Authors
Anu Kantele, Tinja Lääveri, Lauri Kareinen, Sari H Pakkanen, Karin Blomgren, Sointu Mero, Anu Patjas, Jenni Virtanen, Ruut Uusitalo, Maija Lappalainen, Asko Järvinen, Satu Kurkela, Anne J Jääskeläinen, Olli Vapalahti, Tarja Sironen
Publication date
2021/1/1
Journal
Travel medicine and infectious disease
Volume
39
Pages
101949
Publisher
Elsevier
Description
Background
Exposure, risks and immunity of healthcare workers (HCWs), a vital resource during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, warrant special attention.
Methods
HCWs at Helsinki University Hospital, Finland, filled in questionnaires and provided serum samples for SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody screening by Euroimmun IgG assay in March–April 2020. Positive/equivocal findings were confirmed by Abbott and microneutralization tests. Positivity by two of the three assays or RT-PCR indicated a Covid-19 case (CoV+).
Results
The rate of CoV(+) was 3.3% (36/1095) and seropositivity 3.0% (33/1095). CoV(+) was associated with contact with a known Covid-19 case, and working on a Covid-19-dedicated ward or one with cases among staff. The rate in the Covid-19-dedicated ICU was negligible. Smoking and age <55 years were associated with decreased risk. CoV(+) was strongly associated with ageusia, anosmia …
Scholar articles
A Kantele, T Lääveri, L Kareinen, SH Pakkanen… - Travel medicine and infectious disease, 2021