COVID-19 Infection Prevalence Among Healthcare Workers

Strategic Insights -

A recent study conducted in Cairo, Egypt, has found a significant prevalence of COVID-19 infection among asymptomatic healthcare workers in emergency departments of tertiary care facilities. The research, published in the Journal of Clinical Virology, examined 203 healthcare workers and found that 14.3% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Additionally, 18.2% of the healthcare workers tested positive by rapid serological test (RST), with 20 testing positive for both IgM and IgG antibodies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a 14.3% point prevalence of COVID-19 infection among asymptomatic healthcare workers in EDs of tertiary care facilities.
  • 18.2% of healthcare workers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection by RST, with 20 testing positive for both IgM and IgG antibodies.
  • Age, gender, and/or occupation were not risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection among the healthcare workers studied.
  • The study highlights the importance of screening all healthcare workers regardless of symptoms and the need for strict measures to reduce transmission from healthcare facilities to the community during the pandemic.
  • The research emphasizes the need for infection control policies in hospitals to be followed as recommended by national and international guidelines.

Statistics:

  • 14.3% of 203 healthcare workers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR.
  • 18.2% of healthcare workers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection by RST.
  • 20 healthcare workers tested positive for both IgM and IgG antibodies.
  • 14 healthcare workers tested positive for IgM only.
  • 3 healthcare workers tested positive for IgG only.

Sources:

  • "SARS-CoV-2 infection among asymptomatic healthcare workers of the emergency department in a tertiary care facility." Journal of Clinical Virology, 2020;134:104710. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Journal of Clinical Virology - www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-clinical-virology/)
  • NewsRx. Reports from Cairo University Provide New Insights into COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 infection among asymptomatic healthcare workers of the emergency department in a tertiary care facility). TB & Outbreaks Week. December 15, 2020; p 691.