COVID-19 Seroprevalence among Healthcare Workers in a University Hospital in Southeastern Turkey

Abstract

Objective: In our study, IgG and IgA antibodies were investigated by using the ELISA method, especially in healthcare workers (HCWs) who were more likely to encounter infection as of June 2020, and it was aimed to determine the level of HCWs being affected by the pandemic. Methods: A total of 186 volunteer HCWs from different professions working in different departments were included in the study. Serum was obtained by taking 5 mL of blood samples from the volunteers. The presence of IgA and IgG antibodies against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus was investigated in the sera by using the ELISA method. Results: The mean age of the participants in the study was 34.22 (67.85), and 71 (38.2%) were female. One hundred and eighty participants tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgA antibodies, and eight (4.4%) of them were found positive. One hundred and eighty-six participants tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, and five (2.7%) of them were found positive. The highest antibody positivity was detected in the intensive care unit and doctors. Conclusion: At the end of the study, low seropositivity rates were found. However, the risk of infection in HCWs increased in proportion to the continuation of the pandemic and the increase in cases. HCWs took the necessary precautions to minimize the infection. Investigating the presence of antibodies in HCWs at regular intervals will help to calculate the risk among HCWs.