Etyang AO
Lucinde R
Karanja H
Kalu C
Mugo D
Nyagwange J
Gitonga J
Tuju J
Wanjiku P
Karani A
Mutua S
Maroko H
Nzomo E
Maitha E
Kamuri E
Kaugiria T
Weru J
Ochola LB
Kilimo N
Charo S
Emukule N
Moracha W
Mukabi D
Okuku R
Ogutu M
Angujo B
Otiende M
Bottomley C
Otieno E
Ndwiga L
Nyaguara A
Voller S
Agoti CN
Nokes DJ
Ochola-Oyier LI
Aman R
Amoth P
Mwangangi M
Kasera K
Ng'ang'a W
Adetifa IMO
Wangeci Kagucia E
Gallagher K
Uyoga S
Tsofa B
Barasa E
Bejon P
Scott JAG
Agweyu A
Warimwe GM
Clin Infect Dis. 2022;74288-293
BACKGROUND: Few studies have assessed the seroprevalence of antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Africa. We report findings from a survey among HCWs in 3 counties in Kenya. METHODS: We recruited 684 HCWs from Kilifi (rural), Busia (rural), and Nairobi (urban) counties. The serosurvey was conducted between 30 July and 4 December 2020. We tested for immunoglobulin G antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Assay sensitivity and specificity were 92.7 (95% CI, 87.9-96.1) and 99.0% (95% CI, 98.1-99.5), respectively. We adjusted prevalence estimates, using bayesian modeling to account for assay performance. RESULTS: The crude overall seroprevalence was 19.7% (135 of 684). After adjustment for assay performance, seroprevalence was 20.8% (95% credible interval, 17.5%-24.4%). Seroprevalence varied significantly (P < .001) by site: 43.8% (95% credible interval, 35.8%-52.2%) in Nairobi, 12.6% (8.8%-17.1%) in Busia and 11.5% (7.2%-17.6%) in Kilifi. In a multivariable model controlling for age, sex, and site, professional cadre was not associated with differences in seroprevalence. CONCLUSION: These initial data demonstrate a high seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 among HCWs in Kenya. There was significant variation in seroprevalence by region, but not by cadre.
