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- Title
SARS-CoV-2 infection in general practice in Ireland: a seroprevalence study.
- Authors
O'Callaghan, Michael E.; Ryan, Elizabeth; Walsh, Cathal; Hayes, Peter; Casey, Monica; O'Dwyer, Pat; Culhane, Aidan; Duncan, John W.; Harrold, Pat; Healy, Jarlath; Kerin, Emmet; Kelly, Eimear; Hanrahan, Conor; Lane, Ger P.; Lynch, Bernie; Meaney, Paraic; O'Connell, Billy; Galvin, Jim; Kennedy, Norelee; Burke, Paul
- Abstract
Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody testing in community settings may help us better understand the immune response to this virus and, therefore, help guide public health efforts. Aim: To conduct a seroprevalence study of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in Irish GP clinics. Design & setting: Participants were 172 staff and 799 patients from 15 general practices in the Midwest region of Ireland. Method: This seroprevalence study utilised two manufacturers' point-of-care (POC) SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin M (IgM)--IgG combined antibody tests, which were offered to patients and staff in general practice from 15 June to 10 July 2020. Results: IgG seroprevalence was 12.6% in patients attending general practice and 11.1% in staff working in general practice, with administrative staff having the lowest seroprevalence at 2.5% and nursing staff having the highest at 17.6%. Previous symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 and history of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test were associated with higher seroprevalence. IgG antibodies were detected in approximately 80% of participants who had a previous PCR-confirmed infection. Average length of time between participants' positive PCR test and positive IgG antibody test was 83 days. Conclusion: Patients and healthcare staff in general practice in Ireland had relatively high rates of IgG to SARS-CoV-2 compared with the national average between 15 June and 10 July 2020 (1.7%). Four-fifths of participants with a history of confirmed COVID-19 disease still had detectable antibodies an average of 12 weeks post-infection. While not proof of immunity, SARS-CoV-2 POC testing can be used to estimate IgG seroprevalence in general practice settings.
- Subjects
IRELAND; SARS-CoV-2; SEROPREVALENCE; IMMUNE response; POINT-of-care testing; IMMUNOGLOBULIN G
- Publication
BJGP Open, 2021, Vol 5, Issue 4, p1
- ISSN
2398-3795
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3399/BJGPO.2021.0038