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Sinnberg T, Lichtensteiger C, Ali OH, Pop OT, Jochum AK, Risch L, Brugger SD, Velic A, Bomze D, Kohler P, Vernazza P, Albrich WC, Kahlert CR, Abdou MT, Wyss N, Hofmeister K, Niessner H, Zinner C, Gilardi M, Tzankov A, Röcken M, Dulovic A, Shambat SM, Ruetalo N, Buehler PK, Scheier TC, Jochum W, Kern L, Henz S, Schneider T, Kuster GM, Lampart M, Siegemund M, Bingisser R, Schindler M, Schneiderhan-Marra N, Kalbacher H, McCoy KD, Spengler W, Brutsche MH, Maček B, Twerenbold R, Penninger JM, Matter MS, Flatz L. Pulmonary Surfactant Proteins Are Inhibited by Immunoglobulin A Autoantibodies in Severe COVID-19. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 207:38-49. [PMID: 35926164 PMCID: PMC9952873 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202201-0011oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome with fatal outcomes. Evidence suggests that dysregulated immune responses, including autoimmunity, are key pathogenic factors. Objectives: To assess whether IgA autoantibodies target lung-specific proteins and contribute to disease severity. Methods: We collected 147 blood, 9 lung tissue, and 36 BAL fluid samples from three tertiary hospitals in Switzerland and one in Germany. Severe COVID-19 was defined by the need to administer oxygen. We investigated the presence of IgA autoantibodies and their effects on pulmonary surfactant in COVID-19 using the following methods: immunofluorescence on tissue samples, immunoprecipitations followed by mass spectrometry on BAL fluid samples, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays on blood samples, and surface tension measurements with medical surfactant. Measurements and Main Results: IgA autoantibodies targeting pulmonary surfactant proteins B and C were elevated in patients with severe COVID-19 but not in patients with influenza or bacterial pneumonia. Notably, pulmonary surfactant failed to reduce surface tension after incubation with either plasma or purified IgA from patients with severe COVID-19. Conclusions: Our data suggest that patients with severe COVID-19 harbor IgA autoantibodies against pulmonary surfactant proteins B and C and that these autoantibodies block the function of lung surfactant, potentially contributing to alveolar collapse and poor oxygenation.
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van der Velden FJS, de Vries G, Martin A, Lim E, von Both U, Kolberg L, Carrol ED, Khanijau A, Herberg JA, De T, Galassini R, Kuijpers TW, Martinón-Torres F, Rivero-Calle I, Vermont CL, Hagedoorn NN, Pokorn M, Pollard AJ, Schlapbach LJ, Tsolia M, Elefhteriou I, Yeung S, Zavadska D, Fink C, Voice M, Zenz W, Kohlmaier B, Agyeman PKA, Usuf E, Secka F, de Groot R, Levin M, van der Flier M, Emonts M, Cunnington A, De T, Herberg J, Kaforou M, Wright V, Baumard L, Bellos E, D’Souza G, Galassini R, Habgood-Coote D, Hamilton S, Hoggart C, Hourmat S, Jackson H, Maconochie I, Menikou S, Lin N, Nichols S, Nijman R, Powell O, Pena Paz I, Shah P, Shen CF, Vito O, Wilson C, Abdulla A, Ali L, Darnell S, Jorgensen R, Mustafa S, Persand S, Stevens MM, Kim N, Kim E, Fidler K, Dudley J, Richmond V, Tavliavini E, Shen CF, Liu CC, Wang SM, Martinón-Torres F, Salas A, González FÁ, Farto CB, Barral-Arca R, Castro MB, Bello X, García MB, Carnota S, Cebey-López M, Curras-Tuala MJ, Suárez CD, Vicente LG, Gómez-Carballa A, Rial JG, Iglesias PL, Martinón-Torres F, Martinón-Torres N, Sánchez JMM, Pérez BM, Pardo-Seco J, Rodríguez LP, Pischedda S, Vázquez SR, Calle IR, Rodríguez-Tenreiro C, Redondo-Collazo L, Ora MS, Salas A, Fernández SS, Trasorras CS, Iglesias MV, Zavadska D, Balode A, Bārzdiņa A, Deksne D, Gardovska D, Grāvele D, Grope I, Meiere A, Nokalna I, Pavāre J, Pučuka Z, Selecka K, Rudzāte A, Svile D, Urbāne UN, Usuf E, Bojang K, Zaman SMA, Secka F, Anderson S, Sarr AR, Saidykhan M, Darboe S, Ceesay S, D’alessandro U, Moll HA, Vermont CL, Borensztajn DM, Hagedoorn NN, Tan C, Zachariasse J, Dik W, Agyeman PKA, Berger C, Giannoni E, Stocker M, Posfay-Barbe KM, Heininger U, Bernhard-Stirnemann S, Niederer-Loher A, Kahlert CR, Natalucci G, Relly C, Riedel T, Aebi C, Schlapbach LJ, Carrol ED, Cocklin E, Jennings R, Johnston J, Khanijau A, Leigh S, Lewis-Burke N, Newall K, Romaine S, Tsolia M, Eleftheriou I, Tambouratzi M, Marmarinos A, Xagorari M, Syggelou K, Fink C, Voice M, Calvo-Bado L, Zenz W, Kohlmaier B, Schweintzger NA, Sagmeister MG, Kohlfürst DS, Zurl C, Binder A, Hösele S, Leitner M, Pölz L, Rajic G, Bauchinger S, Baumgart H, Benesch M, Ceolotto A, Eber E, Gallistl S, Gores G, Haidl H, Hauer A, Hude C, Keldorfer M, Krenn L, Pilch H, Pfleger A, Pfurtscheller K, Nordberg G, Niedrist T, Rödl S, Skrabl-Baumgartner A, Sperl M, Stampfer L, Strenger V, Till H, Trobisch A, Löffler S, Yeung S, Dewez JE, Hibberd M, Bath D, Miners A, Nijman R, Fitchett E, de Groot R, van der Flier M, de Jonge MI, van Aerde K, Alkema W, van den Broek B, Gloerich J, van Gool AJ, Henriet S, Huijnen M, Philipsen R, Willems E, Gerrits G, van Leur M, Heidema J, de Haan L, Miedema C, Neeleman C, Obihara C, Tramper-Stranders G, Pollard AJ, Kandasamy R, Paulus S, Carter MJ, O’Connor D, Bibi S, Kelly DF, Gurung M, Thorson S, Ansari I, Murdoch DR, Shrestha S, Oliver Z, Emonts M, Lim E, Valentine L, Allen K, Bell K, Chan A, Crulley S, Devine K, Fabian D, King S, McAlinden P, McDonald S, McDonnell A, Pickering A, Thomson E, Wood A, Wallia D, Woodsford P, Baxter F, Bell A, Rhodes M, Agbeko R, Mackerness C, Baas B, Kloosterhuis L, Oosthoek W, Arif T, Bennet J, Collings K, van der Giessen I, Martin A, Rashid A, Rowlands E, de Vries G, van der Velden F, Soon J, Valentine L, Martin M, Mistry R, von Both U, Kolberg L, Zwerenz M, Buschbeck J, Bidlingmaier C, Binder V, Danhauser K, Haas N, Griese M, Feuchtinger T, Keil J, Kappler M, Lurz E, Muench G, Reiter K, Schoen C, Mallet F, Brengel-Pesce K, Pachot A, Mommert M, Pokorn M, Kolnik M, Vincek K, Srovin TP, Bahovec N, Prunk P, Osterman V, Avramoska T, Kuijpers T, Jongerius I, van den Berg JM, Schonenberg D, Barendregt AM, Pajkrt D, van der Kuip M, van Furth AM, Sprenkeler E, Zandstra J, van Mierlo G, Geissler J. Correction to: Febrile illness in high-risk children: a prospective, international observational study. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:555-556. [PMID: 36689005 PMCID: PMC9899168 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-022-04788-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Hamusonde K, Nicca D, Günthard HF, Stöckle M, Darling KEA, Calmy A, Bernasconi E, Haerry D, Schmid P, Kouyos RD, Rauch A, Salazar-Vizcaya L, Aebi-Popp K, Anagnostopoulos A, Battegay M, Bernasconi E, Braun DL, Bucher HC, Calmy A, Cavassini M, Ciuffi A, Dollenmaier G, Egger M, Elzi L, Fehr J, Fellay J, Furrer H, Fux CA, Günthard HF, Hachfeld A, Haerry D, Hasse B, Hirsch HH, Hoffmann M, Hösli I, Huber M, Jackson-Perry D, Kahlert CR, Kaiser L, Keiser O, Klimkait T, Kouyos RD, Kovari H, Kusejko K, Labhardt N, Leuzinger K, Martinez de Tejada B, Marzolini C, Metzner KJ, Müller N, Nemeth J, Nicca D, Notter J, Paioni P, Pantaleo G, Perreau M, Rauch A, Salazar-Vizcaya L, Schmid P, Speck R, Stöckle M, Tarr P, Trkola A, Wandeler G, Weisser M, Yerly S. Triggers of Change in Sexual Behavior Among People With HIV: The Swiss U U Statement and COVID-19 Compared. J Infect Dis 2022; 227:407-411. [PMID: 36408629 PMCID: PMC9891402 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We assessed changes in sexual behavior among people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) over 20 years. Condom use with stable partners steadily declined from over 90 to 29 since the Swiss U U statement, with similar trajectories between men who have sex with men (MSM) and heterosexuals. Occasional partnership remained higher among MSM compared to heterosexuals even during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) social distancing.
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Waldeck F, Seiffert SN, Manser S, Zemp D, Walt A, Berger C, Albrich WC, Schlegel M, Roloff T, Egli A, Nolte O, Kahlert CR. Outbreak investigation including molecular characterization of community associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a primary and secondary school in Eastern Switzerland. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19826. [PMID: 36400917 PMCID: PMC9674615 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24363-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
At our tertiary children's hospital, infections with newly detected methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among children attending primary (age 6-12 years) and secondary school (age 13-16 years) nearly doubled in 2018 compared to previous years. This observation initiated an epidemiological outbreak investigation including phenotypic (susceptibility testing) and genotypic (whole genome sequencing) characterization of the isolates. In addition, a cross-sectional study was conducted to determine source of the outbreak, colonization frequency and to identify risk factors for transmission using a questionnaire. As a result, 49 individuals were detected with 57 corresponding isolates. Based on the case definition combined with whole genome sequencing, a core cluster was identified that shared common genetic features and a similar antimicrobial susceptibility pattern (efflux-mediated macrolide resistance, tetracycline susceptibility along with presence of Panton-Valentine leukocidin). Epidemiologic evaluation identified a distinct school as a common risk factor. However, the source of the clustered infections within that school could not be further specified. No further cases could be detected after decolonization of infected and colonized children.
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Bosetti D, Mugglin C, Calmy A, Cavassini M, Stöckle M, Braun D, Notter J, Haerry D, Hampel B, Kovari H, Bernasconi E, Wandeler G, Rauch A, Aebi-Popp K, Anagnostopoulos A, Battegay M, Bernasconi E, Braun DL, Bucher HC, Calmy A, Cavassini M, Ciuffi A, Dollenmaier G, Egger M, Elzi L, Fehr J, Fellay J, Furrer H, Fux CA, Günthard HF, Hachfeld A, Haerry D, Hasse B, Hirsch HH, Hoffmann M, Hösli I, Huber M, Kahlert CR, Kaiser L, Keiser O, Klimkait T, Kouyos RD, Kovari H, Kusejko K, Martinetti G, Martinez de Tejada B, Marzolini C, Metzner KJ, Müller N, Nemeth J, Nicca D, Paioni P, Pantaleo G, Perreau M, Rauch A, Schmid P, Speck R, Stöckle M, Tarr P, Trkola A, Wandeler G, Yerly S. Risk Factors and Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac592. [PMID: 36504700 PMCID: PMC9728517 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common among people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH), but there are limited data about risk factors and incidence of STIs in large, representative cohort studies. Methods We assessed incidence and risk factors of STIs reported by treating physicians within the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). Sexually transmitted infections and demographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics were prospectively collected at 6-month follow-up visits between October 2017 and November 2019. We used multilevel Poisson regression to assess incidence rate ratios of different STIs. Results Among 10 140 study participants, a total of 1634 STIs in 1029 SHCS participants were reported over 17 766 person-years of follow up (PYFUP). The overall incidence of any reported STI was 91.9 per 1000 PYFU (95% confidence interval [CI], 85.8 -98.5). Among the 1634 STI episodes, there were 573 (35.1%) incident cases of syphilis, 497 gonorrhea (30.4%), and 418 chlamydia (25.6%). Men who have sex with men (MSM) younger than 50 years represented 21% of the study population, but accounted for 61% of reported STIs. Male sex (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR], 2.03; 95% CI, 1.36-3.02), MSM (aIRR, 3.62; 95% CI, 2.88-4.55), age group 18-34 years (aIRR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.51-2.10), history of sexual relationships with occasional partners (aIRR, 6.87; 95% CI, 5.40-8.73), and reporting injecting drug use (aIRR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.91-3.23) were associated with a higher risk of incident STIs. Conclusions Sexually transmitted infections were frequent among PWH and varied considerably between age and risk groups. Screening programs and recommendations for STI testing need to be adapted according to risk factors and demographic characteristics.
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Babouee Flury B, Güsewell S, Egger T, Leal O, Brucher A, Lemmenmeier E, Meier Kleeb D, Möller JC, Rieder P, Rütti M, Schmid HR, Stocker R, Vuichard-Gysin D, Wiggli B, Besold U, McGeer A, Risch L, Friedl A, Schlegel M, Kuster SP, Kahlert CR, Kohler P. Risk and symptoms of COVID-19 in health professionals according to baseline immune status and booster vaccination during the Delta and Omicron waves in Switzerland-A multicentre cohort study. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1004125. [PMID: 36342956 PMCID: PMC9678290 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge about protection conferred by previous Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and/or vaccination against emerging viral variants allows clinicians, epidemiologists, and health authorities to predict and reduce the future Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) burden. We investigated the risk and symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 (re)infection and vaccine breakthrough infection during the Delta and Omicron waves, depending on baseline immune status and subsequent vaccinations. METHODS AND FINDINGS In this prospective, multicentre cohort performed between August 2020 and March 2022, we recruited hospital employees from ten acute/nonacute healthcare networks in Eastern/Northern Switzerland. We determined immune status in September 2021 based on serology and previous SARS-CoV-2 infections/vaccinations: Group N (no immunity); Group V (twice vaccinated, uninfected); Group I (infected, unvaccinated); Group H (hybrid: infected and ≥1 vaccination). Date and symptoms of (re)infections and subsequent (booster) vaccinations were recorded until March 2022. We compared the time to positive SARS-CoV-2 swab and number of symptoms according to immune status, viral variant (i.e., Delta-dominant before December 27, 2021; Omicron-dominant on/after this date), and subsequent vaccinations, adjusting for exposure/behavior variables. Among 2,595 participants (median follow-up 171 days), we observed 764 (29%) (re)infections, thereof 591 during the Omicron period. Compared to group N, the hazard ratio (HR) for (re)infection was 0.33 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22 to 0.50, p < 0.001) for V, 0.25 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.57, p = 0.001) for I, and 0.04 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.10, p < 0.001) for H in the Delta period. HRs substantially increased during the Omicron period for all groups; in multivariable analyses, only belonging to group H was associated with protection (adjusted HR [aHR] 0.52, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.77, p = 0.001); booster vaccination was associated with reduction of breakthrough infection risk in groups V (aHR 0.68, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.85, p = 0.001) and H (aHR 0.67, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.00, p = 0.048), largely observed in the early Omicron period. Group H (versus N, risk ratio (RR) 0.80, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.97, p = 0.021) and participants with booster vaccination (versus nonboosted, RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.88, p < 0.001) reported less symptoms during infection. Important limitations are that SARS-CoV-2 swab results were self-reported and that results on viral variants were inferred from the predominating strain circulating in the community at that time, rather than sequencing. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that hybrid immunity and booster vaccination are associated with a reduced risk and reduced symptom number of SARS-CoV-2 infection during Delta- and Omicron-dominant periods. For previously noninfected individuals, booster vaccination might reduce the risk of symptomatic Omicron infection, although this benefit seems to wane over time.
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Simonet S, Marschall J, Kuhn R, Schlegel M, Kahlert CR. Implementation of an electronic, secure, web-based application to support routine hand hygiene observation with immediate direct feedback and anonymized benchmarking. Am J Infect Control 2022; 50:1263-1265. [PMID: 35537564 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A secure web-based electronic tool was developed and implemented to record adherence to hand hygiene during routine care and to provide direct feedback including anonymized benchmarking. It was found suitable for documenting hand hygiene improvements in a local campaign and following rollout to other institutions in 2013, the tool is currently used in >100 hospitals in Switzerland and will play a major part in upcoming national hand hygiene campaigns.
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Aebi-Popp K, Kahlert CR, Crisinel PA, Decosterd L, Saldanha SA, Hoesli I, Martinez De Tejada B, Duppenthaler A, Rauch A, Marzolini C. Transfer of antiretroviral drugs into breastmilk: a prospective study from the Swiss Mother and Child HIV Cohort Study. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:3436-3442. [PMID: 36177836 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2018, Switzerland changed its guidelines to support women living with HIV wishing to breastfeed. The exposure of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) in breastmilk and the ingested daily dose by the breastfed infant are understudied, notably for newer ARVs. This study aimed to quantify ARV concentrations in maternal plasma and breastmilk to determine the milk/plasma ratio, to estimate daily infant ARV dose from breastfeeding and to measure ARV concentrations in infants. METHODS All women wishing to breastfeed were included, regardless of their ARV treatment. Breastmilk and maternal plasma samples were mostly collected at mid-dosing interval. RESULTS Twenty-one mother/child pairs were enrolled; of those several were on newer ARVs including 10 raltegravir, 1 bictegravir, 2 rilpivirine, 2 darunavir/ritonavir and 3 tenofovir alafenamide. No vertical HIV transmission was detected (one infant still breastfed). The median milk/plasma ratios were 0.96/0.39 for raltegravir once/twice daily, 0.01 for bictegravir, 1.08 for rilpivirine, 0.12 for darunavir/ritonavir and 4.09 for tenofovir alafenamide. The median estimated infant daily dose (mg/kg) from breastfeeding was 0.02/0.25 for raltegravir once/twice daily, 0.01 for bictegravir, 0.02 for rilpivirine, 0.05 for darunavir/ritonavir and 0.007 for tenofovir alafenamide, resulting in relative infant dose <10% exposure index for all ARVs. CONCLUSIONS ARVs were transferred to a variable extent in breastmilk. Nevertheless, the estimated daily ARV dose from breastfeeding remained low. Differential ARV exposure was observed in breastfed infants with some ARVs being below/above their effective concentrations raising the concern of resistance development if HIV infection occurs. More data on this potential risk are warranted to better support breastfeeding.
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Peralta GP, Camerini AL, Haile SR, Kahlert CR, Lorthe E, Marciano L, Nussbaumer A, Radtke T, Ulyte A, Puhan MA, Kriemler S. Lifestyle Behaviours of Children and Adolescents During the First Two Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Switzerland and Their Relation to Well-Being: An Observational Study. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604978. [PMID: 36158782 PMCID: PMC9496876 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To describe changes in adherence to recommendations for physical activity (PA), screen time (ST), and sleep duration over the first two waves of the pandemic in Switzerland, and to assess the associations of these lifestyle behaviours with life satisfaction and overall health as well-being indicators. Methods: In this observational study, we included 2,534 participants (5-16 years) from four Swiss cantons. Participants, or their parents, completed repeated questionnaires and reported on their (child's) lifestyle and well-being, between June 2020 and April 2021. We used linear and logistic regression models to assess the associations between lifestyle and well-being. Results: The percentage of children meeting the recommendations for PA and ST decreased from the pre-pandemic period to the first wave, with a slight recovery during the second wave. Participants meeting all three recommendations during the second wave were more likely to report excellent health (OR: 1.65 [95% CI: 1.00-2.76]) and higher life satisfaction (β: 0.46 [0.16-0.77]) in early 2021 than participants not meeting any recommendation. Conclusion: We showed a substantial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's and adolescents' lifestyle, and a positive association between meeting lifestyle recommendations and well-being.
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Patel K, Huo Y, Jao J, Powis KM, Williams PL, Kacanek D, Yee LM, Chadwick EG, Shiau S, Jacobson DL, Brummel SS, Sultan-Beyer L, Kahlert CR, Zash R, Seage GR. Dolutegravir in Pregnancy as Compared with Current HIV Regimens in the United States. N Engl J Med 2022; 387:799-809. [PMID: 36053505 PMCID: PMC9744124 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2200600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on the effectiveness and safety of dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in pregnancy as compared with other ART regimens commonly used in the United States and Europe, particularly when initiated before conception, are limited. METHODS We conducted a study involving pregnancies in persons with HIV-1 infection in the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study whose initial ART in pregnancy included dolutegravir, atazanavir-ritonavir, darunavir-ritonavir, oral rilpivirine, raltegravir, or elvitegravir-cobicistat. Viral suppression at delivery and the risks of infants being born preterm, having low birth weight, and being small for gestational age were compared between each non-dolutegravir-based ART regimen and dolutegravir-based ART. Supplementary analyses that included participants in the Swiss Mother and Child HIV Cohort Study were conducted to improve the precision of our results. RESULTS Of the pregnancies in the study, 120 were in participants who received dolutegravir, 464 in those who received atazanavir-ritonavir, 185 in those who received darunavir-ritonavir, 243 in those who received rilpivirine, 86 in those who received raltegravir, and 159 in those who received elvitegravir-cobicistat. The median age at conception was 29 years; 51% of the pregnancies were in participants who started ART before conception. Viral suppression was present at delivery in 96.7% of the pregnancies in participants who received dolutegravir; corresponding percentages were 84.0% for atazanavir-ritonavir, 89.2% for raltegravir, and 89.8% for elvitegravir-cobicistat (adjusted risk differences vs. dolutegravir, -13.0 percentage points [95% confidence interval {CI}, -17.0 to -6.1], -17.0 percentage points [95% CI, -27.0 to -2.4], and -7.0 percentage points [95% CI, -13.3 to -0.0], respectively). The observed risks of preterm birth were 13.6 to 17.6%. Adjusted risks of infants being born preterm, having low birth weight, or being small for gestational age did not differ substantially between non-dolutegravir-based ART and dolutegravir. Results of supplementary analyses were similar. CONCLUSIONS Atazanavir-ritonavir and raltegravir were associated with less frequent viral suppression at delivery than dolutegravir. No clear differences in adverse birth outcomes were observed with dolutegravir-based ART as compared with non-dolutegravir-based ART, although samples were small. (Funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and others.).
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Strahm C, Seneghini M, Güsewell S, Egger T, Leal-Neto O, Brucher A, Lemmenmeier E, Meier Kleeb D, Möller JC, Rieder P, Ruetti M, Rutz R, Schmid HR, Stocker R, Vuichard-Gysin D, Wiggli B, Besold U, Kuster SP, McGeer A, Risch L, Friedl A, Schlegel M, Schmid D, Vernazza P, Kahlert CR, Kohler P. Symptoms Compatible With Long Coronavirus Disease (COVID) in Healthcare Workers With and Without Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection-Results of a Prospective Multicenter Cohort. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:e1011-e1019. [PMID: 35090015 PMCID: PMC9383387 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden of long-term symptoms (ie, long COVID) in patients after mild COVID-19 is debated. Within a cohort of healthcare workers (HCWs), frequency and risk factors for symptoms compatible with long COVID are assessed. METHODS Participants answered baseline (August/September 2020) and weekly questionnaires on SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) results and acute disease symptoms. In January 2021, SARS-CoV-2 serology was performed; in March, symptoms compatible with long COVID (including psychometric scores) were asked and compared between HCWs with positive NPS, seropositive HCWs without positive NPS (presumable asymptomatic/pauci-symptomatic infections), and negative controls. The effect of time since diagnosis and quantitative anti-spike protein antibodies (anti-S) was evaluated. Poisson regression was used to identify risk factors for symptom occurrence. RESULTS Of 3334 HCWs (median, 41 years; 80% female), 556 (17%) had a positive NPS and 228 (7%) were only seropositive. HCWs with positive NPS more frequently reported ≥1 symptom compared with controls (73% vs 52%, P < .001); seropositive HCWs without positive NPS did not score higher than controls (58% vs 52%, P = .13), although impaired taste/olfaction (16% vs 6%, P < .001) and hair loss (17% vs 10%, P = .004) were more common. Exhaustion/burnout was reported by 24% of negative controls. Many symptoms remained elevated in those diagnosed >6 months ago; anti-S titers correlated with high symptom scores. Acute viral symptoms in weekly questionnaires best predicted long-COVID symptoms. Physical activity at baseline was negatively associated with neurocognitive impairment and fatigue scores. CONCLUSIONS Seropositive HCWs without positive NPS are only mildly affected by long COVID. Exhaustion/burnout is common, even in noninfected HCWs. Physical activity might be protective against neurocognitive impairment/fatigue symptoms after COVID-19.
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Menges D, Zens KD, Ballouz T, Caduff N, Llanas-Cornejo D, Aschmann HE, Domenghino A, Pellaton C, Perreau M, Fenwick C, Pantaleo G, Kahlert CR, Münz C, Puhan MA, Fehr JS. Heterogenous humoral and cellular immune responses with distinct trajectories post-SARS-CoV-2 infection in a population-based cohort. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4855. [PMID: 35982045 PMCID: PMC9386650 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32573-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To better understand the development of SARS-CoV-2-specific immunity over time, a detailed evaluation of humoral and cellular responses is required. Here, we characterize anti-Spike (S) IgA and IgG in a representative population-based cohort of 431 SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals up to 217 days after diagnosis, demonstrating that 85% develop and maintain anti-S responses. In a subsample of 64 participants, we further assess anti-Nucleocapsid (N) IgG, neutralizing antibody activity, and T cell responses to Membrane (M), N, and S proteins. In contrast to S-specific antibody responses, anti-N IgG levels decline substantially over time and neutralizing activity toward Delta and Omicron variants is low to non-existent within just weeks of Wildtype SARS-CoV-2 infection. Virus-specific T cells are detectable in most participants, albeit more variable than antibody responses. Cluster analyses of the co-evolution of antibody and T cell responses within individuals identify five distinct trajectories characterized by specific immune patterns and clinical factors. These findings demonstrate the relevant heterogeneity in humoral and cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 while also identifying consistent patterns where antibody and T cell responses may work in a compensatory manner to provide protection. The persistence of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 after recovery from infection is an indicator for subsequent protection against infection. Here the authors follow recovered patients and measure antibody and T cell responses and find that these two parts of the immune response may have different longevity.
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Dörr T, Haller S, Müller MF, Friedl A, Vuichard D, Kahlert CR, Kohler P. Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Acquisition in Health Care Workers According to Cumulative Patient Exposure and Preferred Mask Type. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2226816. [PMID: 35969403 PMCID: PMC9379739 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.26816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This cohort study compares the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 among health care workers by mask preference and level of patient exposure.
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Su E, Fischer S, Demmer-Steingruber R, Nigg S, Güsewell S, Albrich WC, Rothermundt C, Silzle T, Kahlert CR. Humoral and cellular responses to mRNA-based COVID-19 booster vaccinations in patients with solid neoplasms under active treatment. ESMO Open 2022; 7:100587. [PMID: 36156449 PMCID: PMC9399124 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2022.100587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with cancer are at high risk for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Knowledge regarding the efficacy of the messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines in actively treated cancer patients is limited as they had been excluded from the pivotal studies of these vaccines. We evaluated humoral and cellular immune responses in cancer patients after double vaccination and a booster dose and identified disease- and treatment-related factors associated with a reduced immune response. We also documented the number and outcome of breakthrough infections. Patients and methods Patients with metastatic solid malignancies undergoing active treatment were included if they had received two doses of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 mRNA vaccines BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 and a booster dose. Other causes of immunosuppression and previous COVID-19 infections (positive anti-nucleocapsid titers) were exclusion criteria. Anti-spike antibodies, neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) and T-cell responses were assessed about 6 months after the two-dose vaccination and 4 weeks after the booster. Results Fifty-one patients had pre-booster and 46 post-booster measurements. Anti-spike titers after two vaccine doses were highly variable and significantly lower in older patients, during treatment with chemotherapy compared to targeted and endocrine treatments and in patients with low CD4+ or CD19+ cell counts. The booster dose led to a significant increase in anti-spike antibodies and nAbs, achieving almost uniformly high titers, irrespective of baseline and treatment factors. The cellular immune response was also significantly increased by the booster, however generally more stable and not influenced by baseline factors and treatment type. Seventeen patients (33%) experienced breakthrough infections, but none required hospital care or died from COVID-19. Conclusions An mRNA vaccine booster dose is able to increase humoral and cellular immune responses and to overcome the immunosuppressive influence of baseline and treatment factors in cancer patients. Breakthrough infections were uniformly mild in this vaccinated high-risk population. We provide data on humoral and cellular immunity after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in actively treated cancer patients. We found highly variable anti-S titers after two doses; titers were influenced by several baseline and treatment factors. The booster achieved uniformly higher anti-S titers; the influence of baseline factors could be overcome by the booster. Spike-specific T-cell immunity was more stable and not influenced by baseline factors. Even though many breakthrough infections were recorded during the Omicron wave, they were uniformly mild.
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Blankenberger J, Kaufmann M, Albanese E, Amati R, Anker D, Camerini AL, Chocano-Bedoya P, Cullati S, Cusini A, Fehr J, Harju E, Kohler P, Kriemler S, Michel G, Rodondi N, Rodondi PY, Speierer A, Tancredi S, Puhan MA, Kahlert CR. Is living in a household with children associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in adults? Results from the Swiss national seroprevalence study Corona Immunitas. BMC Med 2022; 20:233. [PMID: 35725472 PMCID: PMC9207841 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02431-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to determine whether living in a household with children is associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in adults and investigated interacting factors that may influence this association. METHODS SARS-CoV-2 serology testing was performed in randomly selected individuals from the general population between end of October 2020 and February 2021 in 11 cantons in Switzerland. Data on sociodemographic and household characteristics, employment status, and health-related history was collected using questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association of living with children <18 years of age (number, age group) and SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Further, we assessed the influence of reported non-household contacts, employment status, and gender. RESULTS Of 2393 working age participants (18-64 years), 413 (17.2%) were seropositive. Our results suggest that living with children and SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity are likely to be associated (unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.22, 95% confidence interval [0.98-1.52], adjusted OR 1.25 [0.99-1.58]). A pattern of a positive association was also found for subgroups of children aged 0-11 years (OR 1.21 [0.90-1.60]) and 12-17 years (OR 1.14 [0.78-1.64]). Odds of seropositivity were higher with more children (OR 1.14 per additional child [1.02-1.27]). Men had higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection when living with children than women (interaction: OR 1.74 [1.10-2.76]). CONCLUSIONS In adults from the general population living with children seems associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. However, child-related infection risk is not the same for every subgroup and depends on factors like gender. Further factors determining child-related infection risk need to be identified and causal links investigated. TRIAL REGISTRATION https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN18181860 .
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Lyons A, Thompson L, Chappell E, Ene L, Galli L, Goetghebuer T, Jourdain G, Noguera-Julian A, Kahlert CR, Königs C, Kosalaraksa P, Lumbiganon P, Marczyńska M, Marques L, Navarro M, Naver L, Okhonskaia L, Prata F, Puthanakit T, Ramos JT, Samarina A, Thorne C, Voronin E, Turkova A, Giaquinto C, Judd A, Collins IJ. Outcomes of etravirine-based antiretroviral treatment in treatment-experienced children and adolescents living with HIV in Europe and Thailand. Antivir Ther 2022; 27:13596535221092182. [PMID: 36029009 DOI: 10.1177/13596535221092182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Etravirine (ETR) is approved as a component of second or third-line antiretroviral treatment (ART) for children living with HIV. We assessed the outcomes of ETR-based ART in children in routine care in Europe and Thailand. METHODS Data on children aged <18 years at ETR start were pooled from 17 observational cohorts. Characteristics at ETR start, immunological and virological outcomes at 12 months, discontinuations, adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) were described. Follow-up was censored at ETR discontinuation, death or last visit. RESULTS 177 children ever received ETR. At ETR start, median [IQR] age was 15 [12,16] years, CD4 count 480 [287, 713] cells/mm3, 70% had exposure to ≥3 ART classes and 20% had viral load (VL) <50 copies/mL. 95% received ETR in combination with ≥1 potent drug class, mostly protease inhibitor-based regimens. Median time on ETR was 24 [7, 48] months. Amongst those on ETR at 12 months (n=141), 69% had VL<50 copies/mL. Median CD4 increase since ETR start (n=83) was 147 [16, 267] cells/mm3. Overall, 81 (46%) discontinued ETR by last follow-up. Median time to discontinuation was 23 [8, 47] months. Common reasons for discontinuation were treatment simplification (19%), treatment failure (16%) and toxicity (12%). Eight children (5%) had AEs causally associated with ETR, all dermatological/hypersensitivity reactions. Two were SAEs, both Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in children on regimens containing ETR and darunavir and were causally related to either drugs; both resolved following ART discontinuation. CONCLUSION Children receiving ETR were predominantly highly treatment-experienced, over two-thirds were virally suppressed at 12 months.
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Sumer J, Flury D, Kahlert CR, Mueller NJ, Risch L, Nigg S, Seneghini M, Vernazza P, Schlegel M, Kohler P. Safety Evaluation of a Medical Congress Held During the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Prospective Cohort. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604147. [PMID: 35250429 PMCID: PMC8889572 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, few scientific congresses have been held on-site. We prospectively evaluated the safety concept of the congress of the Swiss Societies of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Hygiene. Methods: The congress was held in Geneva (Switzerland) while local COVID-19 incidence (with SARS-CoV-2 wild type circulating) was 65/100,000 population (September 2020). A rigorous safety concept was implemented. Congress attendees filled out a questionnaire to assess risk perception, exposures, symptoms and diagnoses of SARS-CoV-2 before, during and after the congress. Dried blood spots were taken on-site and 4 weeks later to detect SARS-CoV-2 seroconversions. Results: Of 365 congress attendees, 196 (54%) either answered the questionnaire (N = 150) or provided baseline and follow-up blood samples (N = 168). None of the participants reported a positive PCR in the 2 weeks after the congress. Five of 168 (3%) participants were seropositive at follow-up, all of which had already been positive at baseline. Conclusion: Findings indicate that congresses with a rigorous safety concept may take place, even in areas with moderately-high COVID-19 activity. Whether this holds true in vaccinated populations and with more transmissible viral variants circulating remains unclear.
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König RS, Albrich WC, Kahlert CR, Bahr LS, Löber U, Vernazza P, Scheibenbogen C, Forslund SK. The Gut Microbiome in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Front Immunol 2022; 12:628741. [PMID: 35046929 PMCID: PMC8761622 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.628741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a neglected, debilitating multi-systemic disease without diagnostic marker or therapy. Despite evidence for neurological, immunological, infectious, muscular and endocrine pathophysiological abnormalities, the etiology and a clear pathophysiology remains unclear. The gut microbiome gained much attention in the last decade with manifold implications in health and disease. Here we review the current state of knowledge on the interplay between ME/CFS and the microbiome, to identify potential diagnostic or interventional approaches, and propose areas where further research is needed. We iteratively selected and elaborated on key theories about a correlation between microbiome state and ME/CFS pathology, developing further hypotheses. Based on the literature we hypothesize that antibiotic use throughout life favours an intestinal microbiota composition which might be a risk factor for ME/CFS. Main proposed pathomechanisms include gut dysbiosis, altered gut-brain axis activity, increased gut permeability with concomitant bacterial translocation and reduced levels of short-chain-fatty acids, D-lactic acidosis, an abnormal tryptophan metabolism and low activity of the kynurenine pathway. We review options for microbiome manipulation in ME/CFS patients including probiotic and dietary interventions as well as fecal microbiota transplantations. Beyond increasing gut permeability and bacterial translocation, specific dysbiosis may modify fermentation products, affecting peripheral mitochondria. Considering the gut-brain axis we strongly suspect that the microbiome may contribute to neurocognitive impairments of ME/CFS patients. Further larger studies are needed, above all to clarify whether D-lactic acidosis and early-life antibiotic use may be part of ME/CFS etiology and what role changes in the tryptophan metabolism might play. An association between the gut microbiome and the disease ME/CFS is plausible. As causality remains unclear, we recommend longitudinal studies. Activity levels, bedridden hours and disease progression should be compared to antibiotic exposure, drug intakes and alterations in the composition of the microbiota. The therapeutic potential of fecal microbiota transfer and of targeted dietary interventions should be systematically evaluated.
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Haller S, Güsewell S, Egger T, Scanferla G, Thoma R, Leal-Neto OB, Flury D, Brucher A, Lemmenmeier E, Möller JC, Rieder P, Rütti M, Stocker R, Vuichard-Gysin D, Wiggli B, Besold U, Kuster SP, McGeer A, Risch L, Schlegel M, Friedl A, Vernazza P, Kahlert CR, Kohler P. Impact of respirator versus surgical masks on SARS-CoV-2 acquisition in healthcare workers: a prospective multicentre cohort. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2022; 11:27. [PMID: 35123572 PMCID: PMC8817591 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-022-01070-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is insufficient evidence regarding the role of respirators in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We analysed the impact of filtering facepiece class 2 (FFP2) versus surgical masks on the risk of SARS-CoV-2 acquisition among Swiss healthcare workers (HCW). METHODS Our prospective multicentre cohort enrolled HCW from June to August 2020. Participants were asked about COVID-19 risk exposures/behaviours, including preferentially worn mask type when caring for COVID-19 patients outside of aerosol-generating procedures. The impact of FFP2 on (1) self-reported SARS-CoV-2-positive nasopharyngeal PCR/rapid antigen tests captured during weekly surveys, and (2) SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion between baseline and January/February 2021 was assessed. RESULTS We enrolled 3259 participants from nine healthcare institutions, whereof 716 (22%) preferentially used FFP2. Among these, 81/716 (11%) reported a SARS-CoV-2-positive swab, compared to 352/2543 (14%) surgical mask users; seroconversion was documented in 85/656 (13%) FFP2 and 426/2255 (19%) surgical mask users. Adjusted for baseline characteristics, COVID-19 exposure, and risk behaviour, FFP2 use was non-significantly associated with decreased risk for SARS-CoV-2-positive swab (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.8, 95% CI 0.6-1.0) and seroconversion (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.7, 95% CI 0.5-1.0); household exposure was the strongest risk factor (aHR 10.1, 95% CI 7.5-13.5; aOR 5.0, 95% CI 3.9-6.5). In subgroup analysis, FFP2 use was clearly protective among those with frequent (> 20 patients) COVID-19 exposure (aHR 0.7 for positive swab, 95% CI 0.5-0.8; aOR 0.6 for seroconversion, 95% CI 0.4-1.0). CONCLUSIONS Respirators compared to surgical masks may convey additional protection from SARS-CoV-2 for HCW with frequent exposure to COVID-19 patients.
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Jaboyedoff M, Rakic M, Bachmann S, Berger C, Diezi M, Fuchs O, Frey U, Gervaix A, Glücksberg AS, Grotzer M, Heininger U, Kahlert CR, Kaiser D, Kopp MV, Lauener R, Neuhaus TJ, Paioni P, Posfay-Barbe K, Ramelli GP, Simeoni U, Simonetti G, Sokollik C, Spycher BD, Kuehni CE. SwissPedData: Standardising hospital records for the benefit of paediatric research. Swiss Med Wkly 2021; 151:w30069. [PMID: 34964587 DOI: 10.4414/smw.2021.w30069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improvement of paediatric healthcare is hampered by inefficient processes for generating new evidence. Clinical research often requires extra encounters with patients, is costly, takes place in an artificial situation with a biased selection of patients, and entails long delays until new evidence is implemented into health care. Electronic health records (EHR) contain detailed information on real patients and cover the entirety of patients. However, the use of EHR for research is limited because they are not standardised between hospitals. This leads to disproportionate amounts of work for extracting data of interest and frequently data are incomplete and of poor quality. AIMS SwissPedData aims to lay the foundation for a paediatric learning health system in Switzerland by facilitating EHR-based research. In this project, we aimed to assess the way routine clinical data are currently recorded in large paediatric clinics in Switzerland and to develop a national EHR-based set of common data elements (CDEs) that covers all processes of routine paediatric care in hospitals. METHODS A taskforce of paediatricians from large Swiss children's hospitals reviewed the current status of routine data documentation in paediatric clinical care and the extent of digitalisation. We then used a modified Delphi method to reach a broad consensus on a national EHR-based set of CDEs. RESULTS All Swiss children's hospitals use EHR to document some or all aspects of care. One hundred and nineteen paediatricians, representing eight hospitals and all paediatric subspecialties, participated in an extended Delphi process to create SwissPedData. The group agreed on a national set of CDEs that comprises a main module with general paediatric data and sub-modules relevant to paediatric subspecialties. The data dictionary includes 336 CDEs: 76 in the main module on general paediatrics and between 11 and 59 CDEs per subspecialty module. Among these, 266 were classified as mandatory, 52 as recommended and 18 as optional. CONCLUSION SwissPedData is a set of CDEs for information to be collected in EHR of Swiss children's hospitals. It covers all care processes including clinical and paraclinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment, disposition and care site. All participating hospitals agreed to implement SwissPedData in their clinical routine and clinic information systems. This will pave the way for a national paediatric learning health system in Switzerland that enables fast and efficient answers to urgent clinical questions by facilitating high-quality nationwide retrospective and prospective observational studies and recruitment of patients for nested prospective studies and clinical trials.
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Kohler P, Jonsdottir HR, Risch L, Vernazza P, Ackermann-Gäumann R, Kahlert CR. No neutralizing effect of pre-existing tick-borne encephalitis virus antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2: a prospective healthcare worker study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24198. [PMID: 34921220 PMCID: PMC8683403 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03685-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Certain immunizations including vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) have been suggested to confer cross-protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Within a prospective healthcare worker (HCW) cohort, we assessed the potentially protective role of anti-TBEV antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among 3352 HCW, those with ≥ 1 previous TBEV vaccination (n = 2018, 60%) showed a reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion (adjusted odds ratio: 0.8, 95% CI: 0.7–1.0, P = 0.02). However, laboratory testing of a subgroup of 26 baseline and follow-up samples did not demonstrate any neutralizing effect of anti-TBEV antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in live-virus neutralization assay. However, we observed significantly higher anti-TBEV antibody titers in follow-up samples of participants with previous TBEV vaccination compared to baseline, both TBEV neutralizing (p = 0.001) and total IgG (P < 0.0001), irrespective of SARS-CoV-2 serostatus. Based on these data, we conclude that the observed association of previous TBEV vaccination and reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection is likely due to residual confounding factors. The increase in TBEV follow-up antibody titers can be explained by natural TBEV exposure or potential non-specific immune activation upon exposure to various pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. We believe that these findings, although negative, contribute to the current knowledge on potential cross-immunity against SARS-CoV-2 from previous immunizations.
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Hasan Ali O, Bomze D, Risch L, Brugger SD, Paprotny M, Weber M, Thiel S, Kern L, Albrich WC, Kohler P, Kahlert CR, Vernazza P, Bühler PK, Schüpbach RA, Gómez-Mejia A, Popa AM, Bergthaler A, Penninger JM, Flatz L. Erratum to: Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is Associated With Elevated Serum Immunoglobulin (Ig) A and Antiphospholipid IgA Antibodies. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:1746. [PMID: 34550333 PMCID: PMC8787408 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Kohler P, Güsewell S, Seneghini M, Egger T, Leal O, Brucher A, Lemmenmeier E, Möller JC, Rieder P, Ruetti M, Stocker R, Vuichard-Gysin D, Wiggli B, Besold U, Kuster SP, McGeer A, Risch L, Friedl A, Schlegel M, Vernazza P, Kahlert CR. Impact of baseline SARS-CoV-2 antibody status on syndromic surveillance and the risk of subsequent COVID-19-a prospective multicenter cohort study. BMC Med 2021; 19:270. [PMID: 34649585 PMCID: PMC8514323 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02144-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a prospective healthcare worker (HCW) cohort, we assessed the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection according to baseline serostatus. METHODS Baseline serologies were performed among HCW from 23 Swiss healthcare institutions between June and September 2020, before the second COVID-19 wave. Participants answered weekly electronic questionnaires covering information about nasopharyngeal swabs (PCR/rapid antigen tests) and symptoms compatible with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Screening of symptomatic staff by nasopharyngeal swabs was routinely performed in participating facilities. We compared numbers of positive nasopharyngeal tests and occurrence of COVID-19 symptoms between HCW with and without anti-nucleocapsid antibodies. RESULTS A total of 4812 HCW participated, wherein 144 (3%) were seropositive at baseline. We analyzed 107,807 questionnaires with a median follow-up of 7.9 months. Median number of answered questionnaires was similar (24 vs. 23 per person, P = 0.83) between those with and without positive baseline serology. Among 2712 HCW with ≥ 1 SARS-CoV-2 test during follow-up, 3/67 (4.5%) seropositive individuals reported a positive result (one of whom asymptomatic), compared to 547/2645 (20.7%) seronegative participants, 12 of whom asymptomatic (risk ratio [RR] 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07 to 0.66). Seropositive HCWs less frequently reported impaired olfaction/taste (6/144, 4.2% vs. 588/4674, 12.6%, RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.15-0.73), chills (19/144, 13.2% vs. 1040/4674, 22.3%, RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.39-0.90), and limb/muscle pain (28/144, 19.4% vs. 1335/4674, 28.6%, RR 0.68 95% CI 0.49-0.95). Impaired olfaction/taste and limb/muscle pain also discriminated best between positive and negative SARS-CoV-2 results. CONCLUSIONS Having SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid antibodies provides almost 80% protection against SARS-CoV-2 re-infection for a period of at least 8 months.
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Rakic M, Jaboyedoff M, Bachmann S, Berger C, Diezi M, do Canto P, Forrest CB, Frey U, Fuchs O, Gervaix A, Gluecksberg AS, Grotzer M, Heininger U, Kahlert CR, Kaiser D, Kopp MV, Lauener R, Neuhaus TJ, Paioni P, Posfay-Barbe K, Ramelli GP, Simeoni U, Simonetti G, Sokollik C, Spycher BD, Kuehni CE. Clinical data for paediatric research: the Swiss approach : Proceedings of the National Symposium in Bern, Switzerland, Dec 5-6, 2019. BMC Proc 2021; 15:19. [PMID: 34538238 PMCID: PMC8450032 DOI: 10.1186/s12919-021-00226-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Continuous improvement of health and healthcare system is hampered by inefficient processes of generating new evidence, particularly in the case of rare diseases and paediatrics. Currently, most evidence is generated through specific research projects, which typically require extra encounters with patients, are costly and entail long delays between the recognition of specific needs in healthcare and the generation of necessary evidence to address those needs. The Swiss Personalised Health Network (SPHN) aims to improve the use of data obtained during routine healthcare encounters by harmonizing data across Switzerland and facilitating accessibility for research. The project "Harmonising the collection of health-related data and biospecimens in paediatric hospitals throughout Switzerland (SwissPedData)" was an infrastructure development project funded by the SPHN, which aimed to identify and describe available data on child health in Switzerland and to agree on a standardised core dataset for electronic health records across all paediatric teaching hospitals. Here, we describe the results of a two-day symposium that aimed to summarise what had been achieved in the SwissPedData project, to put it in an international context, and to discuss the next steps for a sustainable future. The target audience included clinicians and researchers who produce and use health-related data on children in Switzerland. KEY HIGHLIGHTS The symposium consisted of state-of-the-art lectures from national and international keynote speakers, workshops and plenary discussions. This manuscript summarises the talks and discussions in four sections: (I) a description of the Swiss Personalized Health Network and the results of the SwissPedData project; (II) examples of similar initiatives from other countries; (III) an overview of existing health-related datasets and projects in Switzerland; and (IV) a summary of the lessons learned and future prospective from workshops and plenary discussions. IMPLICATIONS Streamlined processes linking initial collection of information during routine healthcare encounters, standardised recording of this information in electronic health records and fast accessibility for research are essential to accelerate research in child health and make it affordable. Ongoing projects prove that this is feasible in Switzerland and elsewhere. International collaboration is vital to success. The next steps include the implementation of the SwissPedData core dataset in the clinical information systems of Swiss hospitals, the use of this data to address priority research questions, and the acquisition of sustainable funding to support a slim central infrastructure and local support in each hospital. This will lay the foundation for a national paediatric learning health system in Switzerland.
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Hachfeld A, Atkinson A, Calmy A, de Tejada BM, Hasse B, Paioni P, Kahlert CR, Boillat-Blanco N, Stoeckle M, Aebi-Popp K. Decrease of condom use in heterosexual couples and its impact on pregnancy rates: the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). HIV Med 2021; 23:60-69. [PMID: 34476886 PMCID: PMC9290944 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Following the ‘Swiss statement’ in 2008 it became an option to omit the use of condoms in serodiscordant couples and to conceive naturally. We analysed its impact on condom use and pregnancy events. Methods In all, 3023 women (aged 18–49 years) participating in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study were included. Observation time was divided into pre‐ and post‐Swiss statement phases (July 2005–December 2008 and January 2009–December 2019). We used descriptive statistics, Poisson interrupted time series analysis for pregnancy incidence, and logistic regression to identify predictors of live births, spontaneous and induced abortions. Results Condomless sex in sexually active women increased from 25% in 2005 to 75% in 2019, while pregnancy incidence did not. Women after 2008 experienced higher spontaneous abortion rates (12.1% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.02) while induced abortion and live birth rates did not change significantly. Spontaneous abortions were more common in older women [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2–1.7, p < 0.001], in women consuming alcohol (aOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.9–4.1, p < 0.001) and in those with non‐suppressed viral load (aOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1–0.4, p ≤ 0.001). Induced abortions were more likely in women with depression (aOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.8–6.3, p < 0.001) and non‐suppressed viral load (aOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2–0.7, p = 0.003). Conclusions The publication of the Swiss statement resulted in more condomless sex in heterosexual women, but this did not result in a higher incidence of pregnancy. Maternal age and spontaneous abortion rates increased over time, while induced abortion rates were not significantly affected. Women living with HIV in Switzerland have an unmet need regarding family planning counselling.
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