Serological Survey of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus -2 (Sars-Cov-2) among Frontline Health Workers in Northwest Nigeria

Background: Serological testing of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG/IgM antibodies is an important complement to Real Time-PCR (RT-PCR) for surveillance and outbreak investigations. The study therefore aimed to assess the serological survey of SARS-COV-2 among frontline health workers using specific IgG/IgM antibodies.

Methods: The study was a cross-sectional design. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain biodata. Rapid diagnostic test kits were used for the study in which samples reacted with COVID-19 antigen-coated particles in the test cassette and the complex formed produced readable bands indicating the presence of SARS-COV19 in the tested subject. Data obtained were analyzed using Stata v15.

Results: The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among the study sample was 39.0% and 14.9% for IgG and IgM respectively. Prevalence was highest in the outpatient department (IgG; 70.0%, IgM; 17.1%). IgG positivity was observed more among doctors while positivity for IgG was seen in 78.6% of persons with previous diagnoses. IgM was significantly associated with contact with patients having shortness of breath, p-value < 0.05.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated a high level of SARS-COV19 IgG indicating past infection and IgM suggesting recent exposure or ongoing infection among this group of workers compared to others within the hospital settings. The role of serological testing cannot be over-emphasized in the periodic screening and prompt treatment of health workers before they manifest symptoms or become capable of spreading the disease to innocent patients and or co-health workers.