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Open Access 01-12-2021 | SARS-CoV-2 | Research

SARS-CoV-2 PCR and antibody positivity among school staff at the beginning and end of the first school term

Authors: Moza Alishaq, Andrew Jeremijenko, Hanaa Nafady-Hego, Jameela Ali Al Ajmi, Mohamed Elgendy, Anil George Thomas, Peter V. Coyle, Hamed Elgendy, Abdul-Badi Abou-Samra, Adeel A. Butt

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

There is controversy regarding the role of in-person attendance in schools and transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Several studies have demonstrated no increase in transmission, while some have reported large outbreaks with in-person attendance. We determined the incidence and risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection among school staff after one school term.

Methods

Nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR and blood for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing were obtained from staff at a large international school in Qatar at the beginning of the 2020–2021 school year and repeated at the end of the first term.

Results

A total of 376 staff provided samples for testing. At the beginning of the 2020–2021 school year, the PCR positivity for SARS-CoV-2 was 13%, while seropositivity was 30.1%. A majority of those who tested positive either by PCR or serologically, were non-teaching staff. At the end of the first school term four months later, only 3.5% of the initially antibody-negative staff had seroconverted. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, male gender (OR 11.48, 95%CI 4.77–27.64), non-teaching job category (OR 3.09, 95%CI 1.10–8.64), contact with a confirmed case (OR 20.81, 95%CI 2.90–149.18), and presence of symptoms in the preceding 2 weeks [1–2 symptoms OR 4.82, 95%CI 1.79–12.94); ≥3 symptoms OR 42.30, 95%CI 3.76–476.43) independently predicted SARS-CoV-2 infection in school staff before school starting.

Conclusion

Male gender, non-teaching job, presence of symptoms, and exposure to a confirmed case were associated with higher risk of infection. These data can help policymakers in determining the optimal strategy for school reopening.

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Title: SARS-CoV-2 PCR and antibody positivity among school staff at the beginning and end of the first school term
Authors: Moza Alishaq
Andrew Jeremijenko
Hanaa Nafady-Hego
Jameela Ali Al Ajmi
Mohamed Elgendy
Anil George Thomas
Peter V. Coyle
Hamed Elgendy
Abdul-Badi Abou-Samra
Adeel A. Butt
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: SARS-CoV-2
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-12134-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

SARS-CoV-2 PCR and antibody positivity among school staff at the beginning and end of the first school term

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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