Healthcare workers (HCW) play a vital role in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic control. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and the risk of COVID-19 infections in a cohort of HCW from four different risk groups (from intensive care unit to administration) of a hospital of a primary care level in rural Germany. The outcomes were monthly measures of antibody seroprevalence over a period of 6 months. Overall, a seroprevalence of 13.41% was determined, with significantly higher prevalence rates among HCW working in areas with more frequent contact to confirmed or suspected cases (30.30%, p = 0.003). The group specific differences in the risk of infection from COVID-19 were detected, as HCW groups with frequent exposure seemed to have an increased risk (RR = 3.18, p = 0.02; CI95 1.09–9.24). The findings contribute to the epidemiological understanding of the virus spread in an unvaccinated population group, which is highly relevant for the pandemic management.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, pandemic, Immunity, antibody, Seroprevalence, healthcare, staff, 【초록키워드】 primary care, Healthcare workers, intensive care, SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, hospital, Seroprevalence, Infection, intensive care unit, risk, outcome, healthcare worker, Prevalence, Cohort, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, SARS-CoV-2 antibody, Germany, management, epidemiological, group, administration, risk of infection, Contact, HCW, prevalence rates, prevalence rate, increased risk, COVID-19 infections, virus spread, measure, risk of COVID-19, was determined, contribute, significantly higher, the SARS-CoV-2, 【제목키워드】 Germany, Prospective, Standard,