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Seroprevalence of Antibodies to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Among Healthcare Workers in Kenya

2021; Oxford University Press; Volume: 74; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1093/cid/ciab346

1537-6591

Anthony Etyang, Ruth Lucinde, Henry Karanja, Catherine Kalu, Daisy Mugo, James Nyagwange, John N. Gitonga, James Tuju, Perpetual Wanjiku, Angela Karani, Shadrack Mutua, Hosea Maroko, Eddy Nzomo, Eric K. Maitha, Evanson Kamuri, Thuranira Kaugiria, Justus Weru, Lucy Ochola, Nelson Kilimo, Sande Charo, Namdala Emukule, Wycliffe Moracha, David Mukabi, Rosemary Okuku, Monicah Ogutu, Barrack Angujo, Mark Otiende, Christian Bottomley, Edward Otieno, Leonard Ndwiga, Amek Nyaguara, Shirine Voller, Charles N. Agoti, D. James Nokes, Lynette Isabella Ochola‐Oyier, Rashid Aman, Patrick Amoth, Mercy Mwangangi, Kadondi Kasera, Wangari Ng’ang’a, Ifedayo Adetifa, E. Wangeci Kagucia, Katherine E. Gallagher, Sophie Uyoga, Benjamin Tsofa, Edwine Barasa, Philip Bejon, J. Anthony G. Scott, Ambrose Agweyu, George M. Warimwe,

COVID-19 epidemiological studies

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.