Mapping the viral battlefield: SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamics among healthcare workers in Brazil

Mapping the viral battlefield: SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamics among healthcare workers in Brazil

Abstract Background Understanding the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 viral infection and factors associated with in-hospital transmission rates among healthcare workers (HCW) is crucial for their protection. Brazil experienced high mortality rates due to COVID-19, and limited data are available on transmiss...

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Main Authors: Antonio Luiz Dal Bello Gasparoto, Samara Vilas-Bôas Graeff, Wellyngton Matheus de Souza Santiago, Danielle Gomes da Silva, Thaynara Azevedo dos Santos, Leandro Martin Paulino, Wellington Santos Fava, Fernanda Paes Reis, Claudia Stutz, Adriana de Oliveira França, Ana Tereza Gomes Guerrero Moureau, Camila Amato Montalbano, Everton Ferreira Lemos, Crhistinne Cavalheiro Maymone Gonçalves, Carlos Alberto Bento Júnior, Rodrigo Pires Dallacqua, Julio Croda, Aline Pedroso Lorenz, Cristina Souza, Taynara Nogueira Martins, Kassia Roberta Nogueira da Silva, Alda Maria Teixeira Ferreira, Adriana Carla Garcia Negri, Anamaria Mello Miranda Paniago, Ana Rita Coimbra Motta-Castro, James Venturini, Ana Paula da Costa Marques, Sandra Maria do Valle Leone de Oliveira
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-02-01
Series:Human Resources for Health
Subjects:
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
Healthcare worker
Asymptomatic infection
Epidemiology
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-024-00968-z
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Summary:Abstract Background Understanding the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 viral infection and factors associated with in-hospital transmission rates among healthcare workers (HCW) is crucial for their protection. Brazil experienced high mortality rates due to COVID-19, and limited data are available on transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCW. This cohort study aimed to assess the dynamic of SARS-CoV-2 infections in HCW from two tertiary hospitals in central Brazil, one of them a Reference Hospital for COVID-19. Methods From May 2020 to January 2021, 554 HCW directly involved with COVID-19 care were followed through 12 biweekly visits. During these visits, blood, nasal, and oropharyngeal samples were collected, and participants underwent interviews. SARS-CoV-2 detection was carried out using RT-qPCR, while the assessment of seroprevalence was based on IgG detection. Additionally, 35 positive samples underwent viral whole-genome sequencing. Results The infection prevalence, as per RT-qPCR, was 28.5% (24.9–32.4), reflecting an overall attack rate ranging from 0.5% to 9.5%, marked by two peaks in August and December 2020. Oligosymptomatic and asymptomatic infections accounted for 14% of prevalent infections. The seroprevalence rate stood at 25.8%. The hospitalization rate was 8.2%, with a fatality rate of 1.3%. Risk factors associated with a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 included being male, working at the referral hospital, having a graduate-education level, and using hydroxychloroquine and zinc for prevention or treatment. One reinfection was identified. Absenteeism was 56.6%. The infection dynamics mirrored the pattern observed in the general population. Conclusion One-third of the professionals in the followed cohort were infected. Being male, working in a COVID-19 referral center, having a low level of education, and using medications for preventive treatment represented risk factors. Healthcare workers at the COVID-19 referral hospital exhibited a higher incidence rate compared to those at the non-referral hospital, increasing the plausibility that some of the infections occur in the hospital environment.
ISSN:1478-4491

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