HW who provided information on the course of the disease, 31.5% reported that their quality of life continued to be impaired. The cumulative incidence of infection was low in these HW, which may be attributed to vaccination and good hygiene. Nevertheless, a work-related infection risk was identified, highlighting the need to improve protection against infection. A high risk of developing long COVID was found after the infection has subsided. Special rehabilitation programs should be provided and HW should be compensated for reduced work capacity in the case that rehabilitation fails or takes a long time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Platten
- Laboratory Dr. Wisplinghoff, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (M.P.); (H.W.)
| | - Albert Nienhaus
- Competence Center for Epidemiology and Health Services Research for Healthcare Professionals (CVcare), Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (C.P.); (J.F.K.)
- Department for Occupational Medicine, Hazardous Substances and Health Sciences (AGG), Institution for Statutory Accident Insurance in the Health and Welfare Services (BGW), 22089 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Claudia Peters
- Competence Center for Epidemiology and Health Services Research for Healthcare Professionals (CVcare), Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (C.P.); (J.F.K.)
| | - Rita Cranen
- Occupational Medicine, St. Antonius Hospital Eschweiler, 52249 Eschweiler, Germany;
| | - Hilmar Wisplinghoff
- Laboratory Dr. Wisplinghoff, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (M.P.); (H.W.)
- Institute for Virology and Clinical Microbiology, University of Witten/Herdecke, 58448 Witten, Germany
| | - Jan Felix Kersten
- Competence Center for Epidemiology and Health Services Research for Healthcare Professionals (CVcare), Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (C.P.); (J.F.K.)
| | - Alexander Daniel Bach
- Clinic for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, St. Antonius Hospital Eschweiler, 52249 Eschweiler, Germany;
| | - Guido Michels
- Clinic for Acute and Emergency Medicine, St. Antonius Hospital Eschweiler, 52249 Eschweiler, Germany;
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9
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Airoldi C, Calcagno A, Di Perri G, Valinotto R, Gallo L, Locana E, Trunfio M, Patrucco F, Vineis P, Faggiano F. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Among Workers in Northern Italy. Ann Work Expo Health 2022; 66:224-232. [PMID: 34365502 PMCID: PMC8385866 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxab062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The spread of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among active workers is poor known. The aim of our study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) among a convenience sample of workers and to identify high-risk job sectors during the first pandemic way. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study among workers tested for SARS-CoV-2 between 28 March and 7 August 2020, recorded by a private healthcare center located in North-West Italy. Association among seroprevalence and demographic and occupational variables was evaluated using chi square test and the seroprevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS We collected the results for 23568 serological tests from a sample of 22708 workers from about 1000 companies. Median age was 45 years and about 60% of subjects were male. The overall seroprevalence was 4.97% [95%CI 4.69-5.25]. No statistical difference was found among gender while seroprevalence was associated with subjects' age, geographical location, and occupational sector. Significantly higher values of positivity were observed for the logistics sector (31.3%), weaving factory (12.6%), nursing homes (9.8%), and chemical industry (6.9%) workers. However, we observed some clusters of cases in single companies independently from the sector.Then, a detailed focus on 940 food workers shown a seroprevalence of 5.21% [95%CI 3.79-6.63] and subjects who self-reported COVID-19 symptoms and who worked during lockdown had a higher probability of being infected (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Data obtained might be useful for future public health decision; more than occupation sector, it seems that failure on prevention system in single companies increase the SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Airoldi
- Department of Translation Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17 Novara, 20100, Italy
| | - Andrea Calcagno
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino at Ospedale Amedeo di Savoia, ASL TO2, C.so Svizzera 164 Torino 10149, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Perri
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino at Ospedale Amedeo di Savoia, ASL TO2, C.so Svizzera 164 Torino 10149, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Gallo
- DC, Centro Diagnostico Cernaia (Gruppo C.D.C), Torino, Italy
| | | | - Mattia Trunfio
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino at Ospedale Amedeo di Savoia, ASL TO2, C.so Svizzera 164 Torino 10149, Italy
| | - Filippo Patrucco
- Department of Translation Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17 Novara, 20100, Italy
| | - Paolo Vineis
- MRC, Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1 PG, UK
| | - Fabrizio Faggiano
- Department of Translation Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17 Novara, 20100, Italy.,Osservatorio Epidemiologico, ASL Vercelli, Italy
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10
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Knežević D, Petković M, Božić L, Miljuš N, Mijović B, Aćimović J, Djaković-Dević J, Puhalo-Sladoje D, Mašić S, Spaić D, Todorović N, Pilipović-Broćeta N, Petrović V, Bokonjić D, Stojiljković MP, Škrbić R. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among primary healthcare workers in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia & Herzegovina: A cross-sectional study. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung 2022; 69:18-26. [PMID: 35156939 DOI: 10.1556/030.2022.01706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCW) in primary healthcare centres in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, are on the first combat line with COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among HCW at the primary healthcare centres and to analyse the risk exposure to COVID-19, clinical signs and vaccination status. A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCW at the selected primary healthcare centres between 19 March and 30 April 2021. Antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 1,023 HCW (mean age 45 years; 71% female) were included in the study. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 69.5% of all participants. There was a significant difference in seropositivity among primary healthcare centres from different geographical regions. As many as 432 (42%) of all participants had confirmed COVID-19 symptoms before the study and, 84.8% of them were seropositive. This study showed that 702 primary HCW were vaccinated with any of these vaccines: Sputnik V, Sinopharm, Pfizer/Biontech. High titre of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was found amongst those who received one (92.6%) or both (97.2%) doses of vaccines. In this study, we report high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody among HCW in primary healthcare in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina during the third pandemic wave.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darija Knežević
- 1 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Miroslav Petković
- 1 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ljiljana Božić
- 1 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nataša Miljuš
- 1 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Biljana Mijović
- 2 University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Primary Health Care and Public Health, Foča, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jela Aćimović
- 3 Public Health Institute of the Republic of Srpska, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jelena Djaković-Dević
- 3 Public Health Institute of the Republic of Srpska, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Dragana Puhalo-Sladoje
- 4 University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Foča, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Srdjan Mašić
- 2 University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Primary Health Care and Public Health, Foča, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Dragan Spaić
- 2 University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Primary Health Care and Public Health, Foča, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nevena Todorović
- 5 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Department for Family Medicine, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nataša Pilipović-Broćeta
- 5 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Department for Family Medicine, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Verica Petrović
- 5 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Department for Family Medicine, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Dejan Bokonjić
- 6 University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, Foča, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Miloš P Stojiljković
- 1 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ranko Škrbić
- 1 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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11
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Halili R, Bunjaku J, Gashi B, Hoxha T, Kamberi A, Hoti N, Agahi R, Basha V, Berisha V, Hoxha I. Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among staff at primary healthcare institutions in Prishtina. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:57. [PMID: 35034617 PMCID: PMC8761334 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07038-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies examined the spread of SARS-CoV-2 within populations using seroprevalence. Healthcare workers are a high-risk population due to patient contact, and studies are needed to examine seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers. Our study investigates the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among staff at primary healthcare institutions in Prishtina, and factors associated with seroprevalence. METHODS We carried out a cross-sectional survey including SARS-CoV-2 serological testing and questionnaires with primary healthcare workers from primary healthcare facilities in the Prishtina, the capital city of Kosovo. We calculated prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, and of self-reported positive PCR test among primary healthcare workers, as well as crude and adjusted ORs for explanatory factors. RESULTS Eighty-three of the healthcare workers (17.47%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies IgG or IgM, while 231 (48.63%) either had antibodies or a previous positive PCR test. Odds of seropositivity were affected by male gender (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.20, 3.61), and infected family members (OR 3.61, 95% CI 2.25, 5.79) of healthcare workers. Higher education, being part of larger families and having infected family members gave higher odds of positive PCR test and seropositivity. Other healthcare workers had lower odds of positive PCR test and seropositivity than physicians. CONCLUSION Over 17% of healthcare workers were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and close to half of them were either seropositive or PCR self-reported positive test. Several factors are associated with decreased and increased odds for such outcomes. These findings should be explored further and addressed to Kosovo policy makers, and assist them to intensify vaccination efforts, and maintain control measures until we achieve herd immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rrezart Halili
- Main Family Medical Centre, Fehmi Agani Rd, Prishtina, 10000, Kosovo
| | - Jeta Bunjaku
- Evidence Synthesis Group, Prishtina Starts, Veternik, Prishtina, 10000, Kosovo
| | - Bujar Gashi
- Main Family Medical Centre, Fehmi Agani Rd, Prishtina, 10000, Kosovo
| | - Teuta Hoxha
- Main Family Medical Centre, Fehmi Agani Rd, Prishtina, 10000, Kosovo
| | - Agron Kamberi
- Main Family Medical Centre, Fehmi Agani Rd, Prishtina, 10000, Kosovo
| | - Nexhmedin Hoti
- Main Family Medical Centre, Fehmi Agani Rd, Prishtina, 10000, Kosovo
| | - Riaz Agahi
- Research Department, Heimerer College, Veranda D4, Hyrja C dhe D, Lagja Kalabri, Prishtina, 10000, Kosovo
| | - Vlora Basha
- Index Kosova, 32A Gazmend Zajmi, Prishtina, 10000, Kosovo
| | - Visar Berisha
- Index Kosova, 32A Gazmend Zajmi, Prishtina, 10000, Kosovo
| | - Ilir Hoxha
- Evidence Synthesis Group, Prishtina Starts, Veternik, Prishtina, 10000, Kosovo. .,Research Department, Heimerer College, Veranda D4, Hyrja C dhe D, Lagja Kalabri, Prishtina, 10000, Kosovo. .,The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH, 03766, USA.
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12
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Coppeta L, Ferrari C, Mazza A, Trabucco Aurilio M, Rizza S. Factors Associated with Pre-Vaccination SARS-CoV-2 Infection Risk among Hospital Nurses Facing COVID-19 Outbreak. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413053. [PMID: 34948662 PMCID: PMC8701284 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to evaluate the magnitude of COVID-19 spread and the related risk factors among hospital nurses employed in a COVID hospital in Rome, before the beginning of the vaccination programmes commenced in 2021. Participants periodically underwent (every 15–30 days) nasopharyngeal swab and/or blood sample for SARS-CoV-2 IgG examination. From 1 March 2020 to 31 December 2020, we found 162 cases of COVID-19 infection (n = 143 nasopharyngeal swab and n = 19 IgG-positive) in a total of 918 hospital nurses (17.6%). Most SARS-CoV-2-infected hospital nurses were night shift workers (NSWs), smokers, with higher BMI and lower mean age than that of individuals who tested negative. After adjusting for covariates, age (OR = 0.923, 95% C.I. 0.895–0.952), night shift work (OR = 2.056, 95% C.I. 1.320–2.300), smoking status (OR = 1.603, 95% C.I. 1.080–2.378) and working in high-risk settings (OR = 1.607, 95% C.I. 1.036–2.593) were significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 hospital infection, whereas BMI was not significantly related. In conclusion, we found a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among hospital nurses at a Rome COVID hospital in the pre-vaccination period. Smoking, young age, night shift work and high-risk hospital settings are relevant risk factors for hospital SARS-CoV-2 infection; therefore, a close health surveillance should be necessary among hospital nurses exposed to SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Coppeta
- Department of Occupational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (C.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Cristiana Ferrari
- Department of Occupational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (C.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Andrea Mazza
- Department of Occupational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (C.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Marco Trabucco Aurilio
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy;
| | - Stefano Rizza
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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13
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Nienhaus A. COVID-19 among Health Workers in Germany-An Update. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18179185. [PMID: 34501773 PMCID: PMC8431697 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This is an update of our report on COVID-19 among health and social welfare workers in Germany. Workers' compensation claims for occupational diseases (OD) are recorded in a standardized database of the Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention in the Health and Welfare Services (BGW). We analyzed which workers in the health and welfare sector are most often affected by COVID-19. For the different sectors in healthcare and welfare, the number of full-time workers is known (FTW), allowing for calculation of claim rates by sector. The period for data presentation was extended to 3 May 2021 for this update. The cumulative number of COVID-19 claims increased from 4398 by May 2020 to 84,728 by May 2021. The majority of claims concern nursing homes (39.5%) and hospitals (37.6%). Nursing is the profession most often concerned (68.8%). Relative to the number of workers, the claim rate is highest for hospitals (41.3/1000 FTW). Seventy-seven workers died (0.09%) and three hundred and seventy-five (0.4%) were hospitalized. A total of 65,693 (77.5%) claims were assessed, and for 81.4% of these claims, the OD was confirmed. The number of health and welfare workers affected by COVID-19 is high. With most HW vaccinated by now in Germany, within the next few weeks or months, the number of new cases should decrease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Nienhaus
- Competence Center for Epidemiology and Health Services Research for Healthcare Professionals (CVcare), Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany; ; Tel.: +49-40-20207-3220
- Department for Occupational Medicine, Hazardous Substances and Health Sciences (AGG), Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention in the Health and Welfare Services (BGW), 22089 Hamburg, Germany
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