MATCH-COVID-19
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Modelling acquisition and transmission of COVID-19 infection in healthcare workers in Scotland
IRAS ID
283547
Contact name
James D Chalmers
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Research Summary:
As many healthcare workers are affected by COVID-19 it is important to establish if mild or subclinical infections produce an immune response that protects workers against future infection. Discovering the frequency and impact of HCW infections will allow better workforce planning in the NHS as well as establishing whether a positive antibody test can allow staff to safely return to work with a low risk of infection.
Healthcare workers who have previously been tested for COVID-19, will be eligible to take part. Visits will be in their place of work and involve attending around 14-28 day after their initial test to have a repeat nasal swab to test for current COVID-19 infection (only in those who tested negative) and a blood sample to test for antibodies and inflammatory markers.
Lay summary of study results:
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are believed to be at increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. It is not known to what extent the natural production of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 is protective against re-infection.
An observational study of HCWs in Scotland (UK) from May to September 2020 was performed. The Siemens SARS-CoV-2 total antibody assay was used to establish seroprevalence in this cohort. Controls, matched for age and sex to the general local population, were studied for comparison. New infections (up to 2 December 2020) post antibody testing were recorded to determine whether the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies protects against re-infection.
A total of 2063 health and social care workers were recruited for this study. At enrolment, 300 HCWs had a positive antibody test (14.5%). 11 out of 231 controls tested positive (4.8%). HCWs therefore had a significant increased likelihood of a positive test. Dentists were most likely to test positive.
97.3% of patients who had previously tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 had positive antibodies. 18.7% had an asymptomatic infection. There were 38 new infections with SARS-CoV-2 in HCWs, who were previously antibody negative, and one symptomatic positive re-infection.
It was concluded that HCWs were three times more likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 than the general population. Almost all infected individuals developed an antibody response, which was 85% effective in protecting against re-infection with SARS-CoV-2.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
20/WS/0078
Date of REC Opinion
21 May 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion