Department of Ophthalmology, Unidad Nacional de Oftalmología, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
Ann Med. 2021 Dec;53(1):1956-1959. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2021.1993325.
To determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in eye healthcare workers (EHCW) in the largest ophthalmology centre in Guatemala and factors associated with antibody positivity.
We conducted a cross sectional sero-survey in all the staff at the largest ophthalmology centre in Guatemala. Serum samples were collected and tested for total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 employing Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Immunoassay. Results were reported as reactive or non-reactive. According to patient exposure the staff were divided into low risk (technicians, domestic and administrative staff) and high risk (nurses, ophthalmologists, anaesthesiologists, and optometrists). Among those with positive antibodies, they were given a survey that included demographic characteristics, COVID-19 exposure, and related symptomatology. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with antibody positivity.
On November 25th a total of 94 healthcare workers were sero-surveyed, mean age was 34.15 years (±8.41), most (57.44%) were females. Seroprevalence was 18%, the majority (77%) were in the low-risk group; while 64% at high-risk, tested negative. Those at low exposure, were five times more likely to have antibodies than those at high exposure (OR:5.69; 95% CI 1.69-19.13). Age and gender were not associated to seropositivity.
We found a similar seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in EHCW to what has been reported in other healthcare groups. Seropositivity was higher among HCW with fewer patient exposure, hence the probability of community transmission.Key messagesEven though eye healthcare workers are believed to be at higher risk of infection, the prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in this group is comparable to what has been reported previously in other healthcare groups.
在危地马拉最大的眼科中心确定眼科医护人员（EHCW）中 SARS-CoV-2 抗体的血清阳性率和与抗体阳性相关的因素。
我们对危地马拉最大的眼科中心的所有工作人员进行了横断面血清学调查。采集血清样本，采用罗氏 Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 免疫分析法检测针对 SARS-CoV-2 的总抗体。结果报告为反应性或非反应性。根据患者接触情况，工作人员分为低风险（技术员、内勤和行政人员）和高风险（护士、眼科医生、麻醉师和验光师）。对于抗体阳性者，我们进行了一项调查，包括人口统计学特征、COVID-19 暴露和相关症状。采用逻辑回归确定与抗体阳性相关的因素。
11 月 25 日共对 94 名医护人员进行了血清学调查，平均年龄为 34.15 岁（±8.41），大多数（57.44%）为女性。血清阳性率为 18%，大多数（77%）为低风险人群；而高风险人群中，64%检测结果为阴性。低暴露人群产生抗体的可能性是高暴露人群的五倍（OR：5.69；95%CI 1.69-19.13）。年龄和性别与血清阳性率无关。
我们发现 EHCW 中 SARS-CoV-2 抗体的血清阳性率与其他医护人员群体报告的相似。与接触患者较少的 HCW 相比，抗体阳性率更高，因此社区传播的可能性更大。
尽管眼科医护人员被认为感染风险更高，但该人群中针对 SARS-CoV-2 的抗体阳性率与之前在其他医护人员群体中报告的相似。
