RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 SARS-CoV-2 infection in general practice in Ireland: a seroprevalence study JF BJGP Open JO BJGP Open FD Royal College of General Practitioners SP BJGPO.2021.0038 DO 10.3399/BJGPO.2021.0038 VO 5 IS 4 A1 Michael E O'Callaghan A1 Elizabeth Ryan A1 Cathal Walsh A1 Peter Hayes A1 Monica Casey A1 Pat O'Dwyer A1 Aidan Culhane A1 John W Duncan A1 Pat Harrold A1 Jarlath Healy A1 Emmet Kerin A1 Eimear Kelly A1 Conor Hanrahan A1 Ger P Lane A1 Bernie Lynch A1 Paraic Meaney A1 Billy O'Connell A1 Jim Galvin A1 Norelee Kennedy A1 Paul Burke A1 Nuala H O'Connell A1 Colum P Dunne A1 Liam G Glynn YR 2021 UL http://bjgpopen.org/content/5/4/BJGPO.2021.0038.abstract AB Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (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 To conduct a seroprevalence study of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in Irish GP clinics.Design & setting Participants were 172 staff and 799 patients from 15 general practices in the Midwest region of Ireland.Method This seroprevalence study utilised two manufacturers’ point-of-care (POC) SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin M (IgM)—IgG combined antibody tests, which were offered to patients and staff in general practice from 15 June to 10 July 2020.Results 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 COVID-19 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 with the national average between 15 June and 10 July 2020 (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.