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1
Kocivnik, Nina, and Tomaz Velnar. "A Review Pertaining to SARS-CoV-2 and Autoimmune Diseases: What Is the Connection?" Life 12, no. 11 (November 18, 2022): 1918. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/life12111918.
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is known that infection with SARS-CoV-2 can lead to various autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. There are few reports in the literature on the association between SARS-CoV-2 and autoimmune diseases, and the number of reports has been increasing since 2020. Autoimmune diseases and SARS-CoV-2 infections are intertwined in several ways. Both conditions lead to immune-mediated tissue damage, the immune response is accompanied by the increased secretion of inflammatory cytokines and both conditions can be treated using immunomodulatory drugs. Patients with certain autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, cardiac sarcoidosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, autoimmune hepatitis, multiple sclerosis and others, are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, either because of the active autoimmune disease or because of the medications used to treat it. Conversely, SARS-CoV-2 infection can also cause certain autoimmune diseases. In this paper, we describe the development of autoimmune diseases after COVID-19 and the recovery from COVID-19 in people with autoimmune diseases.
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Oliveira, Andreia, Maria Aires Pereira, Teresa Letra Mateus, João R. Mesquita, and Helena Vala. "Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Client-Owned Cats from Portugal." Veterinary Sciences 9, no. 7 (July 16, 2022): 363. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9070363.
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The close contact between humans and domestic cats raises concerns about the potential risks of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Thus, this study aims to investigate anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in client-owned cats from Portugal and evaluate the infection risk of cats that maintain contact with human COVID-19 cases. A total of 176 cats, belonging to 94 households, were sampled. Cat owners answered an online questionnaire, and cats were screened for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using a commercial ELISA. Twenty (21.3%) households reported at least one confirmed human COVID-19 case. Forty cats (22.7%) belonged to a COVID-19-positive and 136 (77.3%) to a COVID-19-negative household. The seroprevalences of cats from COVID-19-positive and -negative households were 5.0% (2/40) and 0.7% (1/136). The two SARS-CoV-2-seropositive cats from COVID-19-positive households had an indoor lifestyle, and their owners stated that they maintained a close and frequent contact with them, even after being diagnosed with COVID-19, pointing towards human-to-cat transmission. The SARS-CoV-2-seropositive cat from the COVID-19-negative household had a mixed indoor/outdoor lifestyle and chronic diseases. Owners of the three SARS-CoV-2-seropositive cats did not notice clinical signs or behavior changes. This study highlights the low risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from COVID-19-positive human household members to domestic cats, even in a context of close and frequent human–animal contact.
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Matsuzaki, Keiichi, Ryousuke Aoki, Yoshihito Nihei, Hitoshi Suzuki, Masao Kihara, Takashi Yokoo, Naoki Kashihara, Ichiei Narita, and Yusuke Suzuki. "Gross hematuria after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: questionnaire survey in Japan." Clinical and Experimental Nephrology 26, no. 4 (November 13, 2021): 316–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10157-021-02157-x.
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Abstract Background Recent clinical reports indicate a correlation between gross hematuria after the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in patients with glomerulonephritis, especially immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). Furthermore, healthcare workers in Japan were initially vaccinated with an mRNA vaccine from February 17, 2021, and some of them experienced gross hematuria after receiving the vaccination. Methods We conducted a web-based survey of the councilor members of the Japanese Society of Nephrology (581 members, 382 facilities) to elucidate the relationship between gross hematuria and COVID-19 vaccination. Results In the first survey, 27 cases (female: 22, 81.5%) of gross hematuria were reported after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination. Of them, 19 (70.4%) patients were already diagnosed with IgAN at the occurrence of gross hematuria. Proteinuria appeared in eight of the 14 (57.1%) cases with no proteinuria before vaccination and hematuria in five of the seven (71.4%) cases with no hematuria before vaccination. The second survey revealed that a renal biopsy was performed after vaccination in four cases, all of whom were diagnosed with IgAN. Only one case showed a slightly increased serum creatinine level, and no patients progressed to severe renal dysfunction. Conclusion This study clarified the clinical features of gross hematuria after a COVID-19 vaccination. Because there was no obvious progression to severe renal dysfunction, safety of the COVID-19 vaccination is warranted at least in the protocol of inoculation twice.
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Colonia, Carol Bibiana, Rosanna Camerano-Ruiz, Andrés Felipe Mora-Salamanca, Ana Beatriz Vásquez-Rodríguez, Camilo Alberto Pino-Gutiérrez, Luz Amparo Pérez-Fonseca, Deidamia García-Quintero, et al. "SARS-CoV-2 Infection among School Population of One Developing Country. Do School Closures Protect Students and Teachers against SARS-CoV-2 Infection?" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 23 (December 1, 2021): 12680. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312680.
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Evidence about the effectiveness of school closures as a measure to control the spread of COVID-19 is controversial. We posit that schools are not an important source of transmission; thus, we analyzed two surveillance methods: a web-based questionnaire and a telephone survey that monitored the impact of the pandemic due to COVID-19 cases in Bogotá, Colombia. We estimated the cumulative incidences for Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) and COVID-19 for each population group. Then, we assessed the differences using the cumulative incidence ratio (CIR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI95%). The ARI incidence among students was 20.1 times higher when estimated from the telephone survey than from the online questionnaire (CIR: 20.1; CI95% 17.11–23.53). Likewise, the ARI incidence among schoolteachers was 10 times higher in the telephone survey (CIR: 9.8; CI95% 8.3–11.5). the incidence of COVID-19 among schoolteachers was 4.3 times higher than among students in the online questionnarie (CIR: 4.3, CI95%: 3.8–5.0) and 2.1 times higher in the telephone survey (CIR = 2.1, CI95%: 1.8–2.6), and this behavior was also observed in the general population data. Both methods showed a capacity to detect COVID-19 transmission among students and schoolteachers, but the telephone survey estimates were probably closer to the real incidence rate.
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Ings, Danielle P., Keeley M. Hatfield, Kathleen E. Fifield, Debbie O. A. Harnum, Kayla A. Holder, Rodney S. Russell, and Michael D. Grant. "Few SARS-CoV-2 infections detected in Newfoundland and Labrador in the absence of Public Health Laboratory-based confirmation." PLOS ONE 17, no. 1 (January 28, 2022): e0262957. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0262957.
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Objective To assess the incidence of COVID-19 infection in the absence of a confirmatory test in persons suspecting they contracted COVID-19 and elucidate reasons for their belief. Methods We recruited persons with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and persons who believed they may have contracted COVID-19 between December, 2019 and April, 2021 into a study of immunity against SARS-CoV-2. An intake questionnaire captured their perceived risk factors for exposure and symptoms experienced, including symptom duration and severity. ELISA testing against multiple SARS-CoV-2 antigens was done to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. No participant had received COVID-19 vaccination prior to the time of testing. Results The vast majority of study subjects without Public Health confirmation of infection had no detectable antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Suspected infection with SARS-CoV-2 generally involved experiencing symptoms common to many other respiratory infections. Unusually severe or persistent symptoms often supported suspicion of infection with SARS-CoV-2 as did travel or contact with travelers from outside Newfoundland and Labrador. Rare cases in which antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were detected despite negative results of Public Health testing for SARS-CoV-2 RNA involved persons in close contact with confirmed cases. Conclusions Broad public awareness and declaration of pandemic status in March, 2020 contributed to the perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 in Newfoundland and Labrador from late 2019 to April 2021 and raised expectation of its severity. Serological testing is useful to diagnose past infection with SARS-CoV-2 to accurately estimate population exposure rates.
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Prudence, Mitangala Ndeba, Irenge Mwana Wa Bene Léonid, Musubao Tsongo Edgar, Jean Bosco Kahindo Mbeva, Ayonga Ndeba Patrick, Safari Kyembwa Israël, Kubuya Bonane Janvier, et al. "Prevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Sellers at Two Main Goma Markets in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo." Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research 35, no. 6 (February 22, 2023): 1–8. http://dx.doi.org/10.9734/jammr/2023/v35i64973.
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Objective: Official data on Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) show a low prevalence. This study assessed the seroprevalence of antibodies against the severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the two main markets of Goma city, in the eastern DRC.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in 454 sellers in Kituku and Virunga markets between September 1st and November 08th, 2021. Participants were asked to answer a questionnaire survey on COVID-19 symptoms and their attitudes against COVID-19, including whether they had been vaccinated against COVID-19. Presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 in blood samples was investigated using QuickZen®.
Results: The median (minimum-maximum) age of participants was 27.4 years (13.4-88.3). Participants aged 15 to 40 years old made up 80.6 % of the participants enrolled in the study (n=454), with women accounting for 65.1 % of all participants. No participant in the study had been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2.
The overall crude and adjusted seroprevalence rates of antibodies anti-SARS-CoV-2 were 73.8 % (95 % CI 69.7-77.9) and 82.7 % (95 % CI 79.2 % -86.2 %), respectively. COVID-19 symptoms were absent for 43,1% (n = 332) of the participants with anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. During the same period, none of the participants with anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies required hospitalization.
Conclusion: We discovered a high seroprevalence of anti-SARS-Cov-2 antibodies in the sellers at the two main Goma markets without any record of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. No severe COVID-19 symptoms were reported among participants.
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Meybeck, Agnès, Thomas Huleux, Macha Tétart, Pauline Thill, Vincent Derdour, Laurence Bocket, Enagnon Kazali Alidjinou, Pierre Patoz, Olivier Robineau, and Faiza Ajana. "History of COVID-19 Symptoms and Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in HIV-Infected Patients in Northern France after the First Wave of the Pandemic." Microorganisms 9, no. 12 (December 1, 2021): 2491. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9122491.
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To assess the prevalence of COVID-19 in people living with HIV (PLWHIV), we performed an epidemiological survey from 1 April through 1 August 2020 in an HIV reference center in Northern France. PLWHIV completed a questionnaire about risk exposures and symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and performed a SARS-CoV-2 serology. Among the 600 PLWHIV included, 16 have been infected with SARS-CoV-2. Symptoms consistent with COVID-19 were frequent both in SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative patients (67% vs. 32%, p = 0.02). Among SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, one (6%) has been hospitalized and five (31%) have been asymptomatic. Close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case was the only factor associated with COVID-19 acquisition (40% vs. 13%, p = 0.01). The prevalence of COVID-19 in PLWHIV was 2.5%, half of the overall population estimate after the first wave of the pandemic in France. In conclusion, proportion of asymptomatic COVID-19 was high in PLWHIV. The prevalence of COVID-19 in PLWHIV was two times lower than in the general population.
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Dias, Isabela Silva, Olguimar Pereira Ivo, Anne Caroline de Souza Lima, Anna Carol Santana Brito, Tâmina dos Anjos Ribeiro, Karine Rocha Silva, and Lara Silva Souza. "Brain vascular accident and contamination by Covid-19." Research, Society and Development 11, no. 8 (June 30, 2022): e57711831330. http://dx.doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v11i8.31330.
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Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) is defined as a neurological syndrome, which ranks second in terms of morbidity and mortality in the world. With the appearance of SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus, some scientific works present questions related to neurological complications. The present study aimed to verify the relationship between people diagnosed with COVID-19 and the appearance of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), during the period of hospitalization in two medium-sized hospitals in the city of Vitória da Conquista - BA, at the beginning of December. January 2020 to February 2022. A quantitative and exploratory study was carried out, with a descriptive approach, based on the analysis of 100 medical records of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. For data collection, two instruments were developed, a sociodemographic questionnaire and a structured form to collect the data generated by SARS-CoV-2 and AVE. During the defined period, 12 medical records were analyzed. The results showed that SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause neurological sequelae, such as stroke.
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Kim, Yu-Kyung, Dohsik Minn, Soon-Hee Chang, and Jang-Soo Suh. "Comparing SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Responses after Various COVID-19 Vaccinations in Healthcare Workers." Vaccines 10, no. 2 (January 26, 2022): 193. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10020193.
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination began for healthcare workers in South Korea at the end of February 2021. This study investigated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody responses after various COVID-19 vaccinations in healthcare workers. Blood specimens of 497 vaccinated healthcare workers were collected. Inoculated vaccines were ChAdOx1 (AstraZeneca/Oxford), BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech), JNJ-78436735 (Janssen), and mRNA-1273 (Moderna). Each specimen was tested for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S assay (Roche Diagnostics), SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant assay (Abbott), and R-FIND SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibody kit (SG medical Inc.). A questionnaire was used to investigate adverse events related to vaccination. We found that 99.5% of the subjects showed a 96–100% positive rate in all three antibody assays, regardless of the vaccine type. The antibody-positive rate of completed vaccination groups reached 96–100%, and antibody quantities significantly increased 2 weeks after vaccination. The antibody values measured approximately 3 months after BNT162b2 inoculation significantly correlated with adverse events.
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van Dijk, Willian J., Nicholas H. Saadah, Mattijs E. Numans, Jiska J. Aardoom, Tobias N. Bonten, Menno Brandjes, Michelle Brust, et al. "COVID RADAR app: Description and validation of population surveillance of symptoms and behavior in relation to COVID-19." PLOS ONE 16, no. 6 (June 30, 2021): e0253566. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0253566.
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Background Monitoring of symptoms and behavior may enable prediction of emerging COVID-19 hotspots. The COVID Radar smartphone app, active in the Netherlands, allows users to self-report symptoms, social distancing behaviors, and COVID-19 status daily. The objective of this study is to describe the validation of the COVID Radar. Methods COVID Radar users are asked to complete a daily questionnaire consisting of 20 questions assessing their symptoms, social distancing behavior, and COVID-19 status. We describe the internal and external validation of symptoms, behavior, and both user-reported COVID-19 status and state-reported COVID-19 case numbers. Results Since April 2nd, 2020, over 6 million observations from over 250,000 users have been collected using the COVID Radar app. Almost 2,000 users reported having tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Amongst users testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, the proportion of observations reporting symptoms was higher than that of the cohort as a whole in the week prior to a positive SARS-CoV-2 test. Likewise, users who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 showed above average risk social-distancing behavior. Per-capita user-reported SARS-CoV-2 positive tests closely matched government-reported per-capita case counts in provinces with high user engagement. Discussion The COVID Radar app allows voluntarily self-reporting of COVID-19 related symptoms and social distancing behaviors. Symptoms and risk behavior increase prior to a positive SARS-CoV-2 test, and user-reported case counts match closely with nationally-reported case counts in regions with high user engagement. These results suggest the COVID Radar may be a valid instrument for future surveillance and potential predictive analytics to identify emerging hotspots.
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Hasan, Tasnim, Thach Ngoc Pham, Thu Anh Nguyen, Hien Thi Thu Le, Duyet Van Le, Thuy Thi Dang, Trang Dinh Van, et al. "Sero-Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in High-Risk Populations in Vietnam." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 12 (June 11, 2021): 6353. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126353.
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As a response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Vietnam enforced strict quarantine, contact tracing and physical distancing policies resulting in one of the lowest numbers of individuals infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) globally. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity among high-risk populations in Vietnam. A prevalence survey was undertaken within four communities in Vietnam, where at least two COVID-19 cases had been confirmed. Participants were classified according to the location of exposure: household contacts, close contacts, community members, and healthcare workers (HCWs) responsible for treating COVID-19 cases. Participants completed a baseline questionnaire and SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were quantified using a commercial assay. A total of 3049 community members and 149 health care workers consented to the study. Among 13 individuals who were seropositive (0.4%), five household contacts (5/27, 18.5%), one close contact (1/53, 1.9%), and seven community members (7/2954, 0.2%) had detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. All HCWs were negative for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Participants were tested a median of 15.1 (interquartile range from 14.9 to 15.2) weeks after exposure. Our study found a low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in high-risk communities and healthcare workers in communities in Vietnam with known COVID-19 cases.
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Chano, Tokuhiro, Shin-ya Morita, Tomoyuki Suzuki, Tomoko Yamashita, Hirokazu Fujimura, Tatsushi Yuri, Masakazu Menju, Masaaki Tanaka, and Fumihiko Kakuno. "Serology suggests adequate safety measures to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19 in Shiga Prefecture, Japan." PLOS ONE 17, no. 6 (June 24, 2022): e0270334. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0270334.
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Healthcare workers (HCWs), especially frontline workers against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), are considered to be risky because of occupational exposure to infected patients. This study evaluated the correlation between seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies among HCWs and the implementation of personal protective equipment (PPE) & infection prevention and control (IPC). We recruited 1237 HCWs from nine public COVID-19-designated hospitals in Shiga Prefecture, central Japan, between 15–26 February 2021. All participants answered a self-administered questionnaire and provided blood samples to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. A total of 22 cases (1·78%) were seropositive among the 1237 study participants. An unavoidable outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 had occurred at the terminal care unit of one hospital, before identifying and securely isolating this cluster of cases. Excluding with this cluster, 0·68% of HCWs were suspected to have had previous SARS-CoV-2 infections. Binomial logistic regression from individual questionnaires and seropositivity predicted a significant correlation with N95 mask implementation under aerosol conditions (p = 8.63e-06, aOR = 2.47) and work duration in a red zone (p = 2.61e-04, aOR = 1.99). The institutional questionnaire suggested that IPC education was correlated with reduced seropositivity at hospitals. Seroprevalence and questionnaire analyses among HCWs indicated that secure implementation of PPE and re-education of IPC are essential to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection within healthcare facilities. Occupational infections from SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare settings could be prevented by adhering to adequate measures and appropriate use of PPE. With these measures securely implemented, HCWs should not be considered against as significantly risky or dirty by local communities.
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Baala, Lekbir, Dalila Benzekri-Lefevre, Laurent Bret, Clémence Guillaume, Laura Courtellemont, Abdelkrim El Khalil, Thomas Guery, et al. "Case Report: Co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza H1N1 in a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome." F1000Research 9 (December 18, 2020): 1482. http://dx.doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.26924.1.
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and has been a global public health concern. Co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory syndrome has been rarely reported. We report coinfection of SARS-CoV-2 and 2009 H1N1 Influenza strain in a French patient with pneumonia leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome. The patient also had a medical history of pulmonary sarcoidosis with a restrictive ventilatory syndrome, which would be a supplementary risk to develop a poor outcomes. This case highlights the possible coinfection of two severe SARS-CoV-2 and influenza H1N1 viruses, which presents a higher risk to extend the care duration. The overlapping clinical features of the two respiratory syndromes is a challenge, and awareness is required to recommend an early differential diagnosis.
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Huete-Pérez, Jorge A., Kacey C. Ernst, Cristiana Cabezas-Robelo, Lucia Páiz-Medina, Sheyla Silva, and Alejandra Huete. "Prevalence and risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with and without symptoms seeking care in Managua, Nicaragua: results of a cross-sectional survey." BMJ Open 11, no. 9 (September 2021): e051836. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051836.
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ObjectiveThis study aimed to capture key epidemiological data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in Nicaraguan children (≤18 years) seeking medical care, between 6 October and 16 November 2020.DesignIn this cross-sectional study, 418 children were recruited: 319 with symptoms characteristic of COVID-19 and 99 with no symptoms of illness. Children were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA using loop-mediated isothermal amplification. A questionnaire was employed to identify symptoms, risk factors, comorbidities and COVID-19 prevention measures.SettingResearch was carried out in four hospitals and two clinics in Managua, Nicaragua, where schools and businesses remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.ParticipantsChildren were enrolled into a possible COVID-19 group if presenting with clinical symptoms. A comparison group included children lacking any COVID-19 symptoms attending routine check-ups or seeking care for issues unrelated to COVID-19.ResultsA high prevalence (43%) of SARS-CoV-2 infection was found, which was relatively equivalent in symptomatic and non-symptomatic children. Age distribution was similar between symptomatic and non-symptomatic children testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. Symptomatic children who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were 2.7 times more likely to have diarrhoea (26.7% in positive vs 12.0% in negative; OR=2.7 (95% CI 1.5 to 4.8), p=0.001) and were 2.0 times more likely to have myalgia (17.8% in positive vs 9.8% in negative; OR=2.0 (95% CI 1.0 to 3.8), p=0.04). Children with COVID-19 symptoms, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, were more likely to be under age 5 years and to have a pre-existing comorbid condition than children who tested positive but did not have symptoms.ConclusionsThis is the first paediatric study to provide laboratory-confirmed data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in Nicaragua, crucial for paediatric health services planning and a successful COVID-19 response. The high prevalence of the virus suggests widespread and sustained community transmission, underscoring the urgent need for robust data on the true extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection throughout Nicaragua.
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Rubel, Kolin, Dhruv Sharma, Vincent Campiti, Grace Yedlicka, Sarah J. Burgin, Elisa A. Illing, Kurt Kroenke, and Jonathan Y. Ting. "COVID-19 Status Differentially Affects Olfaction: A Prospective Case-Control Study." OTO Open 4, no. 4 (October 2020): 2473974X2097017. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2473974x20970176.
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Objective The symptoms and long-term sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection have yet to be determined, and evaluating possible early signs is critical to determine which patients should be tested and treated. The objective of this ongoing study is to evaluate initial and short-term rhinologic symptoms, olfactory ability, and general quality of life in patients undergoing SARS-CoV-2 testing. Study Design Prospective case-control. Setting Academic institute. Methods Adult patients tested for SARS-CoV-2 were prospectively enrolled and separated into positive and negative groups. Each participant completed 4 validated patient-reported outcome measures. The UPSIT (University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test) was distributed to patients who were SARS-CoV-2 positive. Results The positive group reported significantly decreased sense of smell and taste on the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) as compared with the negative group (mean ± SD: 3.4 ± 1.7 vs 1.2 ± 1.4, P < .001). The positive group had a much higher probability of reporting a decrease in smell/taste as “severe” or “as bad as it can be” (63.3% vs 5.8%) with an odds ratio of 27.6 (95% CI, 5.9-128.8). There were no differences between groups for overall SNOT-22 domain scores, PHQ-4 depression/anxiety (Patient Health Questionnaire−4), and 5-Level EQ-5D quality-of-life scores. Mean Self-MOQ (Self-reported Mini Olfactory Questionnaire) scores were 7.0 ± 5.6 for the positive group and 1.8 ± 4.0 for the negative group ( P < .001). The mean UPSIT score was 28.8 ± 7.2 in the positive group. Conclusion Symptomatic patients who are SARS-CoV-2 positive report severe olfactory and gustatory dysfunction via the Self-MOQ and SNOT-22 as compared with symptomatic patients testing negative.
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Rusakaniko, Simbarashe, Elopy Nemele Sibanda, Takafira Mduluza, Paradzayi Tagwireyi, Zephaniah Dhlamini, Chiratidzo Ellen Ndhlovu, Precious Chandiwana, et al. "SARS-CoV-2 Serological testing in frontline health workers in Zimbabwe." PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 15, no. 3 (March 31, 2021): e0009254. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0009254.
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Background In order to protect health workers from SARS-CoV-2, there is need to characterise the different types of patient facing health workers. Our first aim was to determine both the infection status and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in health workers. Our second aim was to evaluate the occupational and demographic predictors of seropositivity to inform the country’s infection prevention and control (IPC) strategy. Methods and principal findings We invited 713 staff members at 24 out of 35 health facilities in the City of Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. Compliance to testing was defined as the willingness to uptake COVID-19 testing by answering a questionnaire and providing samples for both antibody testing and PCR testing. SARS-COV-2 antibodies were detected using a rapid diagnostic test kit and SAR-COV-2 infection was determined by real-time (RT)-PCR. Of the 713 participants, 635(89%) consented to answering the questionnaire and providing blood sample for antibody testing while 560 (78.5%) agreed to provide nasopharyngeal swabs for the PCR SARS-CoV-2 testing. Of the 635 people (aged 18–73) providing a blood sample 39.1% reported a history of past COVID-19 symptoms while 14.2% reported having current symptoms of COVID-19. The most-prevalent co-morbidity among this group was hypertension (22.0%) followed by asthma (7.0%) and diabetes (6.0%). The SARS-CoV-2 sero-prevalence was 8.9%. Of the 560 participants tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection, 2 participants (0.36%) were positive for SAR-CoV-2 infection by PCR testing. None of the SARS-CoV-2 antibody positive people were positive for SAR-CoV-2 infection by PCR testing. Conclusion and interpretation In addition to clinical staff, several patient-facing health workers were characterised within Zimbabwe’s health system and the seroprevalence data indicated that previous exposure to SAR-CoV-2 had occurred across the full spectrum of patient-facing staff with nurses and nurse aides having the highest seroprevalence. Our results highlight the need for including the various health workers in IPC strategies in health centres to ensure effective biosecurity and biosafety.
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Granstam, Elisabet, Anders Krifors, Elisabeth Freyhult, and Hanna Åkerblom. "No findings of SARS-CoV-2 in conjunctival swabs from patients at an emergency outpatient ophthalmological healthcare facility in a Swedish county hospital: a cross-sectional study." BMJ Open Ophthalmology 6, no. 1 (March 2021): e000616. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjophth-2020-000616.
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BackgroundCOVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2. Virus has been found in conjunctiva of hospitalised patients with COVID-19. Conjunctivitis has also been reported as a presenting symptom of disease.ObjectiveThe aims of the study were to investigate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the conjunctiva and throat among patients presenting at the emergency outpatient ophthalmological healthcare facility at a county hospital along with investigating the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among staff at the department.Methods and AnalysisSwabs from conjunctiva and throat of patients were analysed with real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2. Blood samples for serological analysis were obtained from staff. A questionnaire was used to investigate symptoms associated with COVID-19 during the last 3 months as well as symptoms for which the patients were seeking ophthalmological healthcare.ResultsIn total, 68 patients and 70 individuals from the staff were included in the study. Conjunctivitis was observed in 7% of patients. One patient, presenting with reduced visual acuity due to preretinal haemorrhage in the macula, was positive for SARS-CoV-2 in throat swab. Contact tracing was negative. All other RT-PCR tests were negative. Seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 was found in 4% of staff.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among patients as well as low seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG-antibodies among staff at the ophthalmological ward. The risk for contracting COVID-19 at the department was small. Follow-up investigation is planned.
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Frisch, Stacey, Sarah Jones, James Willis, and Richard Sinert. "COVID-19 Infection and Symptoms Among Emergency Medicine Residents and Fellows in an Urban Academic Hospital Setting: Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study." JMIRx Med 3, no. 1 (January 27, 2022): e29539. http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/29539.
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Background COVID-19, an illness caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, affected many aspects of health care worldwide in 2020. From March to May 2020, New York City experienced a large surge of cases. Objective The aim of this study is to characterize the prevalence of illness and symptoms experienced by residents and fellows in 2 New York City hospitals during the period of March to May 2020. Methods An institutional review board–exempt survey was distributed to emergency medicine housestaff in May 2020, and submissions were accepted through August 2020. Results Out of 104 residents and fellows, 64 responded to our survey (a 61.5% response rate). Out of 64 responders, 27 (42%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Most residents experienced symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19; however, few received polymerase chain reaction testing. Out of 27 housestaff with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, 18 (67%) experienced fever and chills, compared with 8 out of 34 housestaff (24%) without SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Of the 27 housestaff with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, 19 (70%) experienced loss of taste and smell, compared with 2 out of 34 housestaff (6%) without SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Both fever and chills and loss of taste and smell were significantly more commonly experienced by antibody-positive compared to antibody-negative housestaff (P=.002 and <.001, respectively). All 13 housestaff who reported no symptoms during the study period tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that in our hospitals, the rate of COVID-19 illness among emergency department housestaff was much higher than previously reported. Further studies are needed to characterize illness among medical staff in emergency departments across the nation. The high infection rate among emergency medicine trainees stresses the importance of supplying adequate personal protective equipment for health care professionals.
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Ziuzia-Januszewska, Laura, Paweł Dobrzyński, Krzysztof Ślączka, Jaromir Ciszek, Łukasz Krawiec, Waldemar Wierzba, and Artur Zaczyński. "Simple Disposable Odor Identification Tests for Predicting SARS-CoV-2 Positivity." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 19 (September 28, 2021): 10185. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910185.
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Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is a common manifestation of COVID-19 and may be useful for screening. Survey-based olfactory evaluation tends to underestimate the prevalence of OD, while psychophysical olfactory testing during a pandemic has the disadvantage of being time consuming, expensive, and requiring standardized laboratory settings. We aimed to develop a quick, simple, affordable, and reliable test to objectively assess the prevalence and diagnostic accuracy of OD in COVID-19. The olfactory function of 64 COVID-19 inpatients and 34 controls was evaluated using a questionnaire and a simple disposable odor identification test (SDOIT) developed for this study. Four SDOIT models were assessed: 10-SDOIT, 9-SDOIT, 8-SDOIT, and 4-SDOIT, with 10, 9, 8 and 4 samples, respectively. We found a high frequency of self-reported OD in COVID-19 patients, with 32.8% and 42.2% reporting current and recent OD, respectively. Different SDOIT models revealed smell impairment in 54.7–64.1% of COVID-19 patients. The combination of either 10-SDOIT results and self-reported OD, or 8-SDOIT results and self-reported OD, were the best predictors of COVID-19, both with an AUC value of 0.87 (0.85 and 0.86 for the age-matched subjects). OD is a common symptom of COVID-19. A combination of self-reported smell deterioration and OD psychophysically evaluated using SDOIT appears to be a good predictor of COVID-19.
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Gracia-Ramos, Abraham Edgar, Eduardo Martin-Nares, and Gabriela Hernández-Molina. "New Onset of Autoimmune Diseases Following COVID-19 Diagnosis." Cells 10, no. 12 (December 20, 2021): 3592. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/cells10123592.
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There is growing evidence that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to a dysregulation of the immune system with the development of autoimmune phenomena. The consequence of this immune dysregulation ranges from the production of autoantibodies to the onset of rheumatic autoimmune disease. In this context, we conducted a systematic review to analyze the current data regarding the new-onset systemic and rheumatic autoimmune diseases in COVID-19 patients. A literature search in PubMed and Scopus databases from December 2019 to September 2021 identified 99 patients that fulfilled the specific diagnostic/classification criteria and/or nomenclature for each rheumatic autoimmune disease. The main diseases reported were vasculitis and arthritis. Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, systemic lupus erythematosus, and sarcoidosis were also reported in a limited number of patients, as well as isolated cases of systemic sclerosis and adult-onset Still’s disease. These findings highlight the potential spectrum of systemic and rheumatic autoimmune diseases that could be precipitated by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Complementary studies are needed to discern the link between the SARS-CoV-2 and new onset-rheumatic diseases so that this knowledge can be used in early diagnosis and the most suitable management.
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Morishima, Masayo, Muneyoshi Kimura, Takashi Sakoh, Ryosuke Yamamuro, Sho Ogura, Namiko Takahashi, Masaru Baba, et al. "Universal admission screening for COVID-19 using quantitative antigen testing and questionnaire screening to prevent nosocomial spread." PLOS ONE 17, no. 11 (November 10, 2022): e0277426. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0277426.
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Background In this study, we investigated diagnostic accuracy of quantitative severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigen testing and whether universal screening was effective to prevent a nosocomial outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods All adult patients admitted to an acute-care hospital in Tokyo, Japan, after receiving LUMIPULSE SARS-CoV-2 Ag using a nasopharyngeal swab and a brief questionnaire to evaluate symptoms and exposures from December 3, 2020 to March 20, 2021 were included. Results Of the 5191 patients, 53 were antigen-positive, 19 were inconclusive and 5119 were negative. The sensitivity and specificity (positive or inconclusive results) of the quantitative antigen test for COVID-19 diagnosis at admission was 0.957 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.855–0.995) and 0.995 (95% CI: 0.992–0.997), respectively. Six asymptomatic patients were identified on admission. Two patients were antigen-negative and diagnosed with COVID-19 later; however, they had been isolated prior to diagnosis because both had symptoms of COVID-19 and exposure. No nosocomial infections occurred during the period. Conclusion Quantitative SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing was found to be valid for the early detection of asymptomatic COVID-19 patients as a universal screening test on admission.
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Fuereder, Thorsten, Anna Sophie Berghoff, Gerwin Heller, Helmuth Haslacher, Thomas Perkmann, Robert Strassl, Julia Maria Berger, et al. "SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in oncology healthcare professionals and patients with cancer at a tertiary care centre during the COVID-19 pandemic." ESMO Open 5, no. 5 (September 2020): e000889. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/esmoopen-2020-000889.
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BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 outbreak, healthcare professionals (HCP) are at the frontline of clinical management and at increased risk for infection. The SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence of oncological HCP and their patients has significant implications for oncological care.MethodsHCP and patients with cancer at the Division of Oncology, Medical University of Vienna were included between 21 March and 4 June and tested for total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 employing the Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay. Reactive samples were confirmed or disproved by the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG test. Additionally, a structured questionnaire regarding basic demographic parameters, travel history and COVID-19-associated symptoms had to be completed by HCP.Results146 subjects (62 HCP and 84 patients with cancer) were enrolled. In the oncological HCP cohort, 20 (32.3%) subjects were medical oncologists, 28 (45.2%) nurses at our ward and 14 (22.6%) fulfil other functions such as study coordinators. In the patient cohort, most individuals are on active anticancer treatment (96.4%). 26% of the HCP and 6% of the patients had symptoms potentially associated with COVID-19 since the end of February 2020. However, only in 2 (3.2%) HCP and in 3 (3.6%) patients, anti-SARS-Cov-2 total antibodies were detected. The second assay for anti-SARS-Cov-2 IgG antibodies confirmed the positive result in all HCP and in 2 (2.4%) patients, suggesting an initial assay’s unspecific reaction in one case. In individuals with a confirmed test result, an active COVID-19 infection was documented by a positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA PCR test.ConclusionSpecific anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were found solely in persons after a documented SARS-CoV-2 viral infection, thus supporting the test methods’ high sensitivity and specificity. The low prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in our cohorts indicates a lack of immunity against SARS-CoV-2. It highlights the need for continued strict safety measures to prevent uncontrolled viral spread among oncological HCPs and patients with cancer.
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Kacprzak, Aleksandra, Daniel Malczewski, and Izabela Domitrz. "Headache Attributed to SARS-CoV-2 Infection or COVID-19 Related Headache—Not Migraine-like Problem-Original Research." Brain Sciences 11, no. 11 (October 25, 2021): 1406. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11111406.
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Background: Many studies have confirmed headache as one of the most common COVID-19-related neurological symptoms. There are some reports concerning migraine attacks during SARS-CoV-2 infection with an unusual course of migraine attack. Our aim was to recognize and characterize accurately the features of headaches accompanying this disease. Methods: Research based on questionnaire study gathered 100 randomly chosen medical healthcare employees who experienced symptoms associated with COVID-19 disease, 96 with confirmed COVID-19 (positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR laboratory test or positive rapid COVID-19 antigen test). Conclusion: Headaches reported in the study did not fulfill criteria for migraine with/without aura, tension-type headache according to ICHD-3.
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García-Campanario, Ismael, Luc E. Vanlinthout, Rocío Toro, Alipio Mangas, and Carolina Lagares-Franco. "Impact of COVID-19 on Physical Activity and Lifestyles in Post-Confinement Sports Science Undergraduates." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 15 (July 26, 2022): 9115. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159115.
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The aim of this study was to assess whether the infection by SARS-CoV-2 has significantly influenced physical activity, diet, alcohol, and drug consumption habits, as well as the quality of life of students of the bachelor’s degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences. For this purpose, an online survey was conducted, which included socio-demographic questions related to the COVID-19 disease. Physical activity was analyzed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), adherence to the Mediterranean diet using the PREDIMED questionnaire, alcohol consumption using the AUDIT questionnaire, and drug consumption using the DAST-10 questionnaire. Health-related quality of life was analyzed with the SF-12 questionnaire. Our results reveal that those who engaged in either vigorous physical activity or, on the contrary, very low-intensity physical activity, were affected by the SARS-CoV-2 disease, which reduced the average weekly time they spent on their type of activity. However, those who previously performed moderate activities have managed to stay on the same fitness level despite having suffered from SARS-CoV-2 disease (p = 0.433). In conclusion, general health is affected by suffering from the COVID-19 disease, inadequate eating habits, substance use, and the performance of vigorous or very low-intensity of physical activity.
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Videla, Sebastián, Aurema Otero, Sara Martí, M. Ángeles Domínguez, Nuria Fabrellas, M. Pilar Delgado-Hito, Imma Cruz, et al. "Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection at the University of Barcelona during the Third COVID-19 Pandemic Wave in Spain." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 12 (June 17, 2021): 6526. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126526.
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The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic started in December 2019 and still is a major global health challenge. Lockdown measures and social distancing sparked a global shift towards online learning, which deeply impacted universities’ daily life, and the University of Barcelona (UB) was not an exception. Accordingly, we aimed to determine the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic at the UB. To that end, we performed a cross-sectional study on a sample of 2784 UB members (n = 52,529). Participants answered a brief, ad hoc, online epidemiological questionnaire and provided a nasal swab for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) SARS-CoV-2 analysis and a venous blood sample for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody assay. Total prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (positive RT-PCR or positive IgG) was 14.9% (95%CI 13.3 to 17.0%). Forty-four participants (1.6%, 95%CI: 1.2–2.1%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. IgG against SARS-CoV-2 was observed in 12.8% (95%CI: 11.6–14.1%) of participants. Overall, while waiting for population vaccination and/or increased herd immunity, we should concentrate on identifying and isolating new cases and their contacts.
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Ochi, Sae, Mirai So, Sora Hashimoto, Kenzo Denda, and Yoichi Sekizawa. "Behavioral Factors Associated with COVID-19 Risk: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Japan." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 22 (November 20, 2021): 12184. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182212184.
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Background: Behaviors to avoid infection are key to minimizing casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to avoid excessive interventions that are less effective. This study aims to identify behavioral patterns associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the real world. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted targeting a research panel of NTTCom Online Marketing Solutions Corporation or its affiliates. Data were extracted so that their demographic composition ratios matched the population estimates. Individuals who answered with consistency to have been diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 at a medical facility were categorized into a SARS-CoV-2 group. Differences in lifestyles were compared using multiple regression and inverse probability weighing. Results: In total 13,277 participants were included, of whom 44 (0.33%) were categorized as the SARS-CoV-2 group. Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 was negatively correlated with crowd avoidance, mask wearing, and hand-washing behavior. On the contrary, the diagnosis was positively correlated with some behaviors that appear to be preventive actions against the infection, such as changing clothes frequently, sanitizing belongings, and remote working. Conclusions: It is important to conduct evidence-based intervention on people’s behaviors and to avoid excessive interventions that are less effective, so that people can minimize the indirect harm, such as exhaustion and economic loss.
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Sellmeier, Anna Catharina, Andreas Elsner, Tim Niedergassel, Johannes Schmitz, Sebastian Rehberg, Claudia Hornberg, Thomas Vordemvenne, and Dirk Wähnert. "COVID-19 after the first wave of the pandemic among employees from a German university hospital: prevalence and questionnaire data." Journal of Medicine and Life 15, no. 9 (September 2022): 1119–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.25122/jml-2022-0126.
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The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has changed lives around the world. In particular, healthcare workers faced significant challenges as a result of the pandemic. This study investigates the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in March–April 2020 in Germany among healthcare workers and relates it to questionnaire data. In June 2020, all employees of the reporting hospital were offered a free SARS-CoV-2 antibody test. The first 2,550 test results were sent along with study documents. The response rate was 15.1%. The COVID-19 PCR test prevalence amongst health care workers in this study was 1.04% (95% CI 0.41–2.65%), higher by a factor of 5 than in the general population (p=0.01). The ratio of seroprevalence to PCR prevalence was 1.5. COVID-19-associated symptoms were also prevalent in the non-COVID-19-positive population. Only two symptoms showed statistically significant odds ratios, loss of smell and loss of taste. Health care workers largely supported non-pharmaceutical interventions during the initial lockdown (93%). Individual behavior correlated significantly with attitudes toward policy interventions and perceived individual risk factors. Our data suggest that healthcare workers may be at higher risk of infection. Therefore, a discussion about prioritizing vaccination makes sense. They also support offering increased SARS-CoV-2 testing to hospital workers. It is concluded that easier access to SARS-CoV-2 testing reduces the number of unreported cases. Furthermore, individual attitudes toward rules and regulations on COVID-19 critically influence compliance. Thus, one goal of public policy should be to maintain high levels of support for non-pharmaceutical interventions to keep actual compliance high.
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Simon, Benedikt, Harald Rubey, Andreas Treipl, Martin Gromann, Boris Hemedi, Sonja Zehetmayer, and Bernhard Kirsch. "Haemodialysis patients show a highly diminished antibody response after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination compared with healthy controls." Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation 36, no. 9 (May 17, 2021): 1709–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfab179.
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Abstract Background Haemodialysis (HD) patients are exposed to a high risk due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. They are prone to acquiring the infection and are threatened by high mortality rates in case of infection. However, HD patients were not included in the efficacy trials of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Such efficacy data would have been critical because HD patients show decreased responses against various other vaccines and this could translate to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines as well. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study that contained a group of 81 HD patients and 80 healthy controls. All of them had been vaccinated with the BioNTech/Pfizer mRNA vaccine (two doses, as per the manufacturer’s recommendation). The anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) antibody response was measured for all participants 21 days after the second dose. The groups were compared using univariate quantile regressions and a multivariate analysis. The adverse events (AEs) of the vaccination were assessed via a questionnaire. Finally, a correlation between the HBs-antibody response and the SARS-CoV-2 antibody response in the HD patients was established. Results The HD patients had significantly lower anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibody titres than the control patients 21 days after vaccination (median was 171 U/mL for dialysis patients and 2500 U/mL for the controls). Further, the HD group presented fewer AEs than the control group. No correlation was found between the antibody response to previous Hepatitis B vaccination and that of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Conclusions HD patients present highly diminished SARS-CoV-2 S antibody titres compared with a cohort of controls. Therefore, they could be much less protected by SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccinations than expected. Further studies to test alternative vaccination schemes should be considered.
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Ferreira, Marcelo U., Isabel Giacomini, Priscila M. Sato, Barbara H. Lourenço, Vanessa C. Nicolete, Lewis F. Buss, Alicia Matijasevich, Marcia C. Castro, and Marly A. Cardoso. "SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity and COVID-19 among 5 years-old Amazonian children and their association with poverty and food insecurity." PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 16, no. 7 (July 18, 2022): e0010580. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0010580.
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Background The epidemiology of childhood SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-related illness remains little studied in high-transmission tropical settings, partly due to the less severe clinical manifestations typically developed by children and the limited availability of diagnostic tests. To address this knowledge gap, we investigate the prevalence and predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection (either symptomatic or not) and disease in 5 years-old Amazonian children. Methodology/Principal findings We retrospectively estimated SARS-CoV-2 attack rates and the proportion of infections leading to COVID-19-related illness among 660 participants in a population-based birth cohort study in the Juruá Valley, Amazonian Brazil. Children were physically examined, tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies, and had a comprehensive health questionnaire administered during a follow-up visit at the age of 5 years carried out in January or June-July 2021. We found serological evidence of past SARS-CoV-2 infection in 297 (45.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 41.2–48.9%) of 660 cohort participants, but only 15 (5.1%; 95% CI, 2.9–8.2%) seropositive children had a prior medical diagnosis of COVID-19 reported by their mothers or guardians. The period prevalence of clinically apparent COVID-19, defined as the presence of specific antibodies plus one or more clinical symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 (cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell) reported by their mothers or guardians since the pandemic onset, was estimated at 7.3% (95% CI, 5.4–9.5%). Importantly, children from the poorest households and those with less educated mothers were significantly more likely to be seropositive, after controlling for potential confounders by mixed-effects multiple Poisson regression analysis. Likewise, the period prevalence of COVID-19 was 1.8-fold (95%, CI 1.2–2.6-fold) higher among cohort participants exposed to food insecurity and 3.0-fold (95% CI, 2.8–3.5-fold) higher among those born to non-White mothers. Finally, children exposed to household and family contacts who had COVID-19 were at an increased risk of being SARS-CoV-2 seropositive and–even more markedly–of having had clinically apparent COVID-19 by the age of 5 years. Conclusions/Significance Childhood SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-associated illness are substantially underdiagnosed and underreported in the Amazon. Children in the most socioeconomically vulnerable households are disproportionately affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease.
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Lucaciu, Ondine, Antonia Boca, Anca Stefania Mesaros, Nausica Petrescu, Ovidiu Aghiorghiesei, Ioana Codruta Mirica, Ioan Hosu, Gabriel Armencea, Simion Bran, and Cristian Mihail Dinu. "Assessing SARS-CoV-2 Infection Rate among Romanian Dental Practitioners." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 9 (May 4, 2021): 4897. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094897.
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Due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on dental treatments, the present research aimed to assess the infection rate among dental practitioners from Romania and to analyze the economic impact of Covid-19 on dental offices. We designed a web-based survey distributed to dental practitioners from Romania. The survey included questions that assessed demographic data from the dentists who completed the questionnaire, along with economic aspects and epidemiological aspects related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental practitioners. Five hundred and seven dentists completed the survey. Three-quarters of the assessed dental offices reported a decrease in the income and patient volume compared to 2019. More than half of the patients visiting the dental office paid more attention to the risk of infection and to prevention methods. Most dental offices implemented specific protective equipment for doctors. Three thousand seven hundred thirty-five dental practitioners were working in the 507 assessed dental offices, and among them, 238 COVID-19 cases of contamination were recorded. High contamination rates were registered in October (48, 20.1%), November (66, 27.7%), and December 2020 (52, 21.85%). Contamination mostly took place at home (114 cases, 47.8%) or resulted from event attendance. This study underlines an overall greater level of safety and an increased patient addressability in dental offices.
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Baysson, Helene, Francesco Pennacchio, Ania Wisniak, Maria Eugenia Zaballa, Nick Pullen, Prune Collombet, Elsa Lorthe, et al. "Specchio-COVID19 cohort study: a longitudinal follow-up of SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey participants in the canton of Geneva, Switzerland." BMJ Open 12, no. 1 (January 2022): e055515. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055515.
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IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has affected billions of people around the world both directly through the infection itself and indirectly through its economic, social and sanitary impact. Collecting data over time is essential for the understanding of the disease spread, the incidence of COVID-19-like symptoms, the level and dynamics of immunity, as well as the long-term impact of the pandemic. The objective of the study was to set up a longitudinal follow-up of adult participants of serosurveys carried out in the canton of Geneva, Switzerland, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This follow-up aims at monitoring COVID-19 related symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion, as well as the overall impact of the pandemic on several dimensions of health and on socioeconomic factors over a period of at least 2 years.Methods and analysisSerosurvey participants were invited to create an account on the dedicated digital platform Specchio-COVID19 (https://www.specchio-covid19.ch/). On registration, an initial questionnaire assessed sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics (including housing conditions, physical activity, diet, alcohol and tobacco consumption), anthropometry, general health and experience related to COVID-19 (symptoms, COVID-19 test results, quarantines, hospitalisations). Weekly, participants were invited to fill in a short questionnaire with updates on self-reported COVID-19-compatible symptoms, SARS-CoV-2 infection testing and vaccination. A more detailed questionnaire about mental health, well-being, risk perception and changes in working conditions was proposed monthly. Supplementary questionnaires were proposed at regular intervals to assess more in depth the impact of the pandemic on physical and mental health, vaccination adherence, healthcare consumption and changes in health behaviours. At baseline, serology testing allowed to assess the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection among the general population and subgroups of workers. Additionally, seropositive participants and a sample of randomly selected participants were invited for serologic testing at regular intervals in order to monitor both the seropersistance of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the population of the canton of Geneva.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Cantonal Research Ethics Commission of Geneva, Switzerland (CCER Project ID 2020-00881). Results will be disseminated in a variety of ways, via the Specchio-COVID-19 platform, social media posts, press releases and through regular scientific dissemination methods (open-access articles, conferences).
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Shaunak, Meera, Ravin Patel, Corine Driessens, Lynne Mills, Alice Leahy, Diane Gbesemete, Daniel R. Owens, Jane S. Lucas, Saul N. Faust, and Hans de Graaf. "COVID-19 symptom surveillance in immunocompromised children and young people in the UK: a prospective observational cohort study." BMJ Open 11, no. 3 (March 2021): e044899. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044899.
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ObjectivesTo describe the frequency of symptoms compatible with SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunocompromised children and young people in the UK during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. To describe patient/parent anxiety regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection in this cohort.DesignA prospective observational cohort study.Setting46 centres across the UK between 16 March and 4 July 2020. A weekly online questionnaire based on the International Severe Acute Respiratory and emerging Infections Consortium-WHO Case Report Form was used to collect participant reported data on symptoms, test results, National Health Service attendance, hospital admission and impact on daily life.Participants1490 immunocompromised children, defined as those requiring an annual influenza vaccination due to their underlying condition or medication.Main outcome measuresIncidence of SARS-CoV-2-like symptoms and patient/parent anxiety score.ResultsOver 16 weeks during the first wave of the pandemic, no SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed in this large immunocompromised paediatric cohort (median age 11 years, 54.4% female). 110 symptomatic participants underwent a test for SARS-CoV-2; all were negative. 922 (67.4%) participants reported at least one symptom consistent with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection over the study period. 476 (34.8%) reported three or more symptoms. The most frequently reported symptoms included joint pain, fatigue, headache, nausea and muscle pain. SARS-CoV-2 testing during this period was performed on admitted patients only. 137 participants had their medication suspended or changed during the study period due to assumed COVID-19 disease risk. 62% reported high levels of anxiety (scores of 7–10 out of 10) at the start of the study, with anxiety levels remaining high throughout the study period.ConclusionsAlthough symptoms related to SARS-CoV-2 infection in children were common, there were no positive tests in this large immunocompromised cohort. Symptom-based screening to facilitate early detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection may not be helpful in these individuals. Patient/parent anxiety about SARS-CoV-2 infection was high.Trial registration numberNCT04382508.
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McPherson, Tristan D., Isaac Ghinai, Alison M. Binder, Brandi D. Freeman, Chantel Hoskin Snelling, Jennifer C. Hunter, Kristin M. Anderson, et al. "Lack of Serologic Evidence of Infection Among Health Care Personnel and Other Contacts of First 2 Confirmed Patients With COVID-19 in Illinois, 2020." Public Health Reports 136, no. 1 (October 27, 2020): 88–96. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0033354920966064.
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Objectives Widespread global transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), continues. Many questions remain about asymptomatic or atypical infections and transmission dynamics. We used comprehensive contact tracing of the first 2 confirmed patients in Illinois with COVID-19 and serologic SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing to determine whether contacts had evidence of undetected COVID-19. Methods Contacts were eligible for serologic follow-up if previously tested for COVID-19 during an initial investigation or had greater-risk exposures. Contacts completed a standardized questionnaire during the initial investigation. We classified exposure risk as high, medium, or low based on interactions with 2 index patients and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Serologic testing used a SARS-CoV-2 spike enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on serum specimens collected from participants approximately 6 weeks after initial exposure to either index patient. The 2 index patients provided serum specimens throughout their illness. We collected data on demographic, exposure, and epidemiologic characteristics. Results Of 347 contacts, 110 were eligible for serologic follow-up; 59 (17% of all contacts) enrolled. Of these, 53 (90%) were health care personnel and 6 (10%) were community contacts. Seventeen (29%) reported high-risk exposures, 15 (25%) medium-risk, and 27 (46%) low-risk. No participant had evidence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The 2 index patients had antibodies detected at dilutions >1:6400 within 4 weeks after symptom onset. Conclusions In serologic follow-up of the first 2 known patients in Illinois with COVID-19, we found no secondary transmission among tested contacts. Lack of seroconversion among these contacts adds to our understanding of conditions (ie, use of PPE) under which SARS-CoV-2 infections might not result in transmission and demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing is a useful tool to verify epidemiologic findings.
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Dusefante, Alex, Corrado Negro, Pierlanfranco D’Agaro, Ludovica Segat, Antonio Purpuri, Luca Cegolon, and Francesca Larese Filon. "Occupational Risk Factors for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Hospital Health Care Workers: A Prospective Nested Case-Control Study." Life 12, no. 2 (February 9, 2022): 263. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/life12020263.
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Introduction: Health Care Workers (HCWs) are at a particular high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to direct and indirect exposure to COVID-19 patients and Aerosol-Generating Procedures (AGPs). The aim of the study was to assess the risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCWs exposed to COVID-19 patients, to evaluate the adherence and effectiveness of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures, to describe the clinical presentation for SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCWs and to determine serological responses in HCWs. Methods: HCWs exposed to COVID-19 patients during the previous 14 days with a confirmed case status were recruited as cases; HCWs exposed to COVID-19 patients during the previous 14 days in the same ward without a suspected/probable/confirmed case status were recruited as controls. Serum samples were collected as soon as possible and after 21–28 days from all participants. Data were collected with a WHO standardized questionnaire as soon as possible and after 21–28 days. Results: All social, occupational and personal variables considered were not associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions: Our study showed a high knowledge of IPC measures and very high PPE use among HCWs.
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Kindgen-Milles, Detlef, Timo Brandenburger, Julian F. W. Braun, Corvin Cleff, Kian Moussazadeh, Ingo Mrosewski, Jörg Timm, and Dietmar Wetzchewald. "Prevalence of SARS-COV-2 positivity in 516 German intensive care and emergency physicians studied by seroprevalence of antibodies National Covid Survey Germany (NAT-COV-SURV)." PLOS ONE 16, no. 4 (April 8, 2021): e0248813. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248813.
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Healthcare personnel are at risk to aquire the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We evaluated the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and positive nasopharyngeal reverse transcriptase polymerase-chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests in German intensive care and emergency physicians. Physicians attending intensive care and emergency medicine training courses between June 16th and July 2nd 2020 answered a questionnaire and were screened for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies via automated electrochemiluminiscence immunoassay. We recruited 516 physicans from all parts of Germany, 445/516 (86%) worked in high risk areas, and 379/516 (73%) had treated patients with COVID-19. The overall positive rate was 18/516 (3.5%), 16/18 (89%) had antibodies against SARS-COV-2, another 2 reported previous positive RT-PCR results although antibody testing was negative. Of those positive, 7/18 (39%) were unaware of their infection. A stay abroad was stated by 173/498 (35%), mostly in Europe. 87/516 (17%) reported a febrile respiratory infection after January 1st 2020 which was related to SARS-CoV-2 in 4/87 (4.6%). Contact to COVID-19 positive relatives at home was stated by 22/502 (4.4%). This was the only significant risk factor for Covid-19 infection (Fisher´s exact test, p = 0.0005). N95 masks and eye protection devices were available for 87% and 73%, respectively. A total of 254/502 (51%) had been vaccinated against seasonal influenza. The overall SARS-CoV-2 infection rate of german physicians from intensive care and emergency medicine was low compared to reports from other countries and settings. This finding may be explained by the fact that the German health care system was not overwhelmed by the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
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Rodríguez-Ares, Teresa, David Lamas-Francis, Mercedes Treviño, Daniel Navarro, María Cea, María Jesús López-Valladares, Laura Martínez, Francisco Gude, and Rosario Touriño. "SARS-CoV-2 in Conjunctiva and Tears and Ocular Symptoms of Patients with COVID-19." Vision 5, no. 4 (October 22, 2021): 51. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/vision5040051.
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This study investigates the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in conjunctival secretions and tears and evaluates ocular symptoms in a group of patients with COVID-19. We included 56 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in this cross-sectional cohort study. Conjunctival secretions and tears were collected using flocked swabs and Schirmer strips for SARS-CoV-2 reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Assessment of ocular surface manifestations included an OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) questionnaire. Patients had been admitted to hospital for an average of 2.4 days (range 0–7) and had shown general symptoms for an average of 7.1 days (range 1–20) prior to ocular testing. Four (7.1%) of 56 conjunctival swabs and four (4%) of 112 Schirmer strips were positive for SARS-CoV-2. The mean E-gene cycle threshold values (Ct values) were 31.2 (SD 5.0) in conjunctival swabs and 32.9 (SD 2.7) in left eye Schirmer strips. Overall, 17 (30%) patients presented ocular symptoms. No association was found between positive ocular samples and ocular symptoms. This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 can be detected on the conjunctiva and tears of patients with COVID-19. Contact with the ocular surface may transmit the virus and preventive measures should be taken in this direction.
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Sorg, Anna-Lisa, Selina Becht, Marietta Jank, Jakob Armann, Ulrich von Both, Markus Hufnagel, Fabian Lander, et al. "Association of SARS-CoV-2 Seropositivity With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and/or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Among Children and Adolescents in Germany." JAMA Network Open 5, no. 9 (September 27, 2022): e2233454. http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.33454.
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ImportanceDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, a reduction in quality of life and physical and mental health among children and adolescents has been reported that may be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or containment measures.ObjectiveTo assess the association of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity with symptoms that may be related to myalgic encephalomyelitis and/or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) among children and adolescents.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis substudy of the cross-sectional SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence surveys in Germany (SARS-CoV-2 KIDS) was performed in 9 pediatric hospitals from May 1 to October 31, 2021. Pediatric patients were recruited during an inpatient or outpatient visit regardless of the purpose of the visit. Parental questionnaires and serum samples were collected during clinically indicated blood draws. The parental questionnaire on demographic and clinical information was extended by items according to the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire, a pediatric screening tool for ME/CFS in epidemiological studies in patients aged 5 to 17 years.ExposuresSeropositivity was determined by SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in serum samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.Main Outcomes and MeasuresKey symptoms of ME/CFS were evaluated separately or as clustered ME/CFS symptoms according to the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire, including fatigue.ResultsAmong 634 participants (294 male [46.4%] and 340 female [53.6%]; median age, 11.5 [IQR, 8-14] years), 198 (31.2%) reported clustered ME/CFS symptoms, including 40 of 100 SARS-CoV-2–seropositive (40.0%) and 158 of 534 SARS-CoV-2–seronegative (29.6%) children and adolescents. After adjustment for sex, age group, and preexisting disease, the risk ratio for reporting clustered ME/CFS symptoms decreased from 1.35 (95% CI, 1.03-1.78) to 1.18 (95% CI, 0.90-1.53) and for substantial fatigue from 2.45 (95% CI, 1.24-4.84) to 2.08 (95% CI, 1.05-4.13). Confinement to children and adolescents with unknown previous SARS-CoV-2 infection status (n = 610) yielded lower adjusted risks for all symptoms except joint pain ME/CFS–related symptoms. The adjusted risk ratio was 1.08 (95% CI, 0.80-1.46) for reporting clustered ME/CFS symptoms and 1.43 (95% CI, 0.63-3.23) for fatigue.Conclusions and RelevanceThese findings suggest that the risk of ME/CFS in children and adolescents owing to SARS-CoV-2 infection may be very small. Recall bias may contribute to risk estimates of long COVID-19 symptoms in children. Extensive lockdowns must be considered as an alternative explanation for complex unspecific symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Baala, Lekbir, Dalila Benzekri-Lefevre, Laurent Bret, Toufik Kamel, Clémence Guillaume, Laura Courtellemont, Abdelkrim El Khalil, et al. "Case Report: Co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza H1N1 in a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome and a pulmonary sarcoidosis." F1000Research 9 (May 3, 2022): 1482. http://dx.doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.26924.2.
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and has been a global public health concern. We report coinfection of SARS-CoV-2 and 2009 H1N1 Influenza strain in a French patient with pneumonia leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome. The patient also had a medical history of pulmonary sarcoidosis with a restrictive ventilatory syndrome and obesity, which would be a supplementary risk to develop a poor outcomes. This case highlights the possible coinfection of two severe SARS-CoV-2 and influenza H1N1 viruses in comorbid patient, which presents a higher risk to extend the care duration. The overlapping clinical features of the two respiratory syndromes is a challenge, and awareness is required to recommend an early differential diagnosis and it’s necessary to adopt the vigilant preventive measures and therapeutic strategies to prevent a deleterious impacts in patients with comorbid factors.
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Mrzljak, Anna, Vladimir Stevanović, Tatjana Vilibić-Čavlek, Ljubo Barbić, Danko Mikulić, Željka Hruškar, Irena Tabain, Jadranka Pavičić-Šarić, and Željka Jureković. "Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Croatian solid-organ transplant recipients." Biochemia medica 31, no. 3 (October 15, 2021): 487–93. http://dx.doi.org/10.11613/bm.2021.030901.
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The data on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in solid-organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) in Croatia is unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Croatian SOTRs. From 7 September to 27 November 2020 (beginning of the second COVID-19 pandemic wave), a cross-sectional screening for COVID-19 was performed in the adult outpatient liver (LTRs; N = 280) and kidney transplant recipients (KTRs; N = 232). Serum samples were initially tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; Vircell Microbiologists, Granada, Spain). All positive samples were confirmed using a virus neutralization test (VNT). Data on risk exposure and COVID-19 related symptoms were collected using a questionnaire. The transplanted cohort’s seroprevalence detected by ELISA and VNT was 20.1% and 3.1%, respectively. Neutralizing (NT) antibodies developed in 15.6% of anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA IgG positive SOTRs. The difference in seropositivity rates between LTRs and KTRs was not statistically significant (ELISA 21.1% vs. 19.0%, P = 0.554; VNT 3.6% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.082). Overall VNT positivity rates were higher in patients who reported participation in large community events (5.9% vs. 1.0%; P = 0.027) as well as in patients who reported COVID-19 related symptoms in the past six months. In addition, symptomatic VNT positive patients showed significantly higher (P = 0.031) NT antibody titers (median 128, interquartile range (IQR) = 32-128) compared to asymptomatic patients (median 16, IQR = 16-48). This study showed that 15.6% of anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA positive Croatian SOTRs developed NT antibodies indicating protective immunity. Further studies are needed to determine the dynamic of NT antibodies and COVID-19 immunity duration in immunocompromised populations such as LTRs and KTRs.
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Meylan, Sylvain, Urania Dafni, Frederic Lamoth, Zoi Tsourti, Michael A. Lobritz, Jean Regina, Philippe Bressin, et al. "SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in healthcare workers of a Swiss tertiary care centre at the end of the first wave: a cross-sectional study." BMJ Open 11, no. 7 (July 2021): e049232. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049232.
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ObjectiveTo assess the SARS-CoV-2 transmission in healthcare workers (HCWs) using seroprevalence as a surrogate marker of infection in our tertiary care centre according to exposure.DesignSeroprevalence cross-sectional study.SettingSingle centre at the end of the first COVID-19 wave in Lausanne, Switzerland.Participants1874 of 4074 responders randomly selected (46% response rate), stratified by work category among the 13 474 (13.9%) HCWs.Main outcome measuresEvaluation of SARS-CoV-2 serostatus paired with a questionnaire of SARS-CoV-2 acquisition risk factors internal and external to the workplace.ResultsThe overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rate among HCWs was 10.0% (95% CI 8.7% to 11.5%). HCWs with daily patient contact did not experience increased rates of seropositivity relative to those without (10.3% vs 9.6%, respectively, p=0.64). HCWs with direct contact with patients with COVID-19 or working in COVID-19 units did not experience increased seropositivity rates relative to their counterparts (10.4% vs 9.8%, p=0.69 and 10.6% vs 9.9%, p=0.69, respectively). However, specific locations of contact with patients irrespective of COVID-19 status—in patient rooms or reception areas—did correlate with increased rates of seropositivity (11.9% vs 7.5%, p=0.019 and 14.3% vs 9.2%, p=0.025, respectively). In contrast, HCWs with a suspected or proven SARS-CoV-2-infected household contact had significantly higher seropositivity rates than those without such contacts (19.0% vs 8.7%, p<0.001 and 42.1% vs 9.4%, p<0.001, respectively). Finally, consistent use of a mask on public transportation correlated with decreased seroprevalence (5.3% for mask users vs 11.2% for intermittent or no mask use, p=0.030).ConclusionsThe overall seroprevalence was 10% without significant differences in seroprevalence between HCWs exposed to patients with COVID-19 and HCWs not exposed. This suggests that, once fully in place, protective measures limited SARS-CoV-2 occupational acquisition within the hospital environment. SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion among HCWs was associated primarily with community risk factors, particularly household transmission.
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Ioannou, Petros, Sotiris Tzalis, Eirini Pasparaki, Despoina Spentzouri, Myrto Konidaki, Ioanna Papakitsou, Nikolaos Spernovasilis, Nikolaos Papanikolaou, George Samonis, and Diamantis P. Kofteridis. "COVID-19 Disease and Vaccination: Knowledge, Fears, Perceptions and Feelings of Regret for Not Having Been Vaccinated among Hospitalized Greek Patients Suffering SARS-CoV-2 Infection." Infectious Disease Reports 14, no. 4 (August 8, 2022): 587–96. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/idr14040063.
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Background: The development of vaccines against COVID-19 has greatly altered the natural course of this infection, reducing the disease’s severity and patients’ hospitalization. However, hesitancy against vaccination remains an obstacle in the attempt to achieve appropriate herd immunity that could reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions and attitudes of COVID-19 patients hospitalized during the fourth pandemic wave in two Greek hospitals and assess whether their experience had changed their intentions regarding vaccination against COVID-19. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey, conducted from 31 August 2021 to 18 February 2022 in the COVID-19 departments of two tertiary care hospitals. The questionnaire included questions regarding the patients’ educational level, knowledge and beliefs regarding SARS-CoV-2, personal protection measures, beliefs regarding vaccination, vaccination status, reasons for not been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, feelings of regret for not been vaccinated, and willingness to be vaccinated in the future. All adult patients with COVID-19 were eligible, regardless of their vaccination status against SARS-CoV-2. Results: In total, 162 patients agreed and participated in the study, with 97% of them suffering severe COVID-19. Their median age was 56 years, and 59.9% (97 patients) were male. Among them, 43.8% had been vaccinated against COVID-19. When unvaccinated patients were asked the reasons for not being vaccinated, the most frequent responses were that they were waiting for more scientific data, due to uncertainty about long-term consequences of the vaccine, and their fear of thrombosis. When at discharge, unvaccinated hospitalized COVID-19 patients were asked whether they would get vaccinated if they could turn time back, and 64.7% of them replied positively. Conclusions: The study reveals several patients’ fears and misconceptions and suggests that there is room for implementing measures that could reduce knowledge gaps allowing for improvement of vaccination rates against COVID-19.
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Datta, Rupak, Melissa Campbell, Anne Wyllie, Arnau Casanovas-Massana, Ryan Handoko, Lorenzo Sewanan, Nida Naushad, et al. "68. Active Monitoring of a Healthcare Worker Cohort During the COVID-19 Epidemic." Open Forum Infectious Diseases 7, Supplement_1 (October 1, 2020): S165. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofaa439.378.
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Abstract Background Initial CDC recommendations for passive monitoring of COVID-19 related symptoms among staff may not be sufficient in preventing the introduction and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare settings. We therefore implemented active monitoring for SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers (HCWs) at an academic medical center during the COVID-19 epidemic in northeast US. Methods We recruited a cohort of HCWs at Yale New Haven Hospital who worked in COVID-19 units and did not have COVID-19 related symptoms between March 28 and June 1, 2020. During follow-up, participants provided daily information on symptoms by responding to a web-based questionnaire, self-administered nasopharyngeal (NP) and saliva specimens every 3 days, and blood specimens every 14 days. We performed SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR and an anti-spike protein IgM and IgG ELISA to identify virological and serological-confirmed infection, respectively. Results We enrolled 525 (13%) amongst 4,136 HCW of whom daily information on symptoms and NP, saliva, and blood specimens were obtained for 66% (of 13208), 42% (or 1977), 44% (of 2071) and 65% (of 1099), respectively, of the follow-up measurement points. We identified 16 (3.0% of 525) HCWs with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and an additional 12 (2.3% of 525) who were not tested by PCR or had negative PCR results but had serological evidence of infection. The overall cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 5.3% (28 of 525) amongst HCWs. Cases were not identified by hospital protocols for passive staff self-monitoring for symptoms. Amongst 16 PCR-confirmed cases, 9 (56%) of the 16 PCR-confirmed HCW had symptoms during or after the date of initial detection. We did not identify an epidemiological link between the 28 confirmed cases. Conclusion We found that a significant proportion (5.3%) of HCWs were infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 epidemic. In the setting of universal PPE use, infections were possibly acquired in the community rather than stemming from patient-HCW or HCW-HCW transmission. Passive monitoring of symptoms is inadequate in preventing introductions of SARS-CoV-2 into the healthcare setting due to asymptomatic and oligosymptomatic presentations. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures
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Ra, Sang Hyun, Joon Seo Lim, Gwang-un Kim, Min Jae Kim, Jiwon Jung, and Sung-Han Kim. "Upper respiratory viral load in asymptomatic individuals and mildly symptomatic patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection." Thorax 76, no. 1 (September 22, 2020): 61–63. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-215042.
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BackgroundAsymptomatic individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection have viable viral loads and have been linked to several transmission cases. However, data on the viral loads in such individuals are lacking. We assessed the viral loads in asymptomatic individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection in comparison with those in symptomatic patients with COVID-19.MethodsStudy participants were recruited from a community facility designated for the isolation of patients with mild COVID-19 in South Korea. The presence of symptoms was evaluated with a questionnaire-based survey. Viral loads in the upper respiratory tract were measured with real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) targeting the E, RdRp and N genes of SARS-CoV-2, with a cycle threshold (Ct) value of 40 for determining positivity.ResultsIn 213 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, 41 (19%) had remained asymptomatic from potential exposure to laboratory confirmation and admission; of them, 39 (95%) underwent follow-up RT-PCR testing after a median 13 days. In 172 symptomatic patients, 144 (84%) underwent follow-up RT-PCR testing. Twenty-one (54%) asymptomatic individuals and 92 (64%) symptomatic patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at follow-up. Asymptomatic individuals and symptomatic patients did not show any significant differences in the mean Ct values of the E (31.15 vs 31.43; p>0.99), RdRp (32.26 vs 32.93; p=0.92) and N (33.05 vs 33.28; p>0.99) genes.ConclusionApproximately one-fifth of the individuals without severe symptoms were asymptomatic, and their viral loads were comparable to those in symptomatic patients. A large proportion of mildly symptomatic patients with COVID-19 or asymptomatic individuals with SARS-CoV-2 showed persistent positive upper respiratory RT-PCR results at follow-up.
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Adeniyi, Oladele Vincent, David Stead, Mandisa Singata-Madliki, Joanne Batting, Matthew Wright, Eloise Jelliman, Shareef Abrahams, and Andrew Parrish. "Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccine among the Healthcare Workers in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: A Cross Sectional Study." Vaccines 9, no. 6 (June 18, 2021): 666. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9060666.
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Background: This study assesses the perceptions and acceptance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination. It also examines its influencing factors among the healthcare workers (HCWs) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods: In this cross-sectional study performed in November and December 2020, a total of 1308 HCWs from two large academic hospitals participated in the Eastern Cape Healthcare Workers Acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 (ECHAS) study. Validated measures of vaccine hesitancy were explored using a questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of vaccine hesitancy. Results: The majority were nurses (45.2%), and at risk for unfavourable Covid-19 outcome, due to obesity (62.9%) and having direct contact with individuals confirmed to have Covid-19 (77.1%). The overall acceptance of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine was 90.1%, which differed significantly by level of education. Individuals with lower educational attainment (primary and secondary education) and those with prior vaccine refusal were less likely to accept the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. However, positive perceptions about the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were independently associated with vaccine acceptance. Conclusions: The high level of acceptance of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is reassuring; however, HCWs with a lower level of education and those with prior vaccine refusal should be targeted for further engagements to address their concerns and fears.
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Davidovic, Tamara, Hannelore Sprenger-Mähr, Armin Abbassi-Nik, Emanuel Zitt, and Karl Lhotta. "How Hemodialysis Patients Perceive the SARS-CoV-2 Health Crisis: Lessons from Austria." Kidney360 1, no. 10 (August 25, 2020): 1075–80. http://dx.doi.org/10.34067/kid.0003582020.
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BackgroundThe ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic forced many countries to implement strict and unprecedented precautions to stop the spread of the virus. On top of these measures, hemodialysis units have adopted their own rules to protect wards and patients from infection with SARS-CoV-2. Despite the rapidly growing knowledge on epidemiology, virology, and clinical disease, little is known about how these measures are perceived by patients themselves on hemodialysis.MethodsThe study was performed in the three hemodialysis units in Vorarlberg, Austria’s westernmost state. A questionnaire was developed consisting of 22 questions on patients’ perceptions of the COVID-19 crisis and their feelings about the general precautions and specific steps implemented on dialysis wards. All adult patients were asked to fill out the questionnaire anonymously.ResultsOf 202 patients on hemodialysis, 148 completed the questionnaire (66.9% men, mean age 68.3±13.3 years). The vast majority (83.1%) were worried by the COVID-19 crisis, but only 28.4% reported a negative effect on emotional well-being. Daily life was most affected by the general ban on visitors (58.6%) and home confinement (35.9%). Of the patients, 64.2% feared contracting COVID-19, 30.7% were afraid of financial consequences, and 14.6% were afraid of loneliness and isolation. The safety measures on dialysis wards were classified as adequate by 97.3% of the respondents. Of the patients, 78.2% felt safe during dialysis treatment. All dialysis-specific precautions (individual patient transport, health check, hand disinfection, wearing a face mask, and physical distancing) were rated important or very important by almost all patients. To date, none of the patients have acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection.ConclusionsAlthough the SARS-CoV-2 crisis brought worry to and affected the lives of most patients on hemodialysis, its effect on their emotional well-being was moderate. Patients felt safe on dialysis wards, and acceptance of specific precautions was high.
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Afzal, Nayab, Naila Tariq, Danish Shakeel, and Sadia Sultan. "Trend of Anti-SARS-COV-2 Seropositivity in Karachi." National Journal of Health Sciences 5, no. 3 (March 30, 2021): 104–8. http://dx.doi.org/10.21089/njhs.53.0104.
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Abstract: Objective: This study aims to determine the trend of seropositivity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (total including IgM, Ig G) in patients presenting at a private hospital in Karachi. Materials & Methods: A total of 2500 patients were included in the study. Informed consent was obtained and a questionnaire including patient’s age, gender, symptoms, history of traveling, contact with people who had travelled recently, contact with confirmed/suspected COVID-19 patient at home or work was filled. Samples were analyzed for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies on Roche Cobase601. Results: The mean age of the patients was 41.045±20.48 years. 674(26.96%) were reactive, while 1826(73.04%) were non-reactive. Mostly patients were males 1388(55.52%).The seroprevalence was higher in males 29.75% while females showed 23.47% seroprevalence. Commonest symptoms were found to be fever(88.73%) and dry cough(57.20%).The frequency of seropositive patients revealed an increasing trend with 20.5%and 27.8 % in first andlast 15 days of June respectively, 30.7% and 31.4% in first andlast 15 days of July 2020 respectively.Only221(32.79%) reactive patients reported recent symptoms while 453(67.21%)patients were completely asymptomatic.Odds Ratio(OR) for participants with recent history of travelling, contact with people who had travelled recently,exposure with COVID-19 patients at home or work was 11.50, 3.28, 8.45 and 0.72 respectively. Conclusion: The seropositivity has shown a definite gradual upward trend over the study period and approximately two thirds of the patients being completely asymptomatic pointing towards the fact that many people are silently exposed to the disease and develop antibodies through their natural immune mechanism. Keywords: COVID 19, Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, Trend, Seropositivity, Dry cough, Diarrhea.
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Sengler, Claudia, Sascha Eulert, Kirsten Minden, Martina Niewerth, Gerd Horneff, Jasmin Kuemmerle-Deschner, Caroline Siemer, et al. "Clinical manifestations and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infections in children and adolescents with rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases: data from the National Paediatric Rheumatology Database in Germany." RMD Open 7, no. 2 (July 2021): e001687. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/rmdopen-2021-001687.
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ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the clinical manifestations, course and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection among children and adolescents with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD). Due to their underlying disease as well due to therapeutic immunosuppression, these patients may be at risk for a severe course of COVID-19 or for a flare of the underlying disease triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection.MethodsDemographic, clinical and treatment data from juvenile patients with RMD as well as data about SARS-CoV-2 infection like test date and method, clinical characteristics, disease course, outcome and impact on the disease activity of the RMD were documented on a specific SARS-CoV-2 questionnaire implemented in the National Paediatric Rheumatology Database (NPRD) in Germany. The survey data were analysed descriptively.ResultsFrom 17 April 2020 to 16 February 2021, data were collected from 76 patients (52% female) with RMD and laboratory-proven SARS-CoV-2 infection with median age of 14 years, diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (58%), autoinflammatory (24%) and connective tissue disease (8%). Fifty-eight patients (76%) received disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), 41% biological DMARDs and 11% systemic glucocorticoids. Fifty-eight (76%) had symptoms of COVID-19. Disease course of SARS-CoV-2 infection (classified as asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe, life-threatening) was mild and outcome of COVID-19 (classified as recovered, not yet recovered, permanent damage or deceased) was good (recovered) in the majority of patients. Two patients were hospitalised, one of whom required intensive care and died of cardiorespiratory failure. In 84% of SARS-CoV-2-positive patients, no relevant increase in disease activity of the RMD was observed.ConclusionsIn our cohort, SARS-CoV-2 infection in juvenile patients with RMD under various medications was mild with good outcome in the majority of cases and does not appear to have a relevant impact on disease activity of the underlying condition.
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Piumatti, Giovanni, Rebecca Amati, Aude Richard, Hélène Baysson, Marianna Purgato, Idris Guessous, Silvia Stringhini, and Emiliano Albanese. "Associations between Depression and Self-Reported COVID-19 Symptoms among Adults: Results from Two Population-Based Seroprevalence Studies in Switzerland." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 24 (December 12, 2022): 16696. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416696.
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(1) Mental health may modulate the perceived risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, it is unclear how psychological symptoms may distort symptom perception of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 infection. We assessed whether depressive symptoms predicted self-reported COVID-19 symptoms, independently of serologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. (2) Participants (aged 20–64) in the Geneva (N = 576) and Ticino (N = 581) Swiss regions completed the Patient Health Questionnaire before being tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies and recalled COVID-19-compatible symptoms on two occasions: April–July 2020 (baseline), and January–February 2021 (follow-up). We estimated prevalence ratios for COVID-19 symptoms by depression scores in interaction with serological status. (3) At baseline, in Geneva, higher depression predicted higher probability of reporting systemic, upper airways, and gastro-intestinal symptoms, and fever and/or cough; in Ticino, higher depression predicted systemic, upper airways, and gastro-intestinal symptoms, fever and/or cough, dyspnea, and headache. At follow-up, in Geneva, higher depression predicted higher probability of reporting systemic symptoms and dyspnea; in Ticino, higher depression predicted higher probability of reporting systemic and upper airways symptoms, dyspnea and headache (all p values < 0.05). (4) We found positive associations between depressive symptoms and COVID-19-compatible symptoms, independently of seropositivity. Mental wellbeing has relevant public health implications because it modulates self-reported infection symptoms that inform testing, self-medication, and containment measures, including quarantine and isolation.
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M, Subaraman, L. Keerthi Sasanka, R. Gayathri, and Dhanraj Ganapathy. "Knowledge and Awareness About Isolation and Incubation of COVID-19 Among Dental Students: A Survey." ECS Transactions 107, no. 1 (April 24, 2022): 13951–65. http://dx.doi.org/10.1149/10701.13951ecst.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) states that viral diseases have emerged continuously and stands as a greatest public health issue. For the past two decades, there have been epidemics which include viral infections like H1N1 influenza (2009), the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) (2002), and most recent epidemic was the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012 following the pandemic COVID-19. At the initial diagnosis, the novel coronavirus was called 2019-nCoV which was later renamed by a group of experts in the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) as SARS-CoV-2 virus because it is similar to the virus that caused SARS (SARS-CoVs). One among the main pathogens that targets the human respiratory system was coronavirus. The past coronaviruses outbreaks comprises the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-CoV and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV which have been a severe public health threat. This is a questionnaire based study where the questionnaire was formatted to assess the knowledge and awareness about the infection COVID. The study was done through an online platform Google forms which consisted of 15 questions. The study population included dental students. The data was received and statistics were analyzed and graphically represented. In total, the results are positive. This survey concluded that dental students are aware of the isolation and incubation of COVID-19.
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Žaja, Roko, Ivana Kerner, Milan Milošević, and Jelena Macan. "Diagnosing occupational COVID-19 in Croatian healthcare workers." Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology 72, no. 4 (December 1, 2021): 289–97. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/aiht-2021-72-3603.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be diagnosed as occupational disease by an occupational health physician (OHP), if supported by relevant work-related and medical documentation. The aim of this study was to analyse such documentation submitted by Croatian healthcare workers (HCWs) and discuss its relevance in view of European and Croatian guidelines. The study included 100 Croatian HCWs who were SARS-CoV-2-positive and requested that their infection be diagnosed as occupational disease by their OHPs from 1 May 2020 to 10 March 2021. As participants they were asked to fill out our online Occupational COVID-19 in Healthcare Workers Questionnaire. For the purpose of this study we analysed answers about the type of close contact at the workplace, COVID-19 symptoms, and enclosed work-related (job description, employer statement about exposure to SARS-CoV-2) and medical documentation (positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test and patient history confirming the diagnosis of COVID-19). Most participants were working in hospitals (N=95), mostly nurses (N=75), who became infected by a patient (N=68) or colleague (N=31), and had at least one COVID-19 symptom (N=87). Eighty participants did not enclose obligatory documents, 41 of whom failed to submit job description and 31 both job description and employer statement. These findings confirm that the major risk of occupational COVID-19 in HCWs is close contact with patients and colleagues, and points out the need for better cooperation between OHPs, occupational safety experts, employers, and diseased workers.