Author:
Bal Antonin,Brengel-Pesce Karen,Gaymard Alexandre,Quéromès Grégory,Guibert Nicolas,Frobert Emilie,Bouscambert Maude,Trabaud Mary-Anne,Allantaz-Frager Florence,Oriol Guy,Cheynet Valérie,d’Aubarede Constance,Massardier-Pilonchery Amélie,Buisson Marlyse,Lupo Julien,Pozzetto Bruno,Poignard Pascal,Lina Bruno,Fassier Jean-Baptiste,Morfin Florence,Trouillet-Assant Sophie,Adnot Jerôme,Alfaiate Dulce,Bergeret Alain,Boibieux André,Bonnet Florent,Brunel-Dalmas Florence,Caire Eurydice,Charbotel Barbara,Chiarello Pierre,Cotte Laurent,d’Aubarede Constance,Durupt François,Escuret Vanessa,Fascia Pascal,Fontaine Juliette,Gaillot-Durand Lucie,Gillet Myriam,Godinot Matthieu,Gueyffier François,Josset Laurence,Lahousse Matthieu,Lozano Hélène,Makhloufi Djamila,Milon Marie-Paule,Moll Frédéric,Narbey David,Nazare Julie-Anne,Oria Fatima,Perry Marielle,Pitiot Virginie,Prudent Mélanie,Rabilloud Muriel,Samperiz Audrey,Schlienger Isabelle,Simon Chantal,Valette Martine,
Abstract
AbstractA comprehensive clinical and microbiological assessments of COVID-19 in front-line healthcare workers (HCWs) is needed. Between April 10th and May 28th, 2020, 319 HCWs with acute illness were reviewed. In addition to SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR screening, a multiplex molecular panel was used for testing other respiratory pathogens. For SARS-CoV-2 positive HCWs, the normalized viral load, viral culture, and virus neutralization assays were performed weekly. For SARS-CoV-2 negative HCWs, SARS-CoV-2 serological testing was performed one month after inclusion. Among the 319 HCWs included, 67 (21.0%) were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2; 65/67 (97.0%) developed mild form of COVID-19. Other respiratory pathogens were found in 6/66 (9.1%) SARS-CoV-2 positive and 47/241 (19.5%) SARS-Cov-2 negative HCWs (p = 0.07). The proportion of HCWs with a viral load > 5.0 log10 cp/mL (Ct value < 25) was less than 15% at 8 days after symptom onset; 12% of HCWs were positive after 40 days (Ct > 37). More than 90% of cultivable virus had a viral load > 4.5 log10 cp/mL (Ct < 26) and were collected within 10 days after symptom onset. Among negative HCWs, 6/190 (3.2%) seroconverted. Our data suggest that the determination of viral load can be used for appreciating the infectiousness of infected HCWs. These data could be helpful for facilitating their return to work.
Funder
This research is being supported by Hospices Civils de Lyon and by Fondation des Hospices Civils de Lyon.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC