Serological Response to SARS-CoV-2 in Health Care Workers Employed in a Large Tertiary Hospital in Lombardy, Northern Italy.

Background: COVID-19 pandemic is requesting unprecedented efforts by health-care workers (HCWs) in all countries, and especially in Italy during the first semester of 2020.

Methods: This is a retrospective, observational study conducted at the Spedali Civili General Hospital, in Brescia, Northern Italy during the SARS CoV-2 pandemic in the first semester of 2020. Serum samples from HCWs were tested for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific antibodies. An online survey was used to collect demographic, clinical, and epidemiological data.

Results: Of the 1893 HCWs included, 433 (22.9%) were found seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG. The cumulative prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (antibodies production or past positive RT-PCR on nasal/throat swab) was 25.1% (475/1893). Fifty-six out of 433 (13%) seropositive participants declared to have been asymptomatic during the study period. The development of COVID-19 signs or symptoms is the main determinant of seropositivity (OR: 11.3, < 0.0001) along with their duration and severity. 40/290 (14.5%) HCWs with documented positive RT-PCR during the study period did not show any detectable antibody response. IgG levels positively correlate with age, COVID-19-compatible signs and symptoms experienced and their duration.

Conclusions: In this study, carried out in one of the most affected areas in Europe, we demonstrate that most HCWs with COVID-19 related symptoms develop a spike protein-specific antibodies with potential neutralizing effect.