A screening strategy to prevent hospital acquired COVID -19 in peak pandemic period

Abstract

Health care worker (HCW) are at increased risk for Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARSCoV-2) infection. The study evaluates seroprevalence of SARS CoV-2 IgG antibody among HCW during peak pandemic period and plans a screening strategy for early identification and isolation of HCW. This is the prospective cross sectional study of HCW where High risk and low risk HCW were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using Architect automated analyser. Out of 264 HCW, 36 (13.6%) HCW were positive for SARS CoV-2 IgG antibodies. Seroprevalence was 14.7% in low risk group while 13.2 % among high risk group. Serosurvey could detect antibody in 47.3% HCW which were either negative by COVID-19 RTPCR or were never tested owing to absence of clinical symptoms.SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody were absent in 39% previously COVID-19 positive HCW. Equal seroprevalence in both the groups of HCW during peak of pandemic is suggestive of community transmission in India and robust infection control policy of hospital. Also, we conclude that there is need of multiprong approach with serial diagnostic screening of COVID infection in health care worker which should include both RTPCR and serological test.