TY - JOUR T1 - Seroprevalence study of SARS-CoV-2 infection in General Practice in Ireland JF - BJGP Open JO - BJGP Open DO - 10.3399/BJGPO.2021.0038 SP - BJGPO.2021.0038 AU - Michael Edmund O'Callaghan AU - Elizabeth Ryan AU - Cathal Walsh AU - Peter Hayes AU - Monica Casey AU - Pat O'Dwyer AU - Aidan Culhane AU - John W Duncan AU - Pat Harrold AU - Jarlath Healy AU - Emmet Kerin AU - Eimear Kelly AU - Conor Hanrahan AU - Ger P Lane AU - Bernie Lynch AU - Paraic Meaney AU - Billy O'Connell AU - Jim Galvin AU - Norelee Kennedy AU - Paul Burke AU - Nuala H O'Connell AU - Colum P Dunne AU - Liam G Glynn Y1 - 2021/05/18 UR - http://bjgpopen.org/content/early/2021/05/18/BJGPO.2021.0038.abstract N2 - 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. ER -