Wide variation in the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among essential workers in Geneva, Switzerland

Stringhini S, Zaballa ME, Pullen N, De Mestral C, Perez-Saez J, Dumont R, Picazio A, Pennacchio F, Dibner Y, Yerly S, Baysson H, Vuilleumier N, Balavoine JF, Bachmann D, Trono D, Pittet D, Chappuis F, Kherad O, Kaiser L, Azman AS, SEROCoV-WORK + Study Group* & Idris Guessous.
Large variation in anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence among essential workers in Geneva, Switzerland Nature communications, 2021 Jun 8;12(1):3455. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-23796-4.

Abstract: There are few data on SARS-CoV-2 infection rates across industries and occupations, hampering our ability to develop rational policies, including prioritisation of vaccination, to protect workers and limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Here we present the results of our SEROCoV-WORK+ study, a serological survey of workers recruited after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Geneva, Switzerland. We tested workers (18 May - 18 September 2020) from 16 sectors and 32 occupations for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. Out of 10,513 participants, 1,026 (9.8%) tested positive. The rate of seropositivity varied from 4.2% in the media sector to 14.3% in home nursing. We found considerable intra-sector variability: retirement homes (0% to 31.4%), home care (3.9% to 12.6%), healthcare (0% to 23.5%), public administration (2.6% to 24.6%) and public safety (0% to 16.7%). Rates of seropositivity also varied by profession, ranging from 15.0% among kitchen staff and 14.4% among nurses, to 5.4% among domestic helpers and 2.8% among journalists. Our results show that seropositivity rates vary considerably between sectors, between facilities within sectors and between professions, reflecting greater exposure in certain sectors and professions.

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