Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in health care workers in a complex South Brazilian hospital

Introduction: Health care workers (HCWs) are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection because of the close contact care required by patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving HCW was conducted. Serological tests (lateral flow immunochromatographic assays) were performed from June 22 to July 17, 2020. Results: A total of 3,739 employees were tested, resulting in 10.2% positivity. The seroprevalence in the support group was 11.4% (71/624) and 7.3% (32/438) in the administrative group, with a higher seroprevalence among those who reported symptoms (64/469; 13.6%). Conclusions: Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 was higher in employees with related symptoms in both the support group and in professionals working in nursing wards. Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, healthcare workers, seroprevalence, immunoassay.