Work

High Levels of IgG Antibodies Against the Spike Antigen of SARS-CoV-2 Among Health Care Workers in Kosovo

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: From 12 March 2000 when the first cases of COVID-19 were registered in Kosovo, to 9 March 2023 there were a total of 273,310 reported cases of COVID-19 and 3,211 reported deaths in Kosovo (CFR: 1.17%). Health care workers (HCWs) have been at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 infection; nevertheless, data on seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCWs in Kosovo are very limited. Methodology: A cross-sectional serology study with 1,654 healthcare professionals throughout of Kosovo was conducted to determine the presence of antibodies to the spike antigen of SARS-CoV-2. In addition, a structured questionnaire was administered to study participants to obtain basic demographic data, and information on prior infection and COVID-19 vaccination status. Results: Antibodies to spike antigen of SARS-CoV-2 were detected in almost all (99.8%) HCWs that participated in the study. The average antibody titer was 8,347 AU/ml in women and 9,533.7 AU/ml in men. Sixty-four percent of HCWs in this study reported prior infection with COVID-19, 6% of whom were hospitalized. Over 98% of study participants had received SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Conclusions: Almost all HCWs participating in the study had antibodies against the spike antigen of SARS-CoV-2. This is most probably the result of the high COVID-19 vaccination rate in Kosovo as well as infection with COVID-19.

Source: COVID

DOI: 10.3390/covid6070108