Prevalence of seroconversion of COVID-19 among healthcare worker in Hospital Queen Elizabeth II

Introduction Health care workers (HCW) are at high risk of contracting the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with reported infection rates between 1.1 to 4%1,2 . We aim to determine the COVID-19 seroconversion rate using HEALGEN COVID-19 Immunoglobulin G and M (IgG/ IgM) rapid tests among HCW in Hospital Queen Elizabeth II (HQEII), Sabah.

Materials and Methods Cross-sectional study using convenience sampling. All HCW who underwent screening for COVID-19 via Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in HQE II between 24 April to 3 July 2020 were approached for recruitment. Agreeable subjects were given a questionnaire to answer and underwent the antibody rapid test before the scheduled RT-PCR test.

Results Total 727 HWCs were recruited in Hospital Queen Elizabeth II. Out of 727, there were 1.1% (n=8) HCWs tested positive via IgG or RT-PCR. There were 0.7%(n=5) tested Ig G positive, 0.3% (n=2) tested RT-PCR positive, 0.1% (n=1) tested positive of IgG and RT-PCR. Non were IgM Positive (Table 2). None of the HCWs who tested IgG or RT-PCR positive have history of travel for past 2 months. Of the eight positive cases, one head anosmia while other were asymptomatic. None of the HCWs who tested IgG or RT-PCR positive have history of travel for past 2 months. Of the eight positive cases, one head anosmia while other were asymptomatic.

Discussion and Conclusion Our study showed, low COVID-19 seroconversion rate among HCWs who did not exhibit typical symptoms of COVID-19. These findings support the need to continually adhere to preventive measures already in place such as social distancing, avoiding crowded areas, and adequate personal protective equipment especially within the healthcare setting to prevent further outbreaks.