%0 Journal Article %A Michael Edmund O'Callaghan %A Elizabeth Ryan %A Cathal Walsh %A Peter Hayes %A Monica Casey %A Pat O'Dwyer %A Aidan Culhane %A John W Duncan %A Pat Harrold %A Jarlath Healy %A Emmet Kerin %A Eimear Kelly %A Conor Hanrahan %A Ger P Lane %A Bernie Lynch %A Paraic Meaney %A Billy O'Connell %A Jim Galvin %A Norelee Kennedy %A Paul Burke %A Nuala H O'Connell %A Colum P Dunne %A Liam G Glynn %T Seroprevalence study of SARS-CoV-2 infection in General Practice in Ireland %D 2021 %R 10.3399/BJGPO.2021.0038 %J BJGP Open %P BJGPO.2021.0038 %X Background: SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing in community settings may help us better understand the immune response to this virus and therefore help guide public health efforts. Aim: Conduct a seroprevalence study of IgG antibodies in Irish GP clinics. Design and Setting: Participants were 172 staff and 799 patients of 15 general practices in the Midwest region of Ireland. Methods: This seroprevalence study utilised 2 manufacturers’ point-of-care (POC) SARS-CoV-2 IgM-IgG combined antibody tests, offered to patients and staff in general practice from mid-June to mid-July 2020. Results: Immunoglobulin G (IgG) seroprevalence was 12.6% in patients attending general practice and 11.1% in staff working in general practice, with administrative staff having the lowest seroprevalence at 2.5% and nursing staff having the highest at 17.6%. Previous symptoms suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 and history of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test were associated with higher seroprevalence. IgG antibodies were detected in approximately 80% of participants who had a previous PCR-confirmed infection. Average length of time between participants’ positive PCR test and positive IgG antibody test was 83 days. Conclusion: Patients and healthcare staff in general practice in Ireland had relatively high rates of IgG to SARS-CoV-2 compared to the national average at the time (1.7%). Four-fifths of participants with a history of confirmed COVID-19 disease still had detectable antibodies an average of 12 weeks post-infection. While not proof of immunity, SARS-CoV-2 POC testing can be used to estimate IgG seroprevalence in general practice settings. %U https://bjgpopen.org/content/bjgpoa/early/2021/05/18/BJGPO.2021.0038.full.pdf