Asian Journal of Immunology

SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Healthcare Workers from the Three Teaching Hospitals in Abidjan (Cote D’ivoire) during Pandemic Waves of 2022

Dasse Sery Romualde *

Medical Sciences – Immunology Allergology Department, Félix Houphouet Boigny University, Boulevard de l’Université, BP V 166 – Cocody, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire and Immunology and Haematology Department, University Hospital of Cocody, BP V 13, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Kouassi-Mbengue Aya Alphonsine

Medical Sciences – Immunology Allergology Department, Félix Houphouet Boigny University, Boulevard de l’Université, BP V 166 – Cocody, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire and Bacteriology and Virology Department, University Hospital of Cocody, BP V 13, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Siransy Kouabla Liliane

Medical Sciences – Immunology Allergology Department, Félix Houphouet Boigny University, Boulevard de l’Université, BP V 166 – Cocody, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire and Therapeutic and Research Unit, National Blood Transfusion Center, Côte d’Ivoire.

Attoh-Toure Harvey

Department of Santé Publique, Institut National d’Hygiène Publique, Côte d’Ivoire.

Kouassi Yao Mathias

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de ANGRE, Service de Medecine du Travail, Côte d’Ivoire.

Adou Adjoumanvoule Honoré

Immunology and Haematology Department, University Hospital of Cocody, BP V 13, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Yeboah Oppong Richard

Immunology and Haematology Department, University Hospital of Cocody, BP V 13, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Assi Aya Ursule Aniela

Immunology and Haematology Department, University Hospital of Cocody, BP V 13, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Kouacou Amah Patricia-Victorine

Immunology and Haematology Department, University Hospital of Cocody, BP V 13, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Seri Yida Jocelyne

Immunology and Haematology Department, University Hospital of Cocody, BP V 13, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Moussa Salimata

Medical Sciences – Immunology Allergology Department, Félix Houphouet Boigny University, Boulevard de l’Université, BP V 166 – Cocody, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Oura Doris

Medical Sciences – Immunology Allergology Department, Félix Houphouet Boigny University, Boulevard de l’Université, BP V 166 – Cocody, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Kakou-Ndouba Adèle

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de ANGRE, Service de Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale, Côte d’Ivoire.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Abstract

Background: In view of the concern about the nosocomial character of SARS-CoV-2 known for its high variability and its strong ability to spread, this study was conducted to assess the immunogenicity status through the seroprevalence of COVID -19 among healthcare workers in the three University hospitals of Abidjan (Cocody, Angré, Treichville).

Methodology: On a sample of 275 healthcare workers randomly chosen from the different professional strata taking into account the levels of risk intensity of contamination according to services and workstations, we measured total antibodies IgG / IgM and antibodies (neutralizing) anti RBD IgG of SARS-CoV-2 using the following kits respectively: Diagnostics Evolution CHORUS Diesse® Ref 81401 SARS-CoV-2 IgM and 81400 SARS-CoV-2 IgG and Diagnostics Evolution CHORUS Diesse® Ref 81408 SARS- CoV-2 Neutralyzing Ab by a technique based on double enzyme fluorescence labeling (ELFA – Enzyme Linked Fluorescence Assay) which combines a two-step sandwich enzyme immunoassay method with fluorescence detection.

Results: The predominantly female study population was characterized by young age with rates of vaccination coverage and history of COVID-19 infection, which  amount to 65,96% and 50,4% respectively. Among these health agents of which 44.1% and 46.16% worked in a context of intermediate level of risk contamination, considering respectively the department and the workstation, a very strong immunization was noted with a high seroprevalence at 93.5% of the population having produced total antibodies of IgG isotype but no IgM while 6.5% produced both IgG and IgM anti-SARS-CoV-2. Regarding anti-RBD neutralizing antibodies, 99.6% of agents are carriers.

Conclusion: This strong immunization is the response both to the vaccine, whose coverage is quite broad, and to the history of contact with the virus circulating in the population. This degree of protection obtained among healthcare workers, can be considered as collective immunity, and should be reassuring.

Keywords: Anti-RBD neutralizing antibodies, seroprevalence of COVID-19, healthcare workers, Ivory Coast

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