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Immune Response to BNT162b2 in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Negative Impact of Mycophenolate and High Responsiveness of SARS-CoV-2 Recovered Subjects against Delta Variant. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122622. [PMID: 34946223 PMCID: PMC8707090 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunogenicity of severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines in immunocompromised patients remains to be further explored. Here, we evaluated the immunogenicity elicited by complete vaccination with BNT162b2 vaccine in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs). A cohort of 110 SOTRs from Northern Italy were vaccinated with two doses of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine and prospectively monitored at baseline and after 42 days. Both SARS-CoV-2 naïve and recovered subjects were included. Humoral response elicited by vaccination, including SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (SARS-CoV-2 NT Abs), was evaluated; additionally, ex-vivo ELISpot assay was performed for the quantification of Spike-specific T-cell response. Results were compared with those obtained in a cohort of healthy subjects. In a subset of patients, humoral and T-cell responses against delta variant were also evaluated. Less than 20% of transplanted subjects developed a positive humoral and cell-mediated response after complete vaccination schedule. Overall, median levels of immune response elicited by vaccination were significantly lower with respect to controls in SARS-CoV-2 naïve transplant, but not in SARS-CoV-2 recovered transplanted patients. Additionally, a significant impairment of both humoral and cell-mediated response was observed in mycophenolate-treated patients. Positive delta-SARS-CoV-2 NT Abs levels were detected in almost all the SARS-CoV-2 recovered subjects but not in previously uninfected patients. Our study supports previous observations of a low level of seroconversion after vaccination in transplanted patients.
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Lasagna A, Lilleri D, Agustoni F, Percivalle E, Borgetto S, Alessio N, Comolli G, Sarasini A, Bergami F, Sammartino JC, Ferrari A, Zavaglio F, Arena F, Secondino S, Falzoni M, Schiavo R, Lo Cascio G, Cavanna L, Baldanti F, Pedrazzoli P, Cassaniti I. Analysis of the humoral and cellular immune response after a full course of BNT162b2 anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in cancer patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with or without chemotherapy: an update after 6 months of follow-up. ESMO Open 2021; 7:100359. [PMID: 34973510 PMCID: PMC8664661 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The durability of immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in cancer patients remains to be elucidated. We prospectively evaluated the immunogenicity of the vaccine in triggering both the humoral and the cell-mediated immune response in cancer patients treated with anti-programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 with or without chemotherapy 6 months after BNT162b2 vaccine. Patients and methods In the previous study, 88 patients were enrolled, whereas the analyses below refer to the 60 patients still on immunotherapy at the time of the follow-up. According to previous SARS-CoV-2 exposure, patients were classified as SARS-CoV-2-naive (without previous SARS-CoV-2 exposure) and SARS-CoV-2-experienced (with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection). Neutralizing antibody (NT Ab) titer against the B.1.1 strain and total anti-spike immunoglobulin G concentration were quantified in serum samples. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay was used for quantification of anti-spike interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-producing cells/106 peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Fifty patients (83.0%) were on immunotherapy alone, whereas 10 patients (7%) were on chemo-immunotherapy. We analyzed separately patients on immunotherapy and patients on chemo-immunotherapy. Results The median T-cell response at 6 months was significantly lower than that measured at 3 weeks after vaccination [50 interquartile range (IQR) 20-118.8 versus 175 IQR 67.5-371.3 IFN-γ-producing cells/106 peripheral blood mononuclear cells; P < 0.0001]. The median reduction of immunoglobulin G concentration was 88% in SARS-CoV-2-naive subjects and 2.1% in SARS-CoV-2-experienced subjects. SARS-CoV-2 NT Ab titer was maintained in SARS-CoV-2-experienced subjects, whereas a significant decrease was observed in SARS-CoV-2-naive subjects (from median 1 : 160, IQR 1 : 40-1 : 640 to median 1 : 20, IQR 1 : 10-1 : 40; P < 0.0001). A weak correlation was observed between SARS-CoV-2 NT Ab titer and spike-specific IFN-γ-producing cells at both 6 months and 3 weeks after vaccination (r = 0.467; P = 0.0002 and r = 0.428; P = 0.0006, respectively). Conclusions Our work highlights a reduction in the immune response in cancer patients, particularly in SARS-CoV-2-naive subjects. Our data support administering a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine to cancer patients treated with programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 inhibitors. Median spike-specific T-cell response at 6 months was lower compared with 3 weeks after vaccine in SARS-CoV-2-naive subjects. Median reduction of SARS-CoV-2-specific immunoglobulin G concentration was 88% in SARS-CoV-2-naive subjects. The SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing activity was maintained stable in subjects with previous COVID-19. No COVID-19 cases were documented throughout the period of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lasagna
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
| | - D Lilleri
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - F Agustoni
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - E Percivalle
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - S Borgetto
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - N Alessio
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - G Comolli
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - A Sarasini
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - F Bergami
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - J C Sammartino
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - A Ferrari
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - F Zavaglio
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - F Arena
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - S Secondino
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - M Falzoni
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - R Schiavo
- Microbiology Unit, Hospital Guglielmo da Saliceto, Piacenza, Italy
| | - G Lo Cascio
- Microbiology Unit, Hospital Guglielmo da Saliceto, Piacenza, Italy
| | - L Cavanna
- Oncology Unit, Hospital Guglielmo da Saliceto, Piacenza, Italy
| | - F Baldanti
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Departments of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - P Pedrazzoli
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Internal Medicine and Medical Therapy, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - I Cassaniti
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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Saeed S, Uzicanin S, Lewin A, Lieshout-Krikke R, Faddy H, Erikstrup C, Osiowy C, Seed CR, Steele WR, Davison K, Custer B, O'Brien SF. Current challenges of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 seroprevalence studies among blood donors: A scoping review. Vox Sang 2021; 117:476-487. [PMID: 34862614 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Blood donors are increasingly being recognized as an informative resource for surveillance. We aimed to review severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 seroprevalence studies conducted among blood donors to investigate methodological biases and provide guidance for future research. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed and preprint publications between January 2020 and January 2021. Two reviewers used standardized forms to extract seroprevalence estimates and data on methodology pertaining to population sampling, periodicity, assay characteristics, and antibody kinetics. National data on cumulative incidence and social distancing policies were extracted from publicly available sources and summarized. RESULTS Thirty-three studies representing 1,323,307 blood donations from 20 countries worldwide were included (sample sizes ranged from 22 to 953,926 donations). The majority of the studies (79%) reported seroprevalence rates <10% (ranging from 0% to 76% [after adjusting for waning antibodies]). Overall, less than 1 in 5 studies reported standardized seroprevalence rates to reflect the demographics of the general population. Stratification by age and sex were most common (64% of studies), followed by region (48%). A total of 52% of studies reported seroprevalence at a single time point. Overall, 27 unique assay combinations were identified, 55% of studies used a single assay and only 39% adjusted seroprevalence rates for imperfect test characteristics. Among the nationally representative studies, case detection was most underrepresented in Kenya (1:1264). CONCLUSION By the end of 2020, seroprevalence rates were far from reaching herd immunity. In addition to differences in community transmission and diverse public health policies, study designs and methodology were likely contributing factors to seroprevalence heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Saeed
- Epidemiology and Surveillance, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samra Uzicanin
- Epidemiology and Surveillance, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Antoine Lewin
- Surveillance and Biological Risk Assessment, Héma-Québec, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ryanne Lieshout-Krikke
- Department of Medical Affairs, Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Helen Faddy
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Petrie, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christian Erikstrup
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Carla Osiowy
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Clive R Seed
- Donor and Product Safety Policy Unit, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Whitney R Steele
- Epidemiology and Surveillance Group, Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Katy Davison
- NHS Blood and Transplant/Public Health England Epidemiology Unit, London, UK
| | - Brian Custer
- Research and Scientific Programs, Vitalant, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sheila F O'Brien
- Epidemiology and Surveillance, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Chiem C, Alghamdi K, Nguyen T, Han JH, Huo H, Jackson D. The Impact of COVID-19 on Blood Transfusion Services: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Transfus Med Hemother 2021; 30:1-12. [PMID: 34934412 PMCID: PMC8678226 DOI: 10.1159/000519245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction While SARS-CoV-2's main transmission route is through respiratory droplets, research has found that viral RNA could be detected in blood samples, causing concerns over the safety of blood donations and blood products. This paper therefore aims to systematically search for studies that have addressed their country's lack of donations and analyse the risk of blood transfusion-transmission. As such, it will answer the question "should blood services focus more on donation vigilance or worry more about the risks of transmission through blood products?" Methods 38 articles were identified through a systematic review adopting the PRISMA and STROBE guidelines. Meta-analysis was conducted using OpenMeta software. Results The average decrease in blood donations was found to be 38%, with some regions showing up to 67% decrease. To assess the risk of actual blood transfusion-transmission, three datasets were analysed. Firstly, the viral load in COVID-19 patients was studied and found to have less than 1% detection rate (ARD = -0.831, 95% -0.963, -0.699). Secondly, the prevalence of finding viral RNA in a pool of donations was nearly -1.503 (ARD = -1.538, -1.468). Lastly, recipients who were given blood products of positive donors were found to be -0.911 (ARD 95% = -1.247, -0.575). Discussion/Conclusion Blood centres should focus more on launching initiatives and policies that would increase their countries' blood supply as the virus has no direct threat to blood safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Chiem
- Laboratory Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Khader Alghamdi
- Laboratory Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thao Nguyen
- Laboratory Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joon Hee Han
- Laboratory Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hongzhao Huo
- Laboratory Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Denise Jackson
- Laboratory Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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Robust and Persistent B- and T-Cell Responses after COVID-19 in Immunocompetent and Solid Organ Transplant Recipient Patients. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112261. [PMID: 34835067 PMCID: PMC8621286 DOI: 10.3390/v13112261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and persistence of SARS-CoV-2-specific immune response in immunocompetent (IC) and immunocompromised patients is crucial for long-term protection. Immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection was analysed in 57 IC and 15 solid organ transplanted (TX) patients. Antibody responses were determined by ELISA and neutralization assay. T-cell response was determined by stimulation with peptide pools of the Spike, Envelope, Membrane, and Nucleocapsid proteins with a 20-h Activation Induced Marker (AIM) and 7-day lymphoproliferative assays. Antibody response was detected at similar levels in IC and TX patients. Anti-Spike IgG, IgA and neutralizing antibodies persisted for at least one year, while anti-Nucleocapsid IgG declined earlier. Patients with pneumonia developed higher antibody levels than patients with mild symptoms. Similarly, both rapid and proliferative T-cell responses were detected within the first two months after infection at comparable levels in IC and TX patients, and were higher in patients with pneumonia. T-cell response persisted for at least one year in both IC and TX patients. Spike, Membrane, and Nucleocapsid proteins elicited the major CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses, whereas the T-cell response to Envelope protein was negligible. After SARS-CoV-2 infection, antibody and T-cell responses develop rapidly and persist over time in both immunocompetent and transplanted patients.
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56
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Vaselli NM, Hungerford D, Shenton B, Khashkhusha A, Cunliffe NA, French N. The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 during the first wave in Europe 2020: A systematic review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250541. [PMID: 34727115 PMCID: PMC8562786 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A year following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, new infections and deaths continue to increase in Europe. Serological studies, through providing evidence of past infection, can aid understanding of the population dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection. OBJECTIVES This systematic review of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies in Europe was undertaken to inform public health strategies including vaccination, that aim to accelerate population immunity. METHODS We searched the databases Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and grey literature sources for studies reporting seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Europe published between 01/12/2019-30/09/20. We provide a narrative synthesis of included studies. Studies were categorized into subgroups including healthcare workers (HCWs), community, outbreaks, pregnancy and children/school. Due to heterogeneity in other subgroups, we only performed a random effects meta-analysis of the seroprevalence amongst HCWs stratified by their country. RESULTS 115 studies were included spanning 17 European countries, that estimated the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 from samples obtained between November 2019 -August 2020. A total of 54/115 studies included HCWs with a reported seroprevalence among HCWs ranging from 0.7% to 45.3%, which did not differ significantly by country. In community studies significant heterogeneity was reported in the seroprevalence between different age groups and the majority of studies reported there was no significant difference by gender. CONCLUSION This review demonstrates a wide heterogeneity in reported seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies between populations. Continued evaluation of seroprevalence is required to understand the impact of public health measures and inform interventions including vaccination programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Marcella Vaselli
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Hungerford
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- NIHR HPRU in Gastrointestinal Infections at the University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- NIHR HPRU in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections at the University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Shenton
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Arwa Khashkhusha
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel A. Cunliffe
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- NIHR HPRU in Gastrointestinal Infections at the University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Neil French
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- NIHR HPRU in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections at the University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Cassaniti I, Percivalle E, Zelini P, Ngaradoumbe Nanhorngue K, Parolo A, Bernardi V, Jorizzo G, Santer P, Perotti F, Spinillo A, Lilleri D, Baldanti F. Both SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination in pregnancy elicited neutralizing antibodies in pregnant women and newborns. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 27:1708-1709. [PMID: 34371204 PMCID: PMC8349424 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Cassaniti
- Virologia Molecolare, Microbiologia e Virologia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Percivalle
- Virologia Molecolare, Microbiologia e Virologia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Zelini
- Ostetricia e Ginecologia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Peter Santer
- Azienda Sanitaria dell'Alto Adige, Brunico, Italy
| | - Francesca Perotti
- Ostetricia e Ginecologia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Arsenio Spinillo
- Ostetricia e Ginecologia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniele Lilleri
- Virologia Molecolare, Microbiologia e Virologia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Fausto Baldanti
- Virologia Molecolare, Microbiologia e Virologia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Clinico-chirurgiche, Diagnostiche e Pediatriche, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Italy
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58
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Macrophages and Monocytes: "Trojan Horses" in COVID-19. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112178. [PMID: 34834984 PMCID: PMC8624282 DOI: 10.3390/v13112178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to explore whether variants of SARS-CoV-2 (Chinese-derived strain (D614, lineage A), Italian strain PV10734 (D614G, lineage B.1.1) and Alpha strain (lineage B.1.1.7)) were able to infect monocytes (MN) and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) and whether these infected cells may, in turn, be vectors of infection. For this purpose, we designed an in vitro study following the evolution of MN and MDM infection at different time points in order to confirm whether these cells were permissive for SARS-CoV-2 replication. Finally, we investigated whether, regardless of viral replication, the persistent virus can be transferred to non-infected cells permissive for viral replication. Thus, we co-cultured the infected MN/MDM with permissive VERO E6 cells verifying the viral transmission. This is a further in vitro demonstration of the important role of MN and MDM in the dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 and evolution of the COVID-19 disease.
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59
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Siller A, Wachter GA, Neururer S, Pfeifer B, Astl M, Borena W, Kimpel J, Elmer S, Spöck F, Vales A, Mühlbacher A, Gaber M, Willeit P, Schennach H. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthy blood donors from the state of Tyrol, Austria, in summer 2020. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2021; 133:1272-1280. [PMID: 34698961 PMCID: PMC8546400 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-021-01963-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Seroepidemiological studies provide important insight into the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV‑2) in our society. We aimed to determine seropositivity of SARS-CoV‑2 antibodies and its cross-sectional correlates in a large cohort of blood donors. Methods In this observational cohort study, we tested healthy blood donors residing in Tyrol, Austria, for SARS-CoV‑2 antibodies using the Abbott SARS-CoV‑2 IgG chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. We estimated 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of seroprevalences using bootstrapping and tested for differences by participant characteristics using logistic regression. Findings Between 8 June and 4 September 2020, we screened 5345 healthy individuals at local blood donor sessions (mean age 42.7 years, SD 13.5 years, 46.7% female). Overall seroprevalence was 3.1% (95% CI 2.7–3.6%, 165 cases), which is 5.1-fold higher (95% CI 4.5–6.0%) than the case number identified by the health authorities in the state-wide testing program (0.6%; 4536 out of 757,634). Seroprevalence was higher in the district Landeck (16.6%, P < 0.001) and in individuals aged < 25 years (4.7%, P = 0.043), but did not differ by gender, blood types, or medication intake. The odds ratio for seropositivity was 2.51 for participants who had travelled to Ischgl (1.49–4.21, P = 0.001), 1.39 who had travelled to other federal states (1.00–1.93, P = 0.052), and 2.41 who had travelled abroad (1.61–3.63, P < 0.001). Compared to participants who had a suspected/confirmed SARS-CoV‑2 infection but were seronegative, seropositive participants more frequently reported loss of smell (odds ratio = 2.49, 1.32–4.68, P = 0.005) and taste (odds ratio = 2.76, 1.54–4.92, P = 0.001). Conclusion In summer 2020, SARS-CoV‑2 seroprevalence in Tyrolean blood donors was 3.1%. Our study revealed regional variation and associations with young age, travel history and specific symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Siller
- Central Institute for Blood Transfusion and Immunology, Tirol Kliniken GmbH, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gregor A Wachter
- Central Institute for Blood Transfusion and Immunology, Tirol Kliniken GmbH, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sabrina Neururer
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Tyrolean Federal Institute for Integrated Care, Tirol Kliniken GmbH, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bernhard Pfeifer
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Tyrolean Federal Institute for Integrated Care, Tirol Kliniken GmbH, Innsbruck, Austria.,Division for healthcare network and telehealth, UMIT-Private University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology GmbH, Hall, Austria
| | - Manfred Astl
- Central Institute for Blood Transfusion and Immunology, Tirol Kliniken GmbH, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Wegene Borena
- Institute for Virology, Department for Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Janine Kimpel
- Institute for Virology, Department for Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sebastian Elmer
- Central Institute for Blood Transfusion and Immunology, Tirol Kliniken GmbH, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Franziska Spöck
- Central Institute for Blood Transfusion and Immunology, Tirol Kliniken GmbH, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anja Vales
- Central Institute for Blood Transfusion and Immunology, Tirol Kliniken GmbH, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Annelies Mühlbacher
- Central Institute for Blood Transfusion and Immunology, Tirol Kliniken GmbH, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Manfred Gaber
- Blood donor service Tyrol of the Austrian Red Cross, Rum, Austria
| | - Peter Willeit
- Clinical Epidemiology Team, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Harald Schennach
- Central Institute for Blood Transfusion and Immunology, Tirol Kliniken GmbH, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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60
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Rovida F, Cassaniti I, Paolucci S, Percivalle E, Sarasini A, Piralla A, Giardina F, Sammartino JC, Ferrari A, Bergami F, Muzzi A, Novelli V, Meloni A, Cutti S, Grugnetti AM, Grugnetti G, Rona C, Daglio M, Marena C, Triarico A, Lilleri D, Baldanti F. SARS-CoV-2 vaccine breakthrough infections with the alpha variant are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic among health care workers. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6032. [PMID: 34654808 PMCID: PMC8521593 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26154-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccine breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection has been monitored in 3720 healthcare workers receiving 2 doses of BNT162b2. SARS-CoV-2 infection is detected in 33 subjects, with a 100-day cumulative incidence of 0.93%. Vaccine protection against acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 infection is 83% (95%CI: 58-93%) in the overall population and 93% (95%CI: 69-99%) in SARS-CoV-2-experienced subjects, when compared with a non-vaccinated control group from the same Institution, in which SARS-CoV-2 infection occurs in 20/346 subjects (100-day cumulative incidence: 5.78%). The infection is symptomatic in 16 (48%) vaccinated subjects vs 17 (85%) controls (p = 0.01). All analyzed patients, in whom the amount of viral RNA was sufficient for genome sequencing, results infected by the alpha variant. Antibody and T-cell responses are not reduced in subjects with breakthrough infection. Evidence of virus transmission, determined by contact tracing, is observed in two (6.1%) cases. This real-world data support the protective effect of BNT162b2 vaccine. A triple antigenic exposure, such as two-dose vaccine schedule in experienced subjects, may confer a higher protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Rovida
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Irene Cassaniti
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Paolucci
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Percivalle
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonella Sarasini
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Piralla
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Giardina
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Josè Camilla Sammartino
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ferrari
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Bergami
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alba Muzzi
- Medical Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Viola Novelli
- Medical Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Meloni
- Medical Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Section of Hygiene, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Cutti
- Medical Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Grugnetti
- Health Professions Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Grugnetti
- Health Professions Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Rona
- Medical Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marinella Daglio
- Medical Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlo Marena
- Medical Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Triarico
- Direzione Sanitaria, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniele Lilleri
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Fausto Baldanti
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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SARS-Coronavirus-2 seroprevalence in asymptomatic healthy blood donors: Indicator of community spread. Transfus Apher Sci 2021; 61:103293. [PMID: 34686444 PMCID: PMC8516133 DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2021.103293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background The Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS -Corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been a major concern the world over. Serological surveillance is an important tool to assess the spread of infection in the community. This study attempted to assess the prevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 among blood donors in Delhi, India during the pre-vaccination period. Methods Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV2-2 IgG antibodies were determined in blood donors reporting to the Department of Transfusion medicine at a tertiary care hepatobiliary center, in India from September to October 2020. The SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies against spike subunit 1 protein were measured using the enhanced chemiluminescence method. Results A total of 1066 blood donors were screened. The overall seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was 27.57 % (294/1066). The highest seropositivity was seen in the age group 26−35 years, 46.6 % (137/492), followed by 18−25 years, 28.2 % (83/260), 36−45 years, 19.4 % (57/244), and more than 45 years, 5.8 % (17/70). The seropositivity in the donors who had donated blood previously was 26.1 % (189/723). There was no statistically significant difference amongst seroprevalence in the blood groups, AB blood group (32.6 %, 95 % CI 23.02−43.3), group B (27.2 %, 95 % CI 22.8−32.09 %), group A (27.1 %, 95 % CI 21.8−32.9 %), and group O (27.02 %, 95 % CI 22.3−32.1 %) (p 0.539). Conclusions There was significantly higher seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the voluntary healthy blood donors indicating community spread and large number of asymptomatic cases in Delhi. Higher seroprevalence in younger adults indicated increased exposure to the virus and lack of COVID appropriate behaviour.
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BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccination Leads to Long-Term Protection from COVID-19 Disease. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9101164. [PMID: 34696272 PMCID: PMC8538967 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-based vaccines in preventing COVID-19 disease has been extensively demonstrated; however, it is of uttermost importance to acquire knowledge on the persistence of immune-protection both in terms of levels of neutralizing antibodies and specialized memory cells. This can provide important scientific basis for decisions on the need of additional vaccine doses and on when these should be administered thus resulting in an improvement in vaccination schedules. Here, we briefly report the changes in antibody levels and cellular immunity following BNT162b2 administration. We show an important fall in anti S1-Spike antibodies in BNT162b2 vaccinated subjects overtime, paralleled by a contextual consolidation of specific spike (S) T-cells, mainly of the CD8+ compartment. Contrariwise, CD4+ S-specific response shows a considerable interindividual variability. These data suggest that the well-known antibody drop in vaccinated subjects is replaced by memory cell consolidation that can protect from severe adverse effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Differences in the Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Access to Care between Italians and Non-Italians in a Social-Housing Neighbourhood of Milan, Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010621. [PMID: 34682369 PMCID: PMC8535198 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The northern Italian region of Lombardy has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic since its arrival in Europe. However, there are only a few published studies of the possible influence of social and cultural factors on its prevalence in the general population. This cross-sectional study of the San Siro social-housing neighbourhood of Milan, which was carried about between 23 December 2020 and 19 February 2021, found that the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibodies in the population as a whole was 12.4% (253/2044 inhabitants), but there was a more than two-fold difference between non-Italians and Italians (23.3% vs. 9.1%). Multivariable analyses showed that being more than 50 years old, living in crowded accommodation, being a non-Italian, and having a low educational level were associated with higher odds of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test, whereas a higher level of education, retirement, and being a former or current cigarette smoker were inversely associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our findings are in line with previous observations indicating that a lower socio-economic status may be a risk factor for COVID-19 and show that non-Italians are disproportionately affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection. This suggests that public health policies should focus more on disadvantaged populations.
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64
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Apolone G, Montomoli E, Manenti A, Boeri M, Sabia F, Hyseni I, Mazzini L, Martinuzzi D, Cantone L, Milanese G, Sestini S, Suatoni P, Marchianò A, Bollati V, Sozzi G, Pastorino U. Unexpected detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the prepandemic period in Italy. TUMORI JOURNAL 2021; 107:446-451. [PMID: 33176598 PMCID: PMC8529295 DOI: 10.1177/0300891620974755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There are no robust data on the real onset of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and spread in the prepandemic period worldwide. We investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD)-specific antibodies in blood samples of 959 asymptomatic individuals enrolled in a prospective lung cancer screening trial between September 2019 and March 2020 to track the date of onset, frequency, and temporal and geographic variations across the Italian regions. SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific antibodies were detected in 111 of 959 (11.6%) individuals, starting from September 2019 (14%), with a cluster of positive cases (>30%) in the second week of February 2020 and the highest number (53.2%) in Lombardy. This study shows an unexpected very early circulation of SARS-CoV-2 among asymptomatic individuals in Italy several months before the first patient was identified, and clarifies the onset and spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Finding SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in asymptomatic people before the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy may reshape the history of pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emanuele Montomoli
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of
Siena, Siena, Italy
- VisMederi Srl, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Mattia Boeri
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori,
Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Sabia
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori,
Milan, Italy
| | | | - Livia Mazzini
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of
Siena, Siena, Italy
- VisMederi Research Srl, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Laura Cantone
- EPIGET–Epidemiology, Epigenetics and
Toxicology Lab, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Milanese
- Radiology, Department of Medicine and Surgery,
University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Paola Suatoni
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori,
Milan, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Bollati
- EPIGET–Epidemiology, Epigenetics and
Toxicology Lab, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Ugo Pastorino
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori,
Milan, Italy
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65
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Lasagna A, Agustoni F, Percivalle E, Borgetto S, Paulet A, Comolli G, Sarasini A, Bergami F, Sammartino JC, Ferrari A, Zavaglio F, Arena F, Lilleri D, Secondino S, Falzoni M, Schiavo R, Klersy C, Lo Cascio G, Cavanna L, Baldanti F, Pedrazzoli P, Cassaniti I. A snapshot of the immunogenicity, efficacy and safety of a full course of BNT162b2 anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in cancer patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors: a longitudinal cohort study. ESMO Open 2021; 6:100272. [PMID: 34543863 PMCID: PMC8407964 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Very few cancer patients were enrolled in coronavirus disease-2019 vaccine studies. In order to address this gap of knowledge, real-world studies are mandatory. The aim of this study was to assess both humoral and cellular response after a messenger RNA vaccination schedule. Patients and methods Eighty-eight consecutive cancer patients treated with programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 inhibitors were enrolled from the beginning of the vaccination campaign for frail patients. Blood samples for humoral and cell-mediated immune response evaluation were obtained before vaccination (T0), before the second administration (T1) and 21 days after the second dose (T2). The primary endpoint was the evaluation of the percentage of participants showing a significant increase in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific T cells, measured by an enzyme-linked immunospot assay, after the second dose of BNT162b2 vaccine. The proportion of patients who reached the primary endpoint is computed together with its exact binomial 95% confidence interval. Results In SARS-CoV-2-naïve subjects, spike-specific T-cell response was almost undetectable at T0 [median 0.0 interferon-γ (IFN-γ) spot forming units (SFU)/million peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) interquartile range (IQR) 0-7.5] and significantly increased at T1 and T2 (median 15.0 IFN-γ SFU/million PBMC, 25th-75th 0-40 versus 90 IFN-γ SFU/million PBMC, 25th-75th 32.5-224, respectively) (P < 0.001). Focusing on naïve and experienced SARS-CoV-2 subjects, no differences were reported both in terms of CD4- and CD8-specific T-cell response, suggesting that BNT162b2 is able to elicit both adaptive responses after complete vaccination schedule, regardless of previous SARS-CoV-2 exposure. The level of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies was low at T1 in SARS-CoV-2-naïve subjects [median 1 : 5 (IQR 1 : 5-1 : 20)] but reached a significantly higher median of 1 : 80 (25th-75th 1 : 20-1 : 160) at T2 (P < 0.0001). Moreover, no COVID-19 cases were documented throughout the period of study. Conclusions Our data have demonstrated that the administration of a full course of BNT162b2 vaccine elicited a sustained immune response against SARS-CoV-2 regardless of the type of cancer and/or the type of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In SARS-CoV-2-naïve subjects, spike-specific T-cell response was significantly increased after the second dose of vaccine In patients treated with chemo-immunotherapy, T-cell response seems to be lower with borderline statistical significance Between naïve and experienced patients, no differences were reported in terms of CD4- and CD8-specific T-cell response In naïve patients, the level of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies reached a significantly higher median of 1 : 80 after the second dose No COVID-19 cases were documented throughout the period of study
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lasagna
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
| | - F Agustoni
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - E Percivalle
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - S Borgetto
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - A Paulet
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapy, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - G Comolli
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - A Sarasini
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - F Bergami
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - J C Sammartino
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - A Ferrari
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - F Zavaglio
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - F Arena
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - D Lilleri
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - S Secondino
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - M Falzoni
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - R Schiavo
- Microbiology Unit, Hospital Guglielmo da Saliceto, Piacenza, Italy
| | - C Klersy
- Service of Clinical Epidemiology & Biometry, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - G Lo Cascio
- Microbiology Unit, Hospital Guglielmo da Saliceto, Piacenza, Italy
| | - L Cavanna
- Oncology Unit, Hospital Guglielmo da Saliceto, Piacenza, Italy
| | - F Baldanti
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - P Pedrazzoli
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapy, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - I Cassaniti
- Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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Samore MH, Looney A, Orleans B, Greene T, Seegert N, Delgado JC, Presson A, Zhang C, Ying J, Zhang Y, Shen J, Slev P, Gaulin M, Yang MJ, Pavia AT, Alder SC. Probability-Based Estimates of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Seroprevalence and Detection Fraction, Utah, USA. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:2786-2794. [PMID: 34469285 PMCID: PMC8544980 DOI: 10.3201/eid2711.204435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to generate an unbiased estimate of the incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in 4 urban counties in Utah, USA. We used a multistage sampling design to randomly select community-representative participants >12 years of age. During May 4–June 30, 2020, we collected serum samples and survey responses from 8,108 persons belonging to 5,125 households. We used a qualitative chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay to detect SARS-CoV-2 IgG in serum samples. We estimated the overall seroprevalence to be 0.8%. The estimated seroprevalence-to-case count ratio was 2.5, corresponding to a detection fraction of 40%. Only 0.2% of participants from whom we collected nasopharyngeal swab samples had SARS-CoV-2–positive reverse transcription PCR results. SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence during the study was low, and prevalence of PCR-positive cases was even lower. The comparatively high SARS-CoV-2 detection rate (40%) demonstrates the effectiveness of Utah’s testing strategy and public health response.
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Castro Dopico X, Muschiol S, Christian M, Hanke L, Sheward DJ, Grinberg NF, Rorbach J, Bogdanovic G, Mcinerney GM, Allander T, Wallace C, Murrell B, Albert J, Karlsson Hedestam GB. Seropositivity in blood donors and pregnant women during the first year of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Stockholm, Sweden. J Intern Med 2021; 290:666-676. [PMID: 34008203 PMCID: PMC8242905 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Sweden, social restrictions to contain SARS-CoV-2 have primarily relied upon voluntary adherence to a set of recommendations. Strict lockdowns have not been enforced, potentially affecting viral dissemination. To understand the levels of past SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Stockholm population before the start of mass vaccinations, healthy blood donors and pregnant women (n = 5,100) were sampled at random between 14 March 2020 and 28 February 2021. METHODS In this cross-sectional prospective study, otherwise-healthy blood donors (n = 2,600) and pregnant women (n = 2,500) were sampled for consecutive weeks (at four intervals) throughout the study period. Sera from all participants and a cohort of historical (negative) controls (n = 595) were screened for IgG responses against stabilized trimers of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein and the smaller receptor-binding domain (RBD). As a complement to standard analytical approaches, a probabilistic (cut-off independent) Bayesian framework that assigns likelihood of past infection was used to analyse data over time. SETTING Healthy participant samples were randomly selected from their respective pools through Karolinska University Hospital. The study was carried out in accordance with Swedish Ethical Review Authority: registration number 2020-01807. PARTICIPANTS No participants were symptomatic at sampling, and blood donors were all over the age of 18. No additional metadata were available from the participants. RESULTS Blood donors and pregnant women showed a similar seroprevalence. After a steep rise at the start of the pandemic, the seroprevalence trajectory increased steadily in approach to the winter second wave of infections, approaching 15% of all individuals surveyed by 13 December 2020. By the end of February 2021, 19% of the population tested seropositive. Notably, 96% of seropositive healthy donors screened (n = 56) developed neutralizing antibody responses at titres comparable to or higher than those observed in clinical trials of SARS-CoV-2 spike mRNA vaccination, supporting that mild infection engenders a competent B-cell response. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that in the first year since the start of community transmission, seropositivity levels in metropolitan in Stockholm had reached approximately one in five persons, providing important baseline seroprevalence information prior to the start of vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- X. Castro Dopico
- From theDepartment of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell BiologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - S. Muschiol
- From theDepartment of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell BiologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Department of Clinical MicrobiologyKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - M. Christian
- From theDepartment of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell BiologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - L. Hanke
- From theDepartment of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell BiologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - D. J. Sheward
- From theDepartment of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell BiologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - N. F. Grinberg
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious DiseaseUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - J. Rorbach
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Max Planck Institute Biology of Ageing‐Karolinska Institutet LaboratoryKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - G. Bogdanovic
- Department of Clinical MicrobiologyKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - G. M. Mcinerney
- From theDepartment of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell BiologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - T. Allander
- From theDepartment of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell BiologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Department of Clinical MicrobiologyKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - C. Wallace
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious DiseaseUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Biostatistics Unit, Cambridge Institute of Public HealthUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - B. Murrell
- From theDepartment of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell BiologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - J. Albert
- From theDepartment of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell BiologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Department of Clinical MicrobiologyKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - G. B. Karlsson Hedestam
- From theDepartment of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell BiologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
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Setti PEL, Cirillo F, Immediata V, Morenghi E, Canevisio V, Ronchetti C, Baggiani A, Albani E, Patrizio P. First trimester pregnancy outcomes in a large IVF center from the Lombardy County (Italy) during the peak COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16529. [PMID: 34400730 PMCID: PMC8368203 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96134-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
At the beginning of 2020, the Italian Lombardy region was hit by an "epidemic tsunami" which was, at that point in time, one of the worst pandemics ever. At that moment the effects of SARS-COV 2 were still unknown. To evaluate whether the pandemic has influenced ART (Assisted Reproduction Techniques) outcomes in an asymptomatic infertile population treated at one of the major COVID-19 epicentres during the weeks immediately preceding lockdown. All ART procedures performed during two time periods were compared: November 1st, 2018 to February 28th, 2019 (non-COVID-19 risk) and November 1st, 2019 to February 29th, 2020 (COVID-19 risk). In total 1749 fresh cycles (883 non-COVID-19 risk and 866 COVID-19 risk) and1166 embryos and 63 oocytes warming cycles (538 and 37 during non-COVID and 628 and 26 during COVID-19 risk, respectively) were analysed. Clinical pregnancies per cycle were not different: 370 (25.38%) in non-COVID versus 415 (27.30%) (p = 0.237) during COVID-19 risk. There were no differences in biochemical pregnancy rates 52 (3.57%) versus 38 (2.50%) (p = 0.089) nor in ectopic pregnancies 4 (1.08%) versus 3 (0.72%) (p = 0.594), spontaneous miscarriages 84 (22.70%) versus 103 (24.82%) p = 0.487, nor in intrauterine ongoing pregnancies 282 (76.22%) versus 309 (74.46%) p = 0.569. A multivariate analysis investigating differences in spontaneous miscarriage rate showed no differences between the two timeframes. Our results support no differences in asymptomatic infertile couples' ART outcomes between the pre COVID and COVID-19 periods in one of the earliest and most severe pandemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- P E Levi- Setti
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.
| | - F Cirillo
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - V Immediata
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - E Morenghi
- Biostatistics Unit, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - V Canevisio
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - C Ronchetti
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - A Baggiani
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - E Albani
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - P Patrizio
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Lewin A, Therrien R, De Serres G, Grégoire Y, Perreault J, Drouin M, Fournier MJ, Tremblay T, Beaudoin J, Beaudoin-Bussières G, Prévost J, Gendron-Lepage G, Finzi A, Bernier F, Bazin R, Germain M, Delage G. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among blood donors in Québec, and analysis of symptoms associated with seropositivity: a nested case-control study. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2021; 112:576-586. [PMID: 33999398 PMCID: PMC8127462 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-021-00531-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A substantial proportion of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 do not experience noticeable symptoms typical of COVID-19. Our objectives were to evaluate the impact of the first wave of the pandemic in Québec by measuring SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence in a convenience sample of healthy blood donors and to study the association between seropositivity and the occurrence of COVID-19 symptoms. METHODS The study design was a cross-sectional serological survey with a nested case-control study. Residual blood samples from donations collected between May 25 and July 9, 2020 (well before vaccination rollout) in the province of Québec were tested for anti-Spike RBD antibodies by ELISA. Seropositive donors and a control group of seronegative donors were questioned about prior COVID-19 symptoms. All qualified blood donors were eligible for participation. RESULTS A total of 7691 blood donors were included in the study. After adjustments, the seroprevalence rate was 2.2% (95% CI 1.9-2.6). Seropositive donors reported one or more symptoms in a proportion of 52.2% (95% CI 44.2-60.1); this proportion was 19.1% (95% CI 13.4-26.1) among seronegative donors, suggesting that approximately 50-66% of all infections were asymptomatic. Univariate analysis of associations between symptoms and seropositivity revealed that except for rhinorrhea, all symptoms were significantly associated with seropositivity. CONCLUSION Assuming that blood donors are fairly representative of the general adult population, this study shows that less than 3% of 18-69-year-olds have been infected during the first wave of the pandemic in the province of Québec. Our data also confirm that many infections escaped detection, including a substantial proportion that were asymptomatic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Lewin
- Héma-Québec, Affaires Médicales et Innovation, 4045 Blvd. de la Côte-Vertu, Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC, H4R 2W7, Canada
- Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Roseline Therrien
- Héma-Québec, Qualité et développement, Montréal, QC, H4R 2W7, Canada
| | - Gaston De Serres
- Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, Québec, QC, H2P 1E2, Canada
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1E 6W2, Canada
| | - Yves Grégoire
- Héma-Québec, Affaires Médicales et Innovation, Québec, QC, G1V 5C3, Canada
| | - Josée Perreault
- Héma-Québec, Affaires Médicales et Innovation, Québec, QC, G1V 5C3, Canada
| | - Mathieu Drouin
- Héma-Québec, Affaires Médicales et Innovation, Québec, QC, G1V 5C3, Canada
| | | | - Tony Tremblay
- Héma-Québec, Affaires Médicales et Innovation, Québec, QC, G1V 5C3, Canada
| | - Julie Beaudoin
- Héma-Québec, Qualité et développement, Montréal, QC, H4R 2W7, Canada
| | - Guillaume Beaudoin-Bussières
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Jérémie Prévost
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | | | - Andrés Finzi
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - France Bernier
- Héma-Québec, Qualité et développement, Montréal, QC, H4R 2W7, Canada
| | - Renée Bazin
- Héma-Québec, Affaires Médicales et Innovation, Québec, QC, G1V 5C3, Canada
| | - Marc Germain
- Héma-Québec, Affaires Médicales et Innovation, Québec, QC, G1V 5C3, Canada
| | - Gilles Delage
- Héma-Québec, Affaires Médicales et Innovation, 4045 Blvd. de la Côte-Vertu, Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC, H4R 2W7, Canada.
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Rovida F, Cassaniti I, Percivalle E, Sarasini A, Paolucci S, Klersy C, Cutti S, Novelli V, Marena C, Luzzaro F, De Vito G, Schiavo R, Lo Cascio G, Lilleri D, Baldanti F. Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in health care workers from Northern Italy based on antibody status: immune protection from secondary infection- A retrospective observational case-controlled study. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 109:199-202. [PMID: 34242763 PMCID: PMC8260553 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunity from natural SARS-CoV-2 infection is protective in healthcare workers Secondary infection is associated with low or absent serum neutralizing titer Anti-Spike IgG were not significantly lower in subjects with secondary infections Secondary infection is usually asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic Vaccination of SARS-CoV-2-seronegative subjects might be prioritized
Objective The protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection induced by SARS-CoV-2 anti-S1 and anti-S2 IgG antibody positivity resulting from natural infection was evaluated. Methods The frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection (as determined by virus RNA detection) was evaluated in a group of 1,460 seropositive and a control group of 8,150 seronegative healthcare workers in three Centres of Northern Italy in the period June-November 2020. Neutralizing serum titers were analyzed in seropositive subjects with or without secondary SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results During the 6-month survey, 1.78% seropositive subjects developed secondary SARS-CoV-2 infection while 6.63% seronegative controls developed primary infection (odds ratio: 0.26; 95% confidence interval: 0.17-0.38). Secondary infection was associated with low or absent serum neutralizing titer (p<0.01) and was mildly symptomatic in 45.8% cases vs 71.4% symptomatic primary infections (odds ratio: 0.34; 95% confidence interval: 0.16-0.78). Conclusions Immunity from natural infection appears protective from secondary infection; therefore, vaccination of seronegative subjects might be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Rovida
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Irene Cassaniti
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Percivalle
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonella Sarasini
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Paolucci
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Catherine Klersy
- Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology Service, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Cutti
- Medical Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Viola Novelli
- Medical Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlo Marena
- Medical Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesco Luzzaro
- Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Lecco A. Manzoni Hospital, Lecco, Italy
| | - Giovanni De Vito
- Occupational Medicine Unit, A. Manzoni Hospital, Lecco, School of Medicine & Surgery, Milano Bicocca University
| | - Roberta Schiavo
- Microbiology Unit, Clinical Pathology Department, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Giuliana Lo Cascio
- Microbiology Unit, Clinical Pathology Department, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Daniele Lilleri
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Fausto Baldanti
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia Italy
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71
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Cassaniti I, Percivalle E, Bergami F, Piralla A, Comolli G, Bruno R, Vecchia M, Sambo M, Colaneri M, Zuccaro V, Benazzo M, Robotti C, Calastri A, Maiorano E, Ferrari A, Cambiè G, Baldanti F. SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cell immunity in COVID-19 convalescent patients and unexposed controls measured by ex vivo ELISpot assay. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 27:1029-1034. [PMID: 33813122 PMCID: PMC8016542 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES SARS-CoV-2 T-cell response characterization represents a crucial issue for defining the role of immune protection against COVID-19. The aim of the study was to assess the SARS-CoV-2 T-cell response in a cohort of COVID-19 convalescent patients and in a group of unexposed subjects. METHODS SARS-CoV-2 T-cell response was quantified from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 87 COVID-19 convalescent subjects (range 7-239 days after symptom onset) and 33 unexposed donors by ex vivo ELISpot assay. Follow-up of SARS-CoV-2 T-cell response was performed in ten subjects up to 12 months after symptom onset. The role of SARS-CoV-2 specific CD4 and CD8 T cells was characterized in a group of COVID-19 convalescent subjects. Moreover, neutralizing antibodies were determined in serum samples. RESULTS In 14/33 (42.4%) unexposed donors and 85/87 (97.7%) COVID-19 convalescent subjects a positive result for at least one SARS-CoV-2 antigen was observed. A positive response was observed up to 12 months after COVID-19 infection (median 246 days after symptom onset; range 118-362 days). Of note, SARS-CoV-2 T-cell response seems to be mainly mediated by CD4 T cells. A weak positive correlation was observed between Spike-specific T-cell response and neutralizing antibody titre (p 0.0028; r2 = 0.2891) and positive SARS-CoV-2 T-cell response was observed in 8/9 (88.9%) COVID-19 convalescent subjects with undetectable SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies. DISCUSSION Cross-reactive SARS-CoV-2 T-cell response in uninfected patients may be due to previous infections with other common coronaviruses. Our data suggest that long-term SARS-CoV-2 T-cell response might accompany a waning humoral response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Cassaniti
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Elena Percivalle
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Bergami
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Piralla
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuditta Comolli
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Experimental Research Laboratories, Biotechnology Area, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Raffaele Bruno
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Division of Infectious Diseases I, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Vecchia
- Division of Infectious Diseases I, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Margherita Sambo
- Division of Infectious Diseases I, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marta Colaneri
- Division of Infectious Diseases I, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valentina Zuccaro
- Division of Infectious Diseases I, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Benazzo
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Department of Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, University of Pavia and Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlo Robotti
- Department of Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, University of Pavia and Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Calastri
- Department of Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, University of Pavia and Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eugenia Maiorano
- Department of Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, University of Pavia and Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ferrari
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cambiè
- Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine Unit, Ospedale Maggiore di Lodi, Lodi, Italy
| | - Fausto Baldanti
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Savage HR, Santos VS, Edwards T, Giorgi E, Krishna S, Planche TD, Staines HM, Fitchett JRA, Kirwan DE, Cubas Atienzar AI, Clark DJ, Adams ER, Cuevas LE. Prevalence of neutralising antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in acute infection and convalescence: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009551. [PMID: 34237072 PMCID: PMC8291969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop neutralising antibodies. We investigated the proportion of individuals with SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies after infection and how this proportion varies with selected covariates. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the proportion of individuals with SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies after infection and how these proportions vary with selected covariates. Three models using the maximum likelihood method assessed these proportions by study group, covariates and individually extracted data (protocol CRD42020208913). A total of 983 reports were identified and 27 were included. The pooled (95%CI) proportion of individuals with neutralising antibodies was 85.3% (83.5-86.9) using the titre cut off >1:20 and 83.9% (82.2-85.6), 70.2% (68.1-72.5) and 54.2% (52.0-56.5) with titres >1:40, >1:80 and >1:160, respectively. These proportions were higher among patients with severe COVID-19 (e.g., titres >1:80, 84.8% [80.0-89.2], >1:160, 74.4% [67.5-79.7]) than those with mild presentation (56.7% [49.9-62.9] and 44.1% [37.3-50.6], respectively) and lowest among asymptomatic infections (28.6% [17.9-39.2] and 10.0% [3.7-20.1], respectively). IgG and neutralising antibody levels correlated poorly. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE 85% of individuals with proven SARS-CoV-2 infection had detectable neutralising antibodies. This proportion varied with disease severity, study setting, time since infection and the method used to measure antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen R. Savage
- Departments of Clinical Sciences and Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Victor S. Santos
- Núcleo de Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Arapiraca, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracaju, Brazil
| | - Thomas Edwards
- Departments of Clinical Sciences and Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sanjeev Krishna
- St. George’s, University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Timothy D. Planche
- St. George’s, University of London, London, United Kingdom
- St. George’s University Hospitals National Health Services Foundation Trust, London
| | | | - Joseph R. A. Fitchett
- Mologic, Thurleigh, United Kingdom
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - Ana I. Cubas Atienzar
- Departments of Clinical Sciences and Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Clark
- St. George’s, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily R. Adams
- Departments of Clinical Sciences and Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Luis E. Cuevas
- Departments of Clinical Sciences and Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Bingham University, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
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Kim E, Weisel FJ, Balmert SC, Khan MS, Huang S, Erdos G, Kenniston TW, Carey CD, Joachim SM, Conter LJ, Weisel NM, Okba NMA, Haagmans BL, Percivalle E, Cassaniti I, Baldanti F, Korkmaz E, Shlomchik MJ, Falo LD, Gambotto A. A single subcutaneous or intranasal immunization with adenovirus-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine induces robust humoral and cellular immune responses in mice. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:1774-1784. [PMID: 33772778 PMCID: PMC8250272 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202149167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Optimal vaccines are needed for sustained suppression of SARS-CoV-2 and other novel coronaviruses. Here, we developed a recombinant type 5 adenovirus vector encoding the gene for the SARS-CoV-2 S1 subunit antigen (Ad5.SARS-CoV-2-S1) for COVID-19 immunization and evaluated its immunogenicity in mice. A single immunization with Ad5.SARS-CoV-2-S1 via S.C. injection or I.N delivery induced robust antibody and cellular immune responses. Vaccination elicited significant S1-specific IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a endpoint titers as early as 2 weeks, and the induced antibodies were long lasting. I.N. and S.C. administration of Ad5.SARS-CoV-2-S1 produced S1-specific GC B cells in cervical and axillary LNs, respectively. Moreover, I.N. and S.C. immunization evoked significantly greater antigen-specific T-cell responses compared to unimmunized control groups with indications that S.C. injection was more effective than I.N. delivery in eliciting cellular immune responses. Mice vaccinated by either route demonstrated significantly increased virus-specific neutralization antibodies on weeks 8 and 12 compared to control groups, as well as BM antibody forming cells (AFC), indicative of long-term immunity. Thus, this Ad5-vectored SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate showed promising immunogenicity following delivery to mice by S.C. and I.N. routes of administration, supporting the further development of Ad-based vaccines against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases for sustainable global immunization programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Kim
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Florian J. Weisel
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Stephen C. Balmert
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Muhammad S. Khan
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
- Department of Infectious Diseases and MicrobiologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public HealthPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Shaohua Huang
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Geza Erdos
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Thomas W. Kenniston
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Cara Donahue Carey
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Stephen M. Joachim
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Laura J. Conter
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Nadine M. Weisel
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Nisreen M. A. Okba
- Department of ViroscienceErasmus Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Bart L. Haagmans
- Department of ViroscienceErasmus Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Elena Percivalle
- Molecular Virology UnitMicrobiology and Virology DepartmentIRCCS Policlinico San MatteoPaviaItaly
| | - Irene Cassaniti
- Molecular Virology UnitMicrobiology and Virology DepartmentIRCCS Policlinico San MatteoPaviaItaly
| | - Fausto Baldanti
- Molecular Virology UnitMicrobiology and Virology DepartmentIRCCS Policlinico San MatteoPaviaItaly
- Department of ClinicalSurgicalDiagnostic and Pediatric SciencesUniversity of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Emrullah Korkmaz
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Pittsburgh Swanson School of EngineeringPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Mark J. Shlomchik
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Louis D. Falo
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Pittsburgh Swanson School of EngineeringPittsburghPAUSA
- Clinical and Translational Science InstituteUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
- The McGowan Institute for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer CenterPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Andrea Gambotto
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
- Department of Infectious Diseases and MicrobiologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public HealthPittsburghPAUSA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer CenterPittsburghPAUSA
- Department of MedicineDivision of Infectious DiseaseUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
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Yadav AK, Ghosh S, Kotwal A, Kaushik S, Bobdey S, Sahu R, Kapoor S, Faujdar D, Teli PT, Anand V. Seroconversion among COVID-19 patients admitted in a dedicated COVID hospital: A longitudinal prospective study of 1000 patients. Med J Armed Forces India 2021; 77:S379-S384. [PMID: 34334907 PMCID: PMC8313071 DOI: 10.1016/j.mjafi.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immune response after SARS-CoV-2 is complex and may be affected by severity of the disease, race, etc. The present study was conducted to assess the serial antibody response among the COVID-19 patients admitted in the hospital. METHODS The study was conducted between July and October 2020 in a dedicated COVID-19 hospital. All consented patients underwent serial testing of antibodies using a rapid chromatographic immunoassay-based qualitative IgG/IgM kit every third day until their discharge or death. The data about age, sex, severity of disease, length of stay, onset of symptoms, date of molecular testing were also collected. Appropriate statistical tests were used. RESULTS The mean age of 1000 COVID-19 patients was 47.5 ± 17.9 years. Out of the total, 687 (68.7%) were males. With respect to severity, 682 (68.2%) were asymptomatic/mild, 200 (20%) were moderate and 118 (11.8%) were severe cases. The seroconversion percentage increased from 12.8% to 97.9% and 16.3% to 80.9% for IgG and IgM respectively in 21 days. The median time for seroconversion was 10 days (IQR:6-12 days) for IgG and eight days (IQR: 6-11 days) for IgM. At the time of discharge (median nine days), detectable IgG and IgM antibodies were present in 502 (52.46%) and 414 (43.26%) participants respectively. Seroconversion was associated with days after the symptoms, increasing severity of the disease and the presence of co-morbidity. CONCLUSION Seroconversion increased during the period of observation. The severe/moderate cases of COVID-19 tend to have an early seroconversion as compared to the asymptomatic/mild cases. Only half of the patients were seroconverted at discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Kumar Yadav
- Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India
| | - S. Ghosh
- Col AFMS (Health), O/o DGAFMS, New Delhi, India
| | | | - S.K. Kaushik
- Professor & Head, Department of Community Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India
| | - Saurabh Bobdey
- Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India
| | - Rajesh Sahu
- Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India
| | - Suraj Kapoor
- Resident, Department of Community Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India
| | - D.S. Faujdar
- Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India
| | - Prabhakar T. Teli
- Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India
| | - Vivek Anand
- Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India
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75
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Milani GP, Casazza G, Corsello A, Marchisio P, Rocchi A, Colombo G, Agostoni C, Costantino G. Early evidence of SARS-CoV-2 in Milan, Jan-Feb 2020. Ital J Pediatr 2021; 47:145. [PMID: 34193222 PMCID: PMC8243623 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01095-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A few studies have suggested that the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was present in Northern Italy several weeks before its official detection on February 21, 2020. On the other hand, no clinical data have been provided so far to support such hypothesis. We investigated clinical-epidemiological evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among children and adults referring to emergency department (ED) in the main hospital of the center of Milan (Italy) before February 21, 2020. METHODS A retrospective analysis of medical records of ED visits at the Fondazione Ca' Granda Policlinico, Milan between January 11 and February 15 in 2017, 2018, 2019 and in 2020 was performed. The number of subjects referring with fever, cough or dyspnea was compared between the studied period of 2020 and the previous 3 years, by calculating a standardized referral ratio (SRR, number of observed cases in 2020 divided by the number of expected cases according to 2017-2019) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS In the pediatric ED, 7709 (average 2570/year) and 2736 patients were visited during the period 2017-2019 and in the 2020, respectively. Among adults, 13,465 (average 4488/year) and 4787 were visited during the period 2017-2019 and in the 2020, respectively. The SRR was 1.16 (95% CI 1.10-1.23) in children and 1.25 (95% CI 1.16-1.35) in adults. The ratio for the two (children and adults) SRRs was 0.93 (0.84-1.02), suggesting a trend towards a higher frequency in adults compared to children. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that SARS-CoV-2 might have spread in Milan before February 21, 2020 with a minor trend among children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregorio P Milani
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Casazza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Corsello
- Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Marchisio
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Rocchi
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Colombo
- Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Agostoni
- Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. .,Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via della Commenda 9, 20122, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Costantino
- Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Emergency Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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76
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Garay E, Serrano-Coll H, Rivero R, Gastelbondo B, Faccini-Martínez Á, Berrocal J, Pérez A, Badillo M, Martínez-Bravo C, Botero Y, Arrieta G, Calderón A, Galeano K, López Y, Miranda J, Guzmán C, Contreras V, Arosemena A, Contreras H, Brango-Tarra E, Oviedo M, Mattar S. SARS-CoV-2 in eight municipalities of the Colombian tropics: high immunity, clinical and sociodemographic outcomes. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 116:139-147. [PMID: 34185868 PMCID: PMC8344518 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trab094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Serological evaluation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an alternative that allows us to determine the prevalence and dynamics of this infection in populations. The goal of this study was to determine the clinical and sociodemographic dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a region of the Colombian Caribbean. Methods Between July and November 2020, a cross-sectional observational study was carried out in Córdoba, located in northeast Colombia in the Caribbean area. Eight municipalities with the largest populations were chosen and 2564 blood samples were taken. A commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used with the recombinant protein antigen N of SARS-CoV-2. The people included in the study were asked for sociodemographic and clinical data, which were analysed by statistical methods. Results A seroprevalence of 40.8% was obtained for SARS-CoV-2 in the Córdoba region. In the bivariate analysis, no differences were observed in seropositivity against SARS-CoV-2 for gender or age range (p>0.05). Higher seropositivity was found in low socio-economic status and symptomatic patients (p<0.0001). A total of 30.7% of the asymptomatic patients were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2, which could be linked to the spread of this infection. In the multivariate analysis, seroconversion was related to poverty and clinical manifestations such as anosmia and ageusia (p<0.05). Conclusions The high seropositivity in Córdoba is due to widespread SARS-CoV-2 in this population. The relationship between seropositivity and socio-economic status suggests a higher exposure risk to the virus caused by informal economic activities in low-income groups. Clinical manifestations such as anosmia and ageusia could be clinical predictors of infection by the new emergent coronavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelin Garay
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Colombia-Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - Héctor Serrano-Coll
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Colombia-Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - Ricardo Rivero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Colombia-Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - Bertha Gastelbondo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Colombia-Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - Álvaro Faccini-Martínez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Colombia-Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - José Berrocal
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Colombia-Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - Alejandra Pérez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Colombia-Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - María Badillo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Colombia-Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - Caty Martínez-Bravo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Colombia-Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - Yesica Botero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Colombia-Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - Germán Arrieta
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Colombia-Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia.,Clínica Salud Social, Sincelejo, Sucre Colombia
| | - Alfonso Calderón
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Colombia-Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - Ketty Galeano
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Colombia-Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - Yesica López
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Colombia-Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - Jorge Miranda
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Colombia-Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - Camilo Guzmán
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Colombia-Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - Verónica Contreras
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Colombia-Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - Alejandra Arosemena
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Colombia-Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - Héctor Contreras
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Colombia-Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | | | - Misael Oviedo
- Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria - Agrosavia, Centro de investigación Turipaná, Cereté, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Salim Mattar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Colombia-Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
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Esposito S, Neglia C, Affanni P, Colucci ME, Argentiero A, Veronesi L, Messina G, Deolmi M, Principi N. Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Evaluated by Immunochromatographic Rapid Testing for the Determination of IgM and IgG Against SARS-CoV-2 in a Cohort of Mask Wearing Workers in the Metal-Mechanical Sector in an Area With a High Incidence of COVID-19. Front Public Health 2021; 9:628098. [PMID: 34249830 PMCID: PMC8267366 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.628098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although the diagnosis of new coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is made through the identification of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in respiratory secretions by means of molecular methods, a more accurate estimation of SARS-CoV-2 circulation can be obtained by seroprevalence studies. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the true epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection among workers in the metal-mechanical sector who never stopped working during the pandemic period in an area with a high incidence of COVID-19 and to define whether and how they could continue the work without appreciable risks during a second wave. Methods: A total of 815 metal-mechanical workers who had never stopped working even during the pandemic period in three different factories in the Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy, and who had always used face masks during working hours, underwent a capillary blood rapid test for the determination of IgM and IgG against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid test, PrimaLab, Modena, Italy). In the event of a positive test, a nasopharyngeal was performed and tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. Results: The detection of serum IgG/IgM against SARS-CoV-2 was significantly more common among workers employed in Parma (21/345, 6.1%) than among those employed in Calerno (7/242, 2.9%) or in Spilamberto (3/228, 1.3%) (p <0.001). The analysis of the role of the different variables as predictors of seropositivity for IgG/IgM against SARS-CoV-2 revealed that the presence of specific antibodies was strictly associated with a previous history of COVID-19-like symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 3.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9–8.2) and household members with COVID-19-like symptoms (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.04–4.82). Conclusion: This study shows that seropositivity to SARS-CoV-2 is low even among employees who did not interrupt their work during the lockdown phase in a region with a high incidence of COVID-19. The use of face masks appears effective in the avoidance of the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in factories even in the presence of asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic workers, suggesting that work activities can continue if adequate infection control measures are used during a second wave.
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Meintrup D, Nowak-Machen M, Borgmann S. Nine Months of COVID-19 Pandemic in Europe: A Comparative Time Series Analysis of Cases and Fatalities in 35 Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18126680. [PMID: 34205809 PMCID: PMC8296382 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: to describe the dynamic of the pandemic across 35 European countries over a period of 9 months. (2) Methods: a three-phase time series model was fitted for 35 European countries, predicting deaths based on SARS-CoV-2 incidences. Hierarchical clustering resulted in three clusters of countries. A multiple regression model was developed predicting thresholds for COVID-19 incidences, coupled to death numbers. (3) Results: The model showed strongly connected deaths and incidences during the waves in spring and fall. The corrected case-fatality rates ranged from 2% to 20.7% in the first wave, and from 0.5% to 4.2% in the second wave. If the incidences stay below a threshold, predicted by the regression model (R2=85.0%), COVID-19 related deaths and incidences were not necessarily coupled. The clusters represented different regions in Europe, and the corrected case-fatality rates in each cluster flipped from high to low or vice versa. Severely and less severely affected countries flipped between the first and second wave. (4) Conclusions: COVID-19 incidences and related deaths were uncoupled during the summer but coupled during two waves. Once a country-specific threshold of infections is reached, death numbers will start to rise, allowing health care systems and countries to prepare.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Meintrup
- Faculty of Engineering and Management, University of Applied Sciences Ingolstadt, 85049 Ingolstadt, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Martina Nowak-Machen
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Ingolstadt Hospital, 85049 Ingolstadt, Germany;
| | - Stefan Borgmann
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Ingolstadt Hospital, 85049 Ingolstadt, Germany;
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Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibody is higher in younger Austrian blood donors. Infection 2021; 49:1187-1194. [PMID: 34132990 PMCID: PMC8208066 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-021-01639-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Frequently the infection with coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be asymptomatic or provoke only mild symptoms. These cases often remain unnoticed, so it is difficult to estimate the actual numbers of infections. Aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibody in Austrian blood donors. METHODS 20,228 blood donors aged between 18 and 72 years resident in four Austrian federal states were screened for anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibody between 5th of June and 4th of December 2020. To evaluate the impact of sex, age, AB0-blood group and donation period on the anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, multiple logistic regression was done. RESULTS Our data reveal an anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence of 2.5% overall, significantly depending on the time point of blood donation: after the first Austrian lockdown the seroprevalence was lower compared to the following months, when the rate was constantly rising. While younger blood donors showed significantly higher seroprevalence, no differences were found concerning sex or AB0 blood group. CONCLUSION Broad testing strategies are required to better determine the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Screening blood donors as a representative group for the adult population could be a valid tool to determine the number of recorded and unrecorded cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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80
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Pandolfi L, Bozzini S, Frangipane V, Percivalle E, De Luigi A, Violatto MB, Lopez G, Gabanti E, Carsana L, D'Amato M, Morosini M, De Amici M, Nebuloni M, Fossali T, Colombo R, Saracino L, Codullo V, Gnecchi M, Bigini P, Baldanti F, Lilleri D, Meloni F. Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Induce the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition: Implications in Post-COVID-19 Fibrosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:663303. [PMID: 34194429 PMCID: PMC8236949 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.663303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), a process termed NETosis, avoids pathogen spread but may cause tissue injury. NETs have been found in severe COVID-19 patients, but their role in disease development is still unknown. The aim of this study is to assess the capacity of NETs to drive epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lung epithelial cells and to analyze the involvement of NETs in COVID-19. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of severe COVID-19 patients showed high concentration of NETs that correlates with neutrophils count; moreover, the analysis of lung tissues of COVID-19 deceased patients showed a subset of alveolar reactive pneumocytes with a co-expression of epithelial marker and a mesenchymal marker, confirming the induction of EMT mechanism after severe SARS-CoV2 infection. By airway in vitro models, cultivating A549 or 16HBE at air-liquid interface, adding alveolar macrophages (AM), neutrophils and SARS-CoV2, we demonstrated that to trigger a complete EMT expression pattern are necessary the induction of NETosis by SARS-CoV2 and the secretion of AM factors (TGF-β, IL8 and IL1β). All our results highlight the possible mechanism that can induce lung fibrosis after SARS-CoV2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pandolfi
- Research Laboratory of Lung Diseases, Section of Cell Biology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Bozzini
- Research Laboratory of Lung Diseases, Section of Cell Biology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vanessa Frangipane
- Research Laboratory of Lung Diseases, Section of Cell Biology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Percivalle
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ada De Luigi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Protein Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri" IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Martina Bruna Violatto
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Protein Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri" IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lopez
- Pathology Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Gabanti
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Carsana
- Pathology Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Maura D'Amato
- Research Laboratory of Lung Diseases, Section of Cell Biology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Biochemistry Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Monica Morosini
- Research Laboratory of Lung Diseases, Section of Cell Biology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mara De Amici
- Laboratory of Immuno Allergology Clinical Chemistry and Pediatrics Clinic, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Manuela Nebuloni
- Pathology Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Tommaso Fossali
- Division of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Colombo
- Division of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Saracino
- Unit of Pneumology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Veronica Codullo
- Unit of Rheumatology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Gnecchi
- Coronary Care Unit and Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cardiology Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Bigini
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Protein Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri" IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Fausto Baldanti
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniele Lilleri
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Meloni
- Research Laboratory of Lung Diseases, Section of Cell Biology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine, Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Gégout Petit A, Jeulin H, Legrand K, Jay N, Bochnakian A, Vallois P, Schvoerer E, Guillemin F. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2, Symptom Profiles and Sero-Neutralization in a Suburban Area, France. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061076. [PMID: 34200070 PMCID: PMC8230202 DOI: 10.3390/v13061076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organisation recommends monitoring the circulation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We investigated anti-SARS-CoV-2 total immunoglobulin (IgT) antibody seroprevalence and in vitro sero-neutralization in Nancy, France, in spring 2020. Individuals were randomly sampled from electoral lists and invited with household members over 5 years old to be tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 (IgT, i.e., IgA/IgG/IgM) antibodies by ELISA (Bio-rad); the sero-neutralization activity was evaluated on Vero CCL-81 cells. Among 2006 individuals, the raw seroprevalence was 2.1% (95% confidence interval 1.5 to 2.9), was highest for 20- to 34-year-old participants (4.7% (2.3 to 8.4)), within than out of socially deprived area (2.5% vs. 1%, p = 0.02) and with than without intra-family infection (p < 10-6). Moreover, 25% of participants presented at least one COVID-19 symptom associated with SARS-CoV-2 positivity (p < 10-13), with highly discriminant anosmia or ageusia (odds ratio 27.8 [13.9 to 54.5]); 16.3% (6.8 to 30.7) of seropositive individuals were asymptomatic. Positive sero-neutralization was demonstrated in vitro for 31/43 seropositive subjects. Regarding the very low seroprevalence, a preventive effect of the lockdown in March 2020 can be assumed for the summer, but a second COVID-19 wave, as expected, could be subsequently observed in this poorly immunized population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Gégout Petit
- IECL, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, Inria, F-54000 Nancy, France; (A.G.P.); (P.V.)
| | - Hélène Jeulin
- LCPME, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, F-54000 Nancy, France;
- Laboratoire de Virologie, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, F-54500 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-383-153-467
| | - Karine Legrand
- CIC Epidémiologie Clinique, CHRU-Nancy, Inserm, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (K.L.); (A.B.); (F.G.)
| | - Nicolas Jay
- LORIA, CHRU-Nancy, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, Inria, LORIA, F-54000 Nancy, France;
| | - Agathe Bochnakian
- CIC Epidémiologie Clinique, CHRU-Nancy, Inserm, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (K.L.); (A.B.); (F.G.)
| | - Pierre Vallois
- IECL, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, Inria, F-54000 Nancy, France; (A.G.P.); (P.V.)
| | - Evelyne Schvoerer
- LCPME, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, F-54000 Nancy, France;
- Laboratoire de Virologie, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, F-54500 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Francis Guillemin
- CIC Epidémiologie Clinique, CHRU-Nancy, Inserm, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (K.L.); (A.B.); (F.G.)
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Sughayer MA, Mansour A, Al Nuirat A, Souan L, Ghanem M, Siag M. Dramatic rise in seroprevalence rates of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthy blood donors: The evolution of a pandemic. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 107:116-120. [PMID: 33892190 PMCID: PMC8057684 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.04.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seroprevalence studies of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are useful in assessing the epidemiological status in the community, and the degree of spread. OBJECTIVE To study the seroprevalence rates of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthy blood donors in Jordan, at various points of time and as the pandemic evolves in the community. METHODS In total, 1374 blood donor samples, from three groups, were tested for SARS-CoV-2 total immunoglobulin antibodies. In the first group, samples from 734 individuals (from donations made between January and June 2020) were tested in June. In the second group, 348 individuals were tested in September 2020. The third group of 292 individuals was tested in February 2021. A qualitative assay was used for testing (specificity 99.8%, sensitivity 100%). RESULTS The first two groups, from January-June and September 2020, when confirmed Covid-19 cases numbered between several hundred and 3000, showed a seroprevalence rate of 0% (95% CI 0.00-0.51%). The third group (early February 2021), when the number of confirmed cases had reached 100 times that of September 2020, revealed a seroprevalence of 27.4% (95% CI 22.5-32.9%). CONCLUSIONS A dramatic rise in seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was seen among healthy blood donors in Jordan, in parallel with widespread intracommunity transmission of the disease. This information is useful for assessing the degree of herd immunity, and provides for better understanding of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maher A Sughayer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan.
| | - Asem Mansour
- Department of Radiology, and CEO, King Hussein Cancer Center, Jordan
| | - Abeer Al Nuirat
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Lina Souan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Ghanem
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mahmoud Siag
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
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Moscato G, Mazzetti P, Lucenteforte E, Rosellini A, Cara A, Quaranta P, Mainardi V, Villa P, Focosi D, Lanza M, Bianco I, Mazzoni A, Falcone M, Menichetti F, Maggi F, Lai M, Freer G, Pistello M. Assessment of automated high-throughput serological assays for prediction of high-titer SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY PLUS 2021; 1:100016. [PMID: 35262004 PMCID: PMC8093006 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcvp.2021.100016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID19 convalescent patient plasma units with high titer neutralizing antibody can be used to treat patients with severe disease. Therefore, in order to select suitable donors, neutralizing antibody titer against SARS CoV-2 needs to be determined. Because the neutralization assay is highly demanding from several points of view, a pre-selection of sera would be desirable to minimize the number of sera to be tested. In this study, a total of 140 serum samples that had been titrated for SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody by microneutralization assay were also tested for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV2 antibody using 5 different tests: Architect® immunoassay (Abbott Diagnostics), detecting IgG against the nucleocapsid protein, LIAISON XL® (Diasorin) detecting IgG against a recombinant form of the S1/S2 subunits of the spike protein, VITROS® (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics), detecting IgG against a recombinant form of the spike protein, and ELISA (Euroimmun AG), detecting IgA or IgG against a recombinant form of the S1 subunit. To determine which immunoassay had the highest chance to detect sera with neutralizing antibodies above a certain threshold, we compared the results obtained from the five immunoassays with the titers obtained by microneutralization assay by linear regression analysis and by using receiver operating characteristic curve and Youden's index. Our results indicate that the most suitable method to predict sera with high Nab titer is Euroimmun® IgG, followed closely by Ortho VITROS® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paola Mazzetti
- Virology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
- Retrovirus Center, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via del Brennero 2, Pisa I-56127, Italy
| | - Ersilia Lucenteforte
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Alice Cara
- Virology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Quaranta
- Retrovirus Center, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via del Brennero 2, Pisa I-56127, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Villa
- Virology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniele Focosi
- North-Western Tuscany Blood Bank, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Lanza
- North-Western Tuscany Blood Bank, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Irene Bianco
- Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Biology, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mazzoni
- Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Biology, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Falcone
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Menichetti
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Virology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
- Retrovirus Center, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via del Brennero 2, Pisa I-56127, Italy
| | - Michele Lai
- Retrovirus Center, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via del Brennero 2, Pisa I-56127, Italy
| | - Giulia Freer
- Retrovirus Center, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via del Brennero 2, Pisa I-56127, Italy
| | - Mauro Pistello
- Virology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
- Retrovirus Center, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via del Brennero 2, Pisa I-56127, Italy
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84
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Cassaniti I, Percivalle E, Sarasini A, Cambiè G, Vecchio Nepita E, Maserati R, Ferrari A, Corcione A, Di Martino R, Bonetti A, Di Napoli A, Ferrari G, Baldanti F. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in blood donors from the Lodi Red Zone and adjacent Lodi metropolitan and suburban area. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 27:914.e1-914.e4. [PMID: 33677083 PMCID: PMC7930727 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To define the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in blood donors (referred to the first lockdown area (Lodi Red-Zone) of the Lombardy region and in a contiguous area that was not included in the first lockdown); to define the agreement between a commercial serological assay and a reference microneutralization assay; and to evaluate the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in a cohort of blood donors. METHODS Blood donors referred to the first lockdown area in Lombardy Region and the neighbouring area were analysed for SARS-CoV-2 IgG-specific antibodies during the period 18 March to 24 June 2020. Serum samples were analysed using both a chemiluminescent immunoassay (LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG, DiaSorin) for the quantitative characterization of SARS-CoV-2 anti-S1 and anti-S2 IgG antibodies and a neutralizing antibodies (NT-Abs) assay. RESULTS In the period from 18 March to 24 June, 1922 blood donors were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG showing a prevalence of 378/1922 (19.7%). A subgroup of 1139 blood donors were tested in parallel with a SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay and a microneutralization assay showing a prevalence of 22.2% and 21.6%, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 IgG quantification was correlated with NT-Abs titres. In 78.2% of participants the NT-Abs titre was maintained, but in 15.8% it decreased by one four-fold dilution and in 6.0% it increased by one four-fold dilution. CONCLUSIONS The duration of immunity of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for the course of the pandemic and for this reason the monitoring of NT Abs is important. Despite a stable NT-Abs titre being observed in the majority of blood donors, our findings need to be validated in a long-term period of follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Cassaniti
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical Surgical Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Percivalle
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonella Sarasini
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cambiè
- Immunohaematology and Transfusion Medicine Unit, Ospedale Maggiore di Lodi, Lodi, Italy
| | - Edoardo Vecchio Nepita
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical Surgical Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberta Maserati
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ferrari
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical Surgical Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alfonso Corcione
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical Surgical Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Raffaella Di Martino
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical Surgical Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alice Bonetti
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical Surgical Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Annapia Di Napoli
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical Surgical Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Ferrari
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical Surgical Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fausto Baldanti
- Molecular Virology Unit, Microbiology and Virology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical Surgical Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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85
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Ellis PJI. Modelling suggests ABO histo-incompatibility may substantially reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Epidemics 2021; 35:100446. [PMID: 33706041 PMCID: PMC7919530 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2021.100446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Several independent datasets suggest blood type A is over-represented and type O under-represented among COVID-19 patients. However, blood group antigens appear not to be conventional susceptibility factors in that they do not affect disease severity, and the relative risk to non-O individuals is attenuated when population prevalence is high. Here, I model a scenario in which ABO transfusion incompatibility reduces the chance of a patient transmitting the virus to an incompatible recipient - thus in Western populations type A and AB individuals are "super-recipients" while type O individuals are "super-spreaders". This results in an offset in the timing of the epidemic among individuals of different blood types, and an increased relative risk to type A/AB patients that is most pronounced during early stages of the epidemic. However, once the majority of any given population is infected, the relative risk to each blood type approaches unity. Published data on COVID-19 prevalence from regions in the early stages of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic suggests that if this model holds true, ABO incompatibility reduces virus transmissibility by at least 60 %. Exploring the implications of this model for vaccination strategies shows that paradoxically, targeted vaccination of either high-susceptibility type A/AB or "super-spreader" type O individuals is less effective than random vaccination at blocking community spread of the virus. Instead, the key is to maintain blood type diversity among the remaining susceptible individuals. Given the good agreement between this model and observational data on disease prevalence, the underlying biochemistry urgently requires experimental investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J I Ellis
- University of Kent School of Biosciences, Stacey Building, Canterbury, KENT, CT2 7NZ, UK.
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86
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De Silvestro G, Gandini G, Fiorin F, Marson P, Barbone E, Frigato A, Gessoni G, Veronesi A, Pacenti M, Castelli M, Rinaldi M, Rizzi M, Stefani F, Roveroni G. Preparedness and activities of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 convalescent plasma bank in the Veneto region (Italy): An organizational model for future emergencies. Transfus Apher Sci 2021; 60:103154. [PMID: 33994107 PMCID: PMC8103741 DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2021.103154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Convalescent plasma (CP) has been used in the past in various pandemics, in particular in H1N1, SARS and MERS infections. In Spring 2020, when ongoing the SARS-CoV-2 pandemics, the Veneto Region (V-R) has proposed setting-up an anti-SARS-CoV-2 CP (CCP) Bank, with the aim of preparing a supply of CCP immediately available in case of subsequest epidemic waves. Materials and Methods Key-points to be developed for a quick set-up of the V-R CCP Bank have been recruitment of donors recovered from COVID-19 infection, laboratory analysis for the biological qualification of the CCP units, including titre of neutralizing antibodies and reduction of pathogens, according to National Blood Centre (CNS) Directives, adaptation of the V-R Information Technology systems and cost analysis. Some activities, including diagnostic and viral inactivation processes, have been centralized in 2 or 3 sites. Laboratory analysis upon preliminary admission of the donor included all tests required by the Italian laws and the CNS directives. Results From April to August 2020, 3,298 people have contacted the V-R Blood Transfusion Services: of these, 1,632 have been evaluated and examined as first time donors and those found to be suitable have carried out 955 donations, from which 2,626 therapeutic fractions have been obtained, at a cost around 215,00 Euro. Since October 2020, the number of COVID-19 inpatients has had a surge with a heavy hospital overload. Moreover, the high request of CCP therapy by clinicians has been just as unexpected, showing a wide therapeutic use. Conclusions The organizational model here presented, which has allowed the rapid collection of a large amount of CCP, could be useful when facing new pandemic outbreaks, especially in low and middle income countries, with generally acceptable costs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giorgio Gandini
- Transfusion Medicine Department of Verona, University Hospital of Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco Fiorin
- Transfusion Medicine Department of Vicenza, San Bortolo Hospital of Vicenza, Italy
| | - Piero Marson
- Transfusion Medicine Department of Padova, University Hospital of Padova, Italy
| | - Ersilia Barbone
- Transfusion Medicine Department of Belluno, San Martino Hospital of Belluno, Italy
| | - Andrea Frigato
- Transfusion Medicine Department of Rovigo, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital of Rovigo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Gessoni
- Transfusion Medicine Department of Venezia, Dell'Angelo Hospital of Mestre (Venice), Italy
| | - Arianna Veronesi
- Transfusion Medicine Department of Treviso, Ca' Foncello Hospital of Treviso, Italy
| | - Monia Pacenti
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital of Padova, Italy
| | - Monica Castelli
- Transfusion Medicine Department of Vicenza, San Bortolo Hospital of Vicenza, Italy
| | - Marianna Rinaldi
- Transfusion Medicine Department of Verona, University Hospital of Verona, Italy
| | - Monica Rizzi
- Transfusion Medicine Department of Verona, University Hospital of Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Stefani
- Transfusion Medicine Department of Vicenza, San Bortolo Hospital of Vicenza, Italy
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Tseng WP, Wu JL, Wu CC, Kuo KT, Lin CH, Chung MY, Lee YF, Yang BJ, Huang CH, Chen SY, Yu CJ, Chen SC, Hsueh PR. Seroprevalence Surveys for Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody in Different Populations in Taiwan With Low Incidence of COVID-19 in 2020 and Severe Outbreaks of SARS in 2003. Front Immunol 2021; 12:626609. [PMID: 34084161 PMCID: PMC8167053 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.626609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurate detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies provides a more accurate estimation of incident cases, epidemic dynamics, and risk of community transmission. We conducted a cross-sectional seroprevalence study specifically targeting different populations to examine the performance of pandemic control in Taiwan: symptomatic patients with epidemiological risk and negative qRT-PCR test (Group P), frontline healthcare workers (Group H), healthy adult citizens (Group C), and participants with prior virologically-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) infection in 2003 (Group S). The presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 total and IgG antibodies in all participants were determined by Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 test and Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay, respectively. Sera that showed positive results by the two chemiluminescent immunoassays were further tested by three anti-SARS-CoV-2 lateral flow immunoassays and line immunoassay (MIKROGEN recomLine SARS-CoV-2 IgG). Between June 29 and July 25, 2020, sera of 2,115 participates, including 499 Group P participants, 464 Group H participants, 1,142 Group C participants, and 10 Group S participants, were tested. After excluding six false-positive samples, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence were 0.4, 0, and 0% in Groups P, H, and C, respectively. Cross-reactivity with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was observed in 80.0% of recovered SARS participants. Our study showed that rigorous exclusion of false-positive testing results is imperative for an accurate estimate of seroprevalence in countries with previous SARS outbreak and low COVID-19 prevalence. The overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was extremely low among populations of different exposure risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 in Taiwan, supporting the importance of integrated countermeasures in containing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 before effective COVID-19 vaccines available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Pin Tseng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jhong-Lin Wu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chi Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research and Department of Integrated Surgery, Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park Medical Center (National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Biomedical Park Branch), Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Ting Kuo
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Biomedical Park Branch, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hao Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yi Chung
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Fan Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bey-Jing Yang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hua Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shey-Ying Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Quality Management, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chong-Jen Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Biomedical Park Branch, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Shyr-Chyr Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ren Hsueh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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88
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Serological surveys to inform SARS-CoV-2 epidemic curve: a cross-sectional study from Odisha, India. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10551. [PMID: 34006960 PMCID: PMC8131641 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89877-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This was a population based cross-sectional study carried out to estimate and compare the seroprevalence, hidden prevalence and determine the demographic risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection among adults in the three largest cities of Odisha, India, and ascertain the association with the progression of the epidemic. The survey carried out in August 2020 in the three largest cities of the state of Odisha, India. Blood samples were collected from the residents using random sampling methods and tested for anti- SARS CoV-2 antibodies using an automated CLIA platform. A total of 4146 participants from the 3 cities of Bhubaneswar (BBS), Berhampur (BAM) and Rourkela (RKL) participated. The female to male participation ratio was 5.9:10 across the three cities. The gender weighted seroprevalence across the three cities was 20.78% (95% CI 19.56–22.05%). While females reported a higher seroprevalence (22.8%) as compared to males (18.8%), there was no significant difference in seroprevalence across age groups. A majority of the seropositive participants were asymptomatic (90.49%). The case to infection ratio on the date of serosurvey was 1:6.6 in BBS, 1:61 in BAM and 1:29.8 in RKL. The study found a high seroprevalence against COVID-19 in urban Odisha as well as high numbers of asymptomatic infections. The epidemic curves had a correlation with the seroprevalence.
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89
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Eviatar T, Elalouf O, Furer V, Goldstein-Lahat Y, Paran Y, Pel S, Nevo S, Zisapel M, Alcalay Y, Elkayam O. Prevalence of COVID-19 and seroprevalence to SARS-CoV-2 in a rheumatologic patient population from a tertiary referral clinic in Israel. Intern Med J 2021; 51:682-690. [PMID: 33844415 PMCID: PMC8251200 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Background It is unclear if the prevalence of COVID‐19 in rheumatologic patients is similar to that of the general population. There are no reports of seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in these patients. Aims To investigate prevalence of COVID‐19 cases and seroprevalence among rheumatologic patients and the risk factors for infection. Methods A cross‐sectional study in a rheumatologic population. An online questionnaire was sent on 31 April 2020. Blood samples from 20% sample of patients were drawn for SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies. Patients were divided based on autoimmune (AI) diagnosis. Prevalence of COVID‐19 by nasopharyngeal swab and by serology (seroprevalence) was compared to national data. Risk factors for infection of SARS‐CoV‐2 were assessed. Results The study group included 1204 patients, 74.5% had an AI diagnosis. The prevalence of COVID‐19 was 0.16% in the rheumatologic patient population and 0.22% in the AI group, which was not different from prevalence in Israel on 4 May 2020 (0.18%, P = 0.912 and P = 0.759 respectively). Serologic tests were performed in 242 patients, of which five were found positive pointing to a seroprevalence of 2.07%. Exposure to a known COVID‐19 patient was the only significant risk factor for being positive by swab or by serology. AI diagnosis, immunosuppression, corticosteroid, hydroxychloroquine did not influence the risk. Conclusions The prevalence of COVID‐19 in a population of rheumatologic patients was similar to that of the general population. Mild/asymptomatic cases may be prevalent according to serologic tests. The major risk factor for infection is exposure to a known case of COVID‐19, and immunosuppression did not play a role in the risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tali Eviatar
- Rheumatology Department, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ofir Elalouf
- Rheumatology Department, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Victoria Furer
- Rheumatology Department, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Goldstein-Lahat
- Rheumatology Department, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Paran
- Infectious Disease Unit, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sara Pel
- Rheumatology Department, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sharon Nevo
- Rheumatology Department, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Michael Zisapel
- Rheumatology Department, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yifat Alcalay
- Immunology Laboratory, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ori Elkayam
- Rheumatology Department, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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90
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Godinas L, Iyer K, Meszaros G, Quarck R, Escribano-Subias P, Vonk Noordegraaf A, Jansa P, D'Alto M, Luknar M, Milutinov Ilic S, Belge C, Sitbon O, Reis A, Rosenkranz S, Pepke-Zaba J, Humbert M, Delcroix M. PH CARE COVID survey: an international patient survey on the care for pulmonary hypertension patients during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:196. [PMID: 33933110 PMCID: PMC8087873 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-01752-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the health care systems suspended their non-urgent activities. This included the cancellation of consultations for patients with rare diseases, such as severe pulmonary hypertension (PH), resulting in potential medication shortage and loss of follow-up. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate PH patient health status evolution, access to health care and mental health experience during the early phase of the pandemic. Methods We conducted an online patient survey, available in 16 languages, between 22/05/2020 and 28/06/2020. The survey included questions corresponding to demographic, COVID-19 and PH related information. Results 1073 patients (or relatives, 27%) from 52 countries all over the world participated in the survey. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of responders reported a diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension and 15% of chronic thromboembolic PH. The COVID-19 related events were few: only 1% of all responders reported a diagnosis of COVID-19. However, 8% of patients reported health deterioration possibly related to PH, and 4% hospitalization for PH. Besides, 11% of the patients reported difficulties to access their PH expert centre, and 3% interruption of treatment due to shortage of medication. Anxiety or depression was reported by 67% of the participants. Conclusion Although COVID-19 incidence in PH patients was low, PH related problems occurred frequently as the pandemic progressed, including difficulties to have access to specialized care. The importance of primary health care was emphasized. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term consequences of COVID-related PH care disruption. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-021-01752-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Godinas
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. .,Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Keerthana Iyer
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.,Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Pneumologie, Centre de Référence de L'Hypertension Pulmonaire, ERN-LUNG, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.,Inserm UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | | | - Rozenn Quarck
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pilar Escribano-Subias
- Cardiology Department and Spanish Cardiovascular Research Network (CIBER-CV), Hospital Universitario, 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anton Vonk Noordegraaf
- Departement of Pulmonary Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Pavel Jansa
- Department of Medicine - Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michele D'Alto
- Department of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Milan Luknar
- National Cardiovascular Institute, Comenius University School of Medicine, Pod Krasnou Horkou 1, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Catharina Belge
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Olivier Sitbon
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.,Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Pneumologie, Centre de Référence de L'Hypertension Pulmonaire, ERN-LUNG, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.,Inserm UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | - Abílio Reis
- Medicine Department, Pulmonary Vascular Diseases Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Stephan Rosenkranz
- Department III of Internal Medicine and, Cologne Cardiovascular Research Center (CCRC), Cologne University Heart Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Joanna Pepke-Zaba
- Pulmonary Vascular Diseases Unit, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marc Humbert
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.,Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Pneumologie, Centre de Référence de L'Hypertension Pulmonaire, ERN-LUNG, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.,Inserm UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | - Marion Delcroix
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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91
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Napolitano F, Di Giuseppe G, Montemurro MV, Molinari AM, Donnarumma G, Arnese A, Pavia M, Angelillo IF. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Adults and Healthcare Workers in Southern Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4761. [PMID: 33947008 PMCID: PMC8125185 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was carried out to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a Southern Italian population. METHODS The study was performed among students and workers of the University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" and the relative Teaching Hospital. Participants were invited to undergo a blood sampling, an interview or to complete a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 140 participants (5.8%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Positive SARS-CoV-2 test results increased significantly during the months of testing, and those who had had at least one symptom among fever, cough, dyspnea, loss of taste or smell and who had had contact with a family member/cohabitant with confirmed COVID-19 were more likely to test positive. Faculty members were less likely to have a positive test result compared to the healthcare workers (HCWs). Among HCWs, physicians showed the lowest rate of seroconversion (5.2%) compared to nurses (8.9%) and other categories (10%). Nurses and other HCWs compared to the physicians, those who had had at least one symptom among fever, cough, dyspnea, loss of taste or smell, and who had had contact with a family member/cohabitant with confirmed COVID-19 were more likely to test positive. CONCLUSIONS The results have demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 infection is rapidly spreading even in Southern Italy and confirm the substantial role of seroprevalence studies for the assessment of SARS-CoV-2 infection circulation and potential for further spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Napolitano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. Armanni, 5 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (G.D.G.); (G.D.); (A.A.); (M.P.)
| | - Gabriella Di Giuseppe
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. Armanni, 5 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (G.D.G.); (G.D.); (A.A.); (M.P.)
| | - Maria Vittoria Montemurro
- Health Direction, Teaching Hospital of the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 104 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Anna Maria Molinari
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio, 7 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Donnarumma
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. Armanni, 5 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (G.D.G.); (G.D.); (A.A.); (M.P.)
| | - Antonio Arnese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. Armanni, 5 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (G.D.G.); (G.D.); (A.A.); (M.P.)
| | - Maria Pavia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. Armanni, 5 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (G.D.G.); (G.D.); (A.A.); (M.P.)
| | - Italo Francesco Angelillo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. Armanni, 5 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (G.D.G.); (G.D.); (A.A.); (M.P.)
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92
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Tkachenko AV, Maslov S, Elbanna A, Wong GN, Weiner ZJ, Goldenfeld N. Time-dependent heterogeneity leads to transient suppression of the COVID-19 epidemic, not herd immunity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2015972118. [PMID: 33833080 PMCID: PMC8092384 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2015972118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemics generally spread through a succession of waves that reflect factors on multiple timescales. On short timescales, superspreading events lead to burstiness and overdispersion, whereas long-term persistent heterogeneity in susceptibility is expected to lead to a reduction in both the infection peak and the herd immunity threshold (HIT). Here, we develop a general approach to encompass both timescales, including time variations in individual social activity, and demonstrate how to incorporate them phenomenologically into a wide class of epidemiological models through reparameterization. We derive a nonlinear dependence of the effective reproduction number [Formula: see text] on the susceptible population fraction S. We show that a state of transient collective immunity (TCI) emerges well below the HIT during early, high-paced stages of the epidemic. However, this is a fragile state that wanes over time due to changing levels of social activity, and so the infection peak is not an indication of long-lasting herd immunity: Subsequent waves may emerge due to behavioral changes in the population, driven by, for example, seasonal factors. Transient and long-term levels of heterogeneity are estimated using empirical data from the COVID-19 epidemic and from real-life face-to-face contact networks. These results suggest that the hardest hit areas, such as New York City, have achieved TCI following the first wave of the epidemic, but likely remain below the long-term HIT. Thus, in contrast to some previous claims, these regions can still experience subsequent waves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei V Tkachenko
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973;
| | - Sergei Maslov
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801;
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Ahmed Elbanna
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - George N Wong
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Zachary J Weiner
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Nigel Goldenfeld
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
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93
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Dramatic rise in seroprevalence rates of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthy blood donors: The evolution of a pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES : IJID : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021. [PMID: 33892190 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.04.059.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seroprevalence studies of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are useful in assessing the epidemiological status in the community, and the degree of spread. OBJECTIVE To study the seroprevalence rates of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthy blood donors in Jordan, at various points of time and as the pandemic evolves in the community. METHODS In total, 1374 blood donor samples, from three groups, were tested for SARS-CoV-2 total immunoglobulin antibodies. In the first group, samples from 734 individuals (from donations made between January and June 2020) were tested in June. In the second group, 348 individuals were tested in September 2020. The third group of 292 individuals was tested in February 2021. A qualitative assay was used for testing (specificity 99.8%, sensitivity 100%). RESULTS The first two groups, from January-June and September 2020, when confirmed Covid-19 cases numbered between several hundred and 3000, showed a seroprevalence rate of 0% (95% CI 0.00-0.51%). The third group (early February 2021), when the number of confirmed cases had reached 100 times that of September 2020, revealed a seroprevalence of 27.4% (95% CI 22.5-32.9%). CONCLUSIONS A dramatic rise in seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was seen among healthy blood donors in Jordan, in parallel with widespread intracommunity transmission of the disease. This information is useful for assessing the degree of herd immunity, and provides for better understanding of the pandemic.
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94
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Giovanetti M, Cella E, Benedetti F, Rife Magalis B, Fonseca V, Fabris S, Campisi G, Ciccozzi A, Angeletti S, Borsetti A, Tambone V, Sagnelli C, Pascarella S, Riva A, Ceccarelli G, Marcello A, Azarian T, Wilkinson E, de Oliveira T, Alcantara LCJ, Cauda R, Caruso A, Dean NE, Browne C, Lourenco J, Salemi M, Zella D, Ciccozzi M. SARS-CoV-2 shifting transmission dynamics and hidden reservoirs potentially limit efficacy of public health interventions in Italy. Commun Biol 2021; 4:489. [PMID: 33883675 PMCID: PMC8060392 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02025-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics in Italy, one of the countries hit hardest by the pandemic, using phylodynamic analysis of viral genetic and epidemiological data. We observed the co-circulation of multiple SARS-CoV-2 lineages over time, which were linked to multiple importations and characterized by large transmission clusters concomitant with a high number of infections. Subsequent implementation of a three-phase nationwide lockdown strategy greatly reduced infection numbers and hospitalizations. Yet we present evidence of sustained viral spread among sporadic clusters acting as "hidden reservoirs" during summer 2020. Mathematical modelling shows that increased mobility among residents eventually catalyzed the coalescence of such clusters, thus driving up the number of infections and initiating a new epidemic wave. Our results suggest that the efficacy of public health interventions is, ultimately, limited by the size and structure of epidemic reservoirs, which may warrant prioritization during vaccine deployment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Giovanetti
- Laboratório de Flavivírus, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Medical Statistic and Molecular Epidemiology Unit, University of Biomedical Campus, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cella
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Francesca Benedetti
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brittany Rife Magalis
- Emerging Pathogens Institute & Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Vagner Fonseca
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Coordenação Geral dos Laboratórios de Saúde Pública/Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, (CGLAB/SVS-MS) Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Silvia Fabris
- Medical Statistic and Molecular Epidemiology Unit, University of Biomedical Campus, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Campisi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Microbiology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ciccozzi
- Medical Statistic and Molecular Epidemiology Unit, University of Biomedical Campus, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Angeletti
- Unit of Clinical Laboratory Science, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Caterina Sagnelli
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Pascarella
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Riva
- ICBR, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Giancarlo Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Policlinico Umberto I Università 'Sapienza', Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marcello
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Taj Azarian
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Eduan Wilkinson
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tulio de Oliveira
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Luiz Carlos Junior Alcantara
- Laboratório de Flavivírus, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Roberto Cauda
- Department Infectious Diseases, - Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Arnaldo Caruso
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Microbiology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Natalie E Dean
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Cameron Browne
- Department of Mathematics, University of Lafayette, Lafayette, LA, USA
| | - Jose Lourenco
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Marco Salemi
- Emerging Pathogens Institute & Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Davide Zella
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Medical Statistic and Molecular Epidemiology Unit, University of Biomedical Campus, Rome, Italy.
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95
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Zaidi S, Rizwan F, Riaz Q, Siddiqui A, Khawaja S, Imam M, Naz A, Waheed S, Shamsi T. Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in residents of Karachi-challenges in acquiring herd immunity for COVID 19. J Public Health (Oxf) 2021; 43:3-8. [PMID: 32940328 PMCID: PMC7797721 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdaa170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent pandemic by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global emergency. There is large number of asymptomatic cases of SARS-CoV-2 that are not reported. Hence, serological evidence of SARS-CoV2 antibodies is warranted for a better estimation of the actual number of infected patients to limit the disease spread and to get an idea of herd immunity. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study conducted from May 2020 to July 2020 at National Institute of Blood Diseases at Pakistan. The study includes healthcare workers (HCWs), community and industrial workers. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 test was performed by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer. RESULTS A total of 1675 samples have been received from three groups of population. The percentage positivity for industrial employees is high (50.3%) for HCW (13.2%) and community population (34%).Total percentage for positive antibodies result is ~36%. CONCLUSION Our seroprevalence is 36%, which still far from herd immunity that needs to be at least 60-70% in population. If we consider acquiring 60% seroprevalence in next few months, then herd immunity is not far from reality, provided the antibodies did not decline with time. Although the current study is based on a small sample of participants, the findings suggest a study with larger population to implement stronger and targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samreen Zaidi
- Department of Paediatrics and Paediatric Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplant, Karachi 75300, Pakistan
| | - Faiza Rizwan
- Department of Microbiology, National Institute of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplant, Karachi 75300, Pakistan
| | - Quratulain Riaz
- Department of Haematology, National Institute of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplant, Karachi 75300, Pakistan
| | - Asma Siddiqui
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Institute of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplant, Karachi 75300, Pakistan
| | - Shabnam Khawaja
- Department of Chemical Pathology, National Institute of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplant, Karachi 75300, Pakistan
| | - Mehjabeen Imam
- Department of Immunology, National Institute of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplant, Karachi 75300, Pakistan
| | - Arshi Naz
- Department of Haematology, National Institute of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplant, Karachi 75300, Pakistan
| | - Samra Waheed
- Department of Haematology, National Institute of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplant, Karachi 75300, Pakistan
| | - Tahir Shamsi
- Department of Haematology, National Institute of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplant, Karachi 75300, Pakistan
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Spada E, Vitale F, Bruno F, Castelli G, Reale S, Perego R, Baggiani L, Proverbio D. A pre- and during Pandemic Survey of Sars-Cov-2 Infection in Stray Colony and Shelter Cats from a High Endemic Area of Northern Italy. Viruses 2021; 13:618. [PMID: 33916759 PMCID: PMC8066308 DOI: 10.3390/v13040618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cats are susceptible to infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Whilst a number of studies have been performed worldwide on owned cats, limited data are available on stray, colony or shelter cats. We investigated SARS-CoV-2 infection in a stray cat population before and during human outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 in cities in the Lombardy region in northern Italy, a high endemic region for SARS-CoV-2, using serological and molecular methods. A cohort of different samples were collected from 241 cats, including frozen archived serum samples from 136 cats collected before the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and serum, pharyngeal and rectal swab samples from 105 cats collected during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. All pre-pandemic samples tested seronegative for antibodies against the nucleocapsid of SARS-CoV-2 using indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test, while one serum sample collected during the pandemic was seropositive. No serological cross-reactivity was detected between SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and antibodies against feline enteric (FECV) and infectious peritonitis coronavirus (FIPC), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Feline Calicivirus (FCV), Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), Feline Parvovirus (FPV), Leishmania infantum, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., Toxoplasma gondii or Chlamydophila felis. No pharyngeal or rectal swab tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA on real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). Our data show that SARS-CoV-2 did infect stray cats in Lombardy during the COVID-19 pandemic, but with lower prevalence than found in owned cats. This should alleviate public concerns about stray cats acting as SARS-CoV-2 carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Spada
- Laboratorio di Ricerca di Medicina Emotrasfusionale Veterinaria (REvLab), Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.B.); (D.P.)
| | - Fabrizio Vitale
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) della Sicilia A. Mirri, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (F.V.); (F.B.); (G.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Federica Bruno
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) della Sicilia A. Mirri, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (F.V.); (F.B.); (G.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Germano Castelli
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) della Sicilia A. Mirri, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (F.V.); (F.B.); (G.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Stefano Reale
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) della Sicilia A. Mirri, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (F.V.); (F.B.); (G.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Roberta Perego
- Laboratorio di Ricerca di Medicina Emotrasfusionale Veterinaria (REvLab), Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.B.); (D.P.)
| | - Luciana Baggiani
- Laboratorio di Ricerca di Medicina Emotrasfusionale Veterinaria (REvLab), Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.B.); (D.P.)
| | - Daniela Proverbio
- Laboratorio di Ricerca di Medicina Emotrasfusionale Veterinaria (REvLab), Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.B.); (D.P.)
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad Spellberg
- Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles
| | - Travis B Nielsen
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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He S, Han J. Biorepositories (biobanks) of human body fluids and materials as archives for tracing early infections of COVID-19. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 274:116525. [PMID: 33516955 PMCID: PMC7813484 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Identifying the individuals and geographical regions witnessing early infections or outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants is helpful for studying the early epidemiology or even the origin of the novel coronavirus. Here, we put forward a strategy that can potentially contribute to this goal. Human body fluids and biological materials collected before the COVID-19 pandemic may serve as archives for retrospective testing of early human infections before the recent outbreaks. These have been routinely donated, collected, and archived, creating biorepositories or "biobanks" for clinical or research purposes. SARS-CoV-2 genetic materials and its antibodies have been confirmed in various types of biological samples from COVID-19 patients, including blood, sperm, umbilical cord blood, lung, heart, kidney and so on, making these biological archives as candidates for detecting early COVID-19 infections. Unlike sewage-based epidemiology which only provides information on the geographical aspect, viruses identified in archived human biological samples provide direct links to individuals, from whom a wealth of personal information including their profession, hobbies and activities, travel history, and previous exposure to wildlife can all be retrieved. By analyzing the patterns and links in the behavior of those early infected individuals, it is possible to trace the origin of the virus, for instance, in certain wild animals or local environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan He
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
| | - Jie Han
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China.
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99
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Grant R, Dub T, Andrianou X, Nohynek H, Wilder-Smith A, Pezzotti P, Fontanet A. SARS-CoV-2 population-based seroprevalence studies in Europe: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e045425. [PMID: 33795310 PMCID: PMC8021754 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to review SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies conducted in Europe to understand how they may be used to inform ongoing control strategies for COVID-19. DESIGN Scoping review of peer-reviewed publications and manuscripts on preprint servers from January 2020 to 15 September 2020. PRIMARY MEASURE Seroprevalence estimate (and lower and upper CIs). For studies conducted across a country or territory, we used the seroprevalence estimate and the upper and lower CIs and compared them to the total number of reported infections to calculate the ratio of reported to expected infections. RESULTS We identified 23 population-based seroprevalence studies conducted in Europe. Among 12 general population studies, seroprevalence ranged from 0.42% among residual clinical samples in Greece to 13.6% in an area of high transmission in Gangelt, Germany. Of the eight studies in blood donors, seroprevalence ranged from 0.91% in North-Western Germany to 23.3% in a high-transmission area in Lombardy region, Italy. In three studies which recruited individuals through employment, seroprevalence ranged from 0.5% among factory workers in Frankfurt, Germany, to 10.2% among university employees in Milan, Italy. In comparison to nationally reported cases, the extent of infection, as derived from these seroprevalence estimates, is manyfold higher and largely heterogeneous. CONCLUSION Exposure to the virus in Europe has not reached a level of infection that would prevent further circulation of the virus. Effective vaccine candidates are urgently required to deliver the level of immunity in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Grant
- Emerging Diseases Epidemiology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Timothée Dub
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Xanthi Andrianou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), Rome, Italy
- Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Hanna Nohynek
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Annelies Wilder-Smith
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patrizio Pezzotti
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), Rome, Italy
| | - Arnaud Fontanet
- Emerging Diseases Epidemiology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- PACRI Unit, Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, Paris, France
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Golinelli D, Lenzi J, Adja KYC, Reno C, Sanmarchi F, Fantini MP, Gibertoni D. Small-scale spatial analysis shows the specular distribution of excess mortality between the first and second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. Public Health 2021; 194:182-184. [PMID: 33962094 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of the study is to compare excess mortality (EM) patterns and spatial correlation between the first and second wave of the pandemic in Lombardy, the Italian region that paid an extremely high COVID-19-related mortality toll in March and April 2020. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a longitudinal study using municipality-level mortality data. METHODS We investigated the patterns and spatial correlation of EM of men aged ≥75 years during the first two pandemic waves (March-April 2020 vs November 2020) of COVID-19, using the mortality data released by the Italian National Institute of Statistics. EM was estimated at the municipality level to accurately detect the critical areas within the region. RESULTS The areas that were mostly hit during the first wave of COVID-19 were generally spared by the second wave: EM of men aged ≥75 years in the municipality of Bergamo plummeted from +472% in March and April to -13% in November, and in Cremona the variation was from +344% to -19%. Conversely, in November 2020 EM was higher in some areas that had been protected in the first wave of the pandemic. Spatial correlation widely corroborates these findings, as large sections of the hot spots of EM detected in the first wave of the pandemic changed into cold spots in the second wave, and vice versa. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal the specular distribution of EM between the first and second wave of the pandemic, which may entail the consequences of social distancing measures and individual behaviors, local management strategies, 'harvesting' of the frailer population and, possibly, acquired immune protection. In conclusion, our findings support the need for continuous monitoring and analysis of mortality data using detailed spatial resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Golinelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - J Lenzi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - K Y C Adja
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Reno
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Sanmarchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - M P Fantini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - D Gibertoni
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126, Bologna, Italy
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