Objective: We aimed to study the seroprevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and sustainability of the immune response in health care workers (HCWs) A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 7 and November 30, 2020, in a multi-specialty hospital in Eastern India designated as COVID hospital during this pandemic Study participants included 2,110 HCWs, including those who have recovered from COVID infection Method: HCWs were required to complete a questionnaire and give written consent to participate in the study Their venous blood sample was collected for serum analysis of IgG antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by chemiluminescent immunoassay Results: Positive IgG antibodies were seen in 924 participants with a point prevalence of 43 79% Slightly higher reactivity was seen in males History of COVID-19 infection was noted in 10 9%, with the highest antibody response in 81% cases A maximum of 87 9% reactivity was seen in the first two months, and a significant fall was noted in the fourth month, with reactivity seen in only 50% of the study participants Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a variable immune response in the infected population The declining trend of the antibodies correlates with short-lived protective immunity and the possibility of re-infection Further studies are needed to explore the probable reasons for varied seroprevalence
Serosurveillance of Health Care Workers in a COVID Hospital: Immune Response, and Its Longevity