Immunity to varicella zoster virus among health care workers in transplantation units.

BACKGROUND

Nosocomial transmission of varicella zoster virus (VZV), with susceptible health care workers (HCWs) playing a crucial role, poses a significant challenge in health care settings. This study aimed to assess immunity to VZV among HCWs in transplantation units and to identify susceptibility-associated factors. It also examined the characteristics of staff who contracted varicella during their working lives and the workdays lost.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study included HCWs (n = 180) in 3 transplantation units at Mansoura University Hospitals. Participants completed a questionnaire that included sociodemographic and occupational details, as well as medical and vaccination histories. Participants' serum samples were tested for VZV antibodies.

RESULTS

Among the participants, 78.3% tested positive for antibodies, 21.7% tested negative, and none had received a vaccination. A lack of prior varicella infection history significantly predicted susceptibility. Those who had chickenpox or herpes zoster while working lost an average of 14 and 8.8 workdays and an estimated 24.6 and 11.4 annual full-day equivalents, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly a quarter of HCWs caring for transplantation patients are susceptible to VZV, below the recommended immunity threshold for preventing nosocomial transmission. Implementing a strategy to document immune status and vaccinate susceptible workers is essential.