Comparison of Three Different Waves in Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Observational Study in an Italian University Hospital

Journal of Clinical Medicine

卷:11

Giuseppe Delvecchio¹  Antonella Pipoli¹  Gianmarco Giannelli¹  Antonio Caputi¹  Silvia Zagaria¹  Stefania Sponselli¹  Luigi De Maria¹  Luigi Vimercati¹  Domenica Cavone¹  Francesco Paolo Bianchi²  Silvio Tafuri²  Pasquale Stefanizzi² 

[1] Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;

[2] Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;

关键词: healthcare workers (HCWs);    COVID-19;    biological risk;   

DOI  :  10.3390/jcm11113074

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Background: SARS-CoV-2 has infected many healthcare workers and (HCWs) worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine, analyze, and compare the frequency and characteristics of COVID-19 cases among HCWs of the University Hospital of Bari. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted after preventive protocol implementation. The SARS-CoV-2 infection frequency was determined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction on nasopharyngeal samples. Results: Overall, 519 HCWs (9%) tested positive among a total of 6030 HCWs during the three waves. The highest frequency of COVID-19 cases (n = 326; 63%) was observed during the 2nd wave, from September 2020 to December 2020, and the lowest (n = 34; 7%) was observed during the 1st wave, from March 2020 to August 2020 (p < 0.001). Working in a designated COVID-19 department was not a risk factor for infection. Conclusions: The correct use of personal protective equipment and the early identification of symptomatic workers are still essential factors to avoid nosocomial clusters, even in this current phase of vaccine availability.

【 授权许可】

Unknown