High seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 among healthcare workers in Yaoundé, Cameroon after the first wave of Covid-19 pandemic and associated factors

BACKGROUND

Healthcare workers (HWs) are at a high risk of exposure to emerging health threats. Following the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Cameroon, we explored the presence and persistence of naturally acquired antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the factors associated with seropositivity in HWs.

METHODS

Staff at two referral hospitals in Yaoundé or two Health District Hospitals in Obala and Mbalmayo were included in a 6-month prospective cohort analysis or cross-sectional survey, respectively. Seroprevalence and associated factors were determined, and Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess antibody persistence or positive seroconversion over time.

RESULTS

From August 2020 to March 2021, 426 HWs (median age: 31 years, interquartile range: 27-37 years; 66.4% female) were enrolled. The overall seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 54.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 49.1-58.8) and was significantly different between study sites (p = 0.04). Of the 216 HWs included in the 6-month cohort, 109 (50.5%) HWs were seropositive at inclusion; the probability of persistent antibodies or of becoming seropositive was 93.8% (95% CI: 84.2-100) and 78.9% (95% CI: 61.7-88.4), respectively. Seroconversion was associated with study site and occupation but not with infection prevention and control (IPC) practices.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody and seroconversion among HWs associated with occupational risk. This suggests low compliance to the COVID-19 control measures. Continued training and implementation of IPC measures and accelerated preparedness are needed to better tackle future threats.