A cross-sectional study of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among healthcare workers and residents of long-term facilities in Italy, January 2021

Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are high-risk settings for SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study aimed to describe SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among residents of LTCFs and health-care workers (HCWs). Subjects were recruited in January 2021 among unvaccinated HCWs of LTCFs and hospitals and residents of LTCFs in Northern Italy. Information concerning previous SARS-CoV-2 infections and a sample of peripheral blood were collected. Anti-S SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were measured using the EUROIMMUN Anti-SARS-CoV-2 QuantiVac ELISA kit (EUROIMMUN Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG). For subjects with previous COVID-19 infection, gender, age, type of subject (HCW or resident), and time between last positive swab and blood draw were considered as possible determinants of two outcomes: the probability to obtain a positive serological result and antibody titer. Six hundred and fifty-eight subjects were enrolled. 56.1% of all subjects and 65% of residents presented positive results (overall median antibody titer: 31.0 RU/ml). Multivariable models identified a statistically significant 4% decrease in the estimated antibody level for each 30-day increase from the last positive swab. HCWs were associated with significant odds for seroreversion over time (OR: 0.926 for every 30 days, 95% CI: 0.860-0.998), contrary to residents (OR: 1.059, 95% CI: 0.919-1.22). Age and gender were not factors predicting seropositivity over time. Residents could have a higher probability of maintaining a seropositive status over time compared to HCWs.