Seroepidemiology and risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection among household members of food processing and farm workers in North Carolina

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  • Sciaudone, Michael
    • Other Affiliation: Tulane University School of Medicine
  • Richardson, David
    • Other Affiliation: University of California – Irvine
  • Cutshaw, Melissa K.
    • Other Affiliation: Duke University
  • McClean, Colleen M.
    • Other Affiliation: Duke University School of Medicine
  • Lacayo, Roberto
    • Affiliation: School of Medicine
  • Kharabora, Oksana
    • Affiliation: School of Medicine
  • Murray, Katherine
    • Affiliation: School of Medicine
  • Strohminger, Stephen
    • Affiliation: School of Medicine
  • Zivanovich, Miriana Moreno
    • Affiliation: School of Medicine
  • Gurnett, Rachel
    • Affiliation: School of Medicine
  • Markmann, Alena J.
    • Affiliation: School of Medicine, Department of Medicine
  • Salgado, Emperatriz Morales
    • Affiliation: School of Medicine
  • Bhowmik, D. Ryan
    • Affiliation: School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
  • Castro-Arroyo, Edwin
    • Affiliation: School of Medicine
  • Boyce, Ross M.
  • Aiello, Allison E.
    • Other Affiliation: Columbia University
  • Juliano, Jonathan J.
    • Affiliation: School of Medicine, Department of Medicine
  • Bowman, Natalie M.
    • Affiliation: School of Medicine, Department of Medicine
Abstract
  • Background Racial and ethnic minorities have borne a disproportionate burden from COVID-19. Certain essential occupations, including food processing and farm work, employ large numbers of Hispanic migrant workers and have been shown to carry an especially high risk of infection. Methods We conducted an observational cohort study measuring the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and assessing risk factors for seropositivity among North Carolina food processing and farm workers and members of their households. Participants completed questionnaires and we collected blood samples and used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to assess SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to identify risk factors associated with seropositivity, using generalized estimating equations to account for household clustering. Findings Among the 218 participants, 94.5% were Hispanic, and SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was 50.0%. Most seropositive individuals did not report a history of illness compatible with COVID-19. Attending church, having a prior history of COVID-19, having a seropositive household member, and speaking Spanish as one's primary language were associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity, while preventive behaviors were not. Interpretation These findings underscore the substantial burden of COVID-19 among a population of mostly Hispanic essential workers and their households in rural North Carolina. Our study contributes to a large body of evidence showing that Hispanic Americans have suffered a disproportionate COVID-19 burden. We also highlight the epidemiologic importance of viral transmission within the household.
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  • Article
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  • Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International
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  • IJID Regions
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  • English
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  • Postprint
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  • 2772-7076

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