Seroprevalence of antibodies to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 among healthcare workers in Kenya - Repository

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: https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciab346

Abstract

Background: Few studies have assessed the seroprevalence of antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Africa. We report findings from a survey among HCWs in 3 counties in Kenya. Methods: We recruited 684 HCWs from Kilifi (rural), Busia (rural), and Nairobi (urban) counties. The serosurvey was conducted between 30 July and 4 December 2020. We tested for immunoglobulin G antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Assay sensitivity and specificity were 92.7 (95% CI, 87.9-96.1) and 99.0% (95% CI, 98.1-99.5), respectively. We adjusted prevalence estimates, using bayesian modeling to account for assay performance. Results: The crude overall seroprevalence was 19.7% (135 of 684). After adjustment for assay performance, seroprevalence was 20.8% (95% credible interval, 17.5%–24.4%). Seroprevalence varied significantly (P < .001) by site: 43.8% (95% credible interval, 35.8%–52.2%) in Nairobi, 12.6% (8.8%–17.1%) in Busia and 11.5% (7.2%–17.6%) in Kilifi. In a multivariable model controlling for age, sex, and site, professional cadre was not associated with differences in seroprevalence. Conclusion: These initial data demonstrate a high seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 among HCWs in Kenya. There was significant variation in seroprevalence by region, but not by cadre.

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This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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Etyang, A., Lucinde, R., Karanja, H., Kalu, C., Mugo, D., Nyagwange, J., Gitonga, J., Tuju, J., Wanjiku, P., Karani, A., Mutua, S., Maroko, H., Nzomo, E., Maitha, E., Kamuri, E., Kaugiria, T., Weru, J., Ochola, L., Kilimo, N., Charo, S., Emukule, N., Moracha, W., Mukabi, D., Okuku, R., Ogutu, M., Angujo, B., Otiende, M., Bottomley, C., Otieno, E., Ndwiga, L., Nyaguara, A., Voller, S., Agoti, C., Nokes, D., Ochola-Oyier, L., Aman, R., Amoth, P., Mwangangi, M., Kasera, K., Ng’ang’a, W., Adetifa, I., Kagucia, E., Gallagher, K., Uyoga, S., Tsofa, B., Barasa, E., Bejon, P., Scott, J., Agweyu, A. & Warimwe, G. 2021, 'Seroprevalence of antibodies to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 among healthcare workers in Kenya', Clinical Infectious Diseases, 74(2), pp. 288-293. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciab346

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciab346

Repository URI: https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/325335/