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MAPPING THE VIRAL BATTLEFELD: SARS-COV-2 INFECTION DYNAMICS AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN BRAZIL
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Abstract
Background Understanding the dynamics of SARSCoV2 viral infection and factors associated with inhospital trans‑ mission rates among healthcare workers (HCW) is crucial for their protection. Brazil experienced high mortality rates
due to COVID19, and limited data are available on transmission of SARSCoV2 infection among HCW. This cohort study aimed to assess the dynamic of SARSCoV2 infections in HCW from two tertiary hospitals in central Brazil, one
of them a Reference Hospital for COVID19. Methods From May 2020 to January 2021, 554 HCW directly involved with COVID19 care were followed through 12 biweekly visits. During these visits, blood, nasal, and oropharyngeal samples were collected, and participants under‑ went interviews. SARSCoV2 detection was carried out using RTqPCR, while the assessment of seroprevalence was based on IgG detection. Additionally, 35 positive samples underwent viral wholegenome sequencing. Results The infection prevalence, as per RTqPCR, was 28.5% (24.9–32.4), refecting 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 COVID19 included being male, working at the referral hospital, having a graduateeducation level, and using hydroxychloroquine and zinc for prevention or treatment. One reinfection was identifed. Absenteeism was 56.6%. The infection dynamics mirrored the pattern observed in the general population. Conclusion Onethird 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 COVID19 referral hospital exhibited a higher incidence rate compared to those at the nonreferral hospital, increasing the plausibility that some of the infections occur in the hospital environment.
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