Abstract: See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344221734 Sero-survey for health-care workers provides corroborative evidence for the effectiveness of Hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis against COVID-19 infection Preprint · September 2020 DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.34411.77603 CITATIONS READS 0 828 11 authors, including: Reetika Malik Yadav Aruna Shankarkumar National Institute of Immunohaematology National Institute of Immunohaematology 10 PUBLICATIONS 7 CITATIONS 26 PUBLICATIONS 119 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE Umair Bargir Manisha Rajan Madkaikar National Institute of Immunohaematology Indian Council of Medical Research 26 PUBLICATIONS 48 CITATIONS 156 PUBLICATIONS 1,675 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: Center of Excellence to Diagnose Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders View project Identifying novel biomarkers View project All content following this page was uploaded by Umair Bargir on 13 September 2020. The user has requested enhancement of the SEE PROFILE Sero-survey for health-care workers provides corroborative evidence for the effectiveness of Hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis against COVID-19 infection. Reetika M. Yadav1, Archana Pate2, Aruna Shankarkumar1, Shreyasi Athalye1, Shweta Shinde1, Umair Ahmed Bargir1, Mangesh Pate2, Makarand Ganapule2, Meena Pruthi2, Hemant Patil2, Manisha Madkaikar1 1 ICMR-National Institute of Immunohematology, Mumbai, India 2 Indian Medical Association Dombivli, India Complete Address: 1ICMR-National Institute of Immunohematology, 13th floor, New multi-storeyed building, KEM hospital complex, Parel, Mumbai -400012, India 2 Indian Medical Association Dombivli, IMA hall, 2nd floor, Deepshikha CHS, Dombivli- 421201, India Corresponding author: Dr. Manisha Madkaikar, Director, ICMR- National Institute of Immunohematology, Mumbai, India. Email: madkaikarmanisha@gmail.com Phone: 91-022-24132928 Word Count: 1729 Abstract Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has resulted in occupational exposure among health care workers (HCWs) and a high risk of nosocomial transmission. Asymptomatic infection and transmission of infection before the development of symptoms are well-recognised factors contributing to the spread of infection. The importance of understanding the dynamics of transmission in HCWs lies in planning strategies for the reduction of nosocomial spread. Methods A cross-sectional sero-surveillance study was conducted among 500 HCWs in Dombivli and surrounding Mumbai Metropolitan area (MMR, Maharashtra, India). The vulnerability of the study participants to SARS-CoV-2 infection was ascertained through a history of (i) involvement in direct care of Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) patients, (ii) exposure to aerosol-generating procedures, (iii) presence of co-morbidities, (iv) use of Personal protective equipment(PPE), and (v) HCQ prophylaxis collected through a structured questionnaire. A systematic analysis of the correlation between the development of antibodies and factors affecting vulnerability to infection was performed. Findings The overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in the study population was 11%. Only about two-fifths of the HCWs who had detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies reported symptoms consistent with a prior viral illness. Direct care to COVID -19 patients for longer..