AI Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to measure the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among municipal workers in Northern Portugal during the first wave of the pandemic (May-June 2020) and identify related risk factors.
- The researchers conducted serological testing and surveys on 1,696 employees, revealing a seroprevalence rate of 2.9%, with the highest rates among administrative assistants and those living with confirmed cases.
- Symptoms like anosmia/dysgeusia were found to be highly predictive of infection, while living with healthcare professionals did not increase infection risk.
Article Abstract
Objectives: To assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in municipal employees of Northern Portugal during the first pandemic wave (May-June 2020) and its association with potentially related risk factors for infection.
Material And Methods: The authors assessed municipal employees of 2 cities in Northern Portugal, in whom serological tests to SARS-CoV-2 and an epidemiological survey were applied. The authors assessed the proportion of individuals presenting IgM and/or IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, and evaluated the association between having positive serological test results, epidemiologic variables and clinical presentations. Reported symptoms were evaluated on their sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values.
Results: The authors assessed 1696 employees, of whom 22.0% were firefighters, 10.4% were police officers, 10.3% were maintenance workers, and 8.1% were administrative assistants. The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 2.9% (95% CI: 2.1-3.7%). Administrative assistants comprised the professional group with highest seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 (OR = 1.9 in the comparison with other occupational groups, 95% CI: 0.8-4.3, p = 0.126). The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among those who were in direct contact with COVID-19 patients in their professional activity was 3.9%, compared to 2.7% among those who were not in direct contact with such patients (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.8-2.8, p = 0.222). The highest risk of infection was associated with the presence of a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in the household (OR = 17.4, 95% CI: 8.3-36.8, p < 0.001). Living with a healthcare professional was not associated with a higher risk of infection (OR = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.4-2.5, p = 0.934). Anosmia/ dysgeusia was the symptom with the highest positive predictive value (52.2%, 95% CI: 31.8-72.6, p < 0.001) and specificity (99.3%, 95% CI: 98.9-99.7, p < 0.001), while cough was the most prevalent symptom among SARS-CoV-2 seropositive participants (36%).
Conclusions: The authors observed a SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence of 2.9% among assessed municipal employees. Anosmia/dysgeusia was the COVID-19 symptom which displayed the highest positive predictive value and specificity. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(3):297-307.
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| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10464733 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01878 | DOI Listing |
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