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Tejiokem MC, Abessolo HA, Nkodo JM, Ouethy M, Mayaka GB, Touha Y, Dikoume UA, Tchatchueng‐Mbougua JB, Noumbissi DC, Ndjeukam WT, Mbarga HOO, Ngoupo PAT, Moussi C, Garoua BH, Njouom R, Richard V. High seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 among healthcare workers in Yaoundé, Cameroon after the first wave of Covid-19 pandemic and associated factors. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2024; 18:e13239. [PMID: 38342486 PMCID: PMC10859237 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare workers (HWs) are at a high risk of exposure to emerging health threats. Following the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Cameroon, we explored the presence and persistence of naturally acquired antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the factors associated with seropositivity in HWs. METHODS Staff at two referral hospitals in Yaoundé or two Health District Hospitals in Obala and Mbalmayo were included in a 6-month prospective cohort analysis or cross-sectional survey, respectively. Seroprevalence and associated factors were determined, and Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess antibody persistence or positive seroconversion over time. RESULTS From August 2020 to March 2021, 426 HWs (median age: 31 years, interquartile range: 27-37 years; 66.4% female) were enrolled. The overall seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 54.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 49.1-58.8) and was significantly different between study sites (p = 0.04). Of the 216 HWs included in the 6-month cohort, 109 (50.5%) HWs were seropositive at inclusion; the probability of persistent antibodies or of becoming seropositive was 93.8% (95% CI: 84.2-100) and 78.9% (95% CI: 61.7-88.4), respectively. Seroconversion was associated with study site and occupation but not with infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. CONCLUSIONS We observed high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody and seroconversion among HWs associated with occupational risk. This suggests low compliance to the COVID-19 control measures. Continued training and implementation of IPC measures and accelerated preparedness are needed to better tackle future threats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hermine Abessolo Abessolo
- Centre Spécialisé de Prise en Charge des Patients Covid‐19annexe 2 Hôpital Central de YaoundéYaoundéCameroon
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Charlotte Moussi
- Délégation Régionale de la Santé Publique du CentreYaoundéCameroon
| | - Bonaventure Hollong Garoua
- Centre Spécialisé de Prise en Charge des Patients Covid‐19annexe 2 Hôpital Central de YaoundéYaoundéCameroon
| | - Richard Njouom
- Service de virologieCentre Pasteur du CamerounYaoundéCameroon
| | - Vincent Richard
- Direction Internationale, Institut Pasteur, Réseau International des Instituts PasteurParisFrance
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Helou M, Zoghbi S, El Osta N, Mina J, Mokhbat J, Husni R. COVID-19 infection and seroconversion rates in healthcare workers in Lebanon: An observational study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e32992. [PMID: 37115042 PMCID: PMC10143398 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is a recent pandemic. Healthcare workers (HCW) are at high risk of acquiring the infection and transmitting it to others. Seroprevalence for COVID-19 among HCW varies between countries, hospitals in the same country and even among different departments in the same hospital. In this study, we aim to determine the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies and the seroconversion among the HCW in our hospital. A total of 203 HCW were included. The rate of conversion to seropositive was 19.7% in total, with a rate of 13.4% in female versus 25% in male. The seropositivity in the House keeping group was 83%, followed by 45% in the COVID Floor while the seropositivity in the Anesthesia was 4% and the Infection Control 0%. The highest seropositivity rate in the COVID floor, and in the intensive care unit was explained by the long time spent with the patients. While in the inhalation team and the anesthesia, the lower rates of seropositivity was due to the N95 mask wearing the whole time. Seropositivity for COVID-19 in HCW is a major public health concern. Policies should be implemented to better protect HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Helou
- Division of Emergency, Department of Internal Medicine, Lebanese American University, School of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sanaa Zoghbi
- Division of Infection Control, Lebanese American University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nour El Osta
- Division of Emergency, Department of Internal Medicine, Lebanese American University, School of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jonathan Mina
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Lebanese American University, School of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jacques Mokhbat
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Lebanese American University, School of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rola Husni
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Lebanese American University, School of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
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Schablon A, Harth V, Terschüren C, Kleinmüller O, Wohlert C, Schnabel C, Brehm TT, Schulze zur Wiesch J, Kersten JF, Nienhaus A. Longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence among Employees in Outpatient Care Services in Hamburg. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085599. [PMID: 37107881 PMCID: PMC10138530 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection is particularly high for healthcare workers during the pandemic. Home care workers visit many different households per shift. Encounters with mostly elderly patients and their relatives increase the potential for the undetected spread of SARS-CoV-2. In order to gain insight into the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and possible transmission risks in outpatient care, this follow-up study was conducted with nursing services in Hamburg. The aim was to estimate the dynamics of seroprevalence in this occupational group over a 12-month period, to identify occupation-specific risk factors, and to collect information on the vaccination status of the surveyed nursing staff. Antibody testing for SARS-CoV-2 IgG against the S1 domain (EUROIMUN Analyser I® Lübeck, Germany) was performed on participating healthcare workers with patient contact at a total of four time points within one year from July 2020 to October 2021 (baseline, follow-up after three, six and twelve months). The data were mostly analysed descriptively. Differences in IgG titres were analysed using variance analysis methods, particularly Tukey's range test. The seroprevalence was 1.2% (8/678) at baseline and 1.5% (9/581) at the three-month follow-up (T1). At the second follow-up (T2) after six months, vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 was available from January 2021 onwards. The prevalence rate of positive IgG antibodies relative to the S1 domain of the spike protein test among unvaccinated individuals was 6.5%. At (T3) after twelve months (July to October 2021), 482 participants were enrolled, and 85.7% of the workers were considered fully vaccinated at this time point, while 51 individuals were unvaccinated. The prevalence was 13.7% (7/51). In our study, a low seroprevalence was found among home care workers, which was lower than in our studies conducted in the clinical setting. Therefore, it can be assumed that the occupational risk of infection is rather low for both the nursing staff and the patients/clients cared for in the outpatient setting. The good provision of protective equipment and the high vaccination rate of the staff probably had a positive influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Schablon
- Competence Centre for Epidemiology and Health Services Research for Healthcare Professionals (CVcare), University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Volker Harth
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Terschüren
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Olaf Kleinmüller
- Competence Centre for Epidemiology and Health Services Research for Healthcare Professionals (CVcare), University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Wohlert
- Competence Centre for Epidemiology and Health Services Research for Healthcare Professionals (CVcare), University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Schnabel
- Laboratory of Fenner and Colleagues, Bergstrasse 14, 20095 Hamburg, Germany
- Asklepios Campus Hamburg, Semmelweis University, Lohmühlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Theo Brehm
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julian Schulze zur Wiesch
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Felix Kersten
- Competence Centre for Epidemiology and Health Services Research for Healthcare Professionals (CVcare), University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Albert Nienhaus
- Competence Centre for Epidemiology and Health Services Research for Healthcare Professionals (CVcare), University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Hazardous Substances and Public Health (AGG), Institution for Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention in the Health and Welfare Services (BGW), 22089 Hamburg, Germany
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Giuliani G, Guerra F, Messinese S, Santelli F, Salvischiani L, Esposito S, Ferraro L, Esposito A, De Pastena M, Rega D, Delrio P, La Raja C, Spinelli A, Massaron S, De Nardi P, Kauffmann EF, Boggi U, Deidda S, Restivo A, Marano A, Borghi F, Piccoli M, Depalma N, D'Ugo S, Spampinato M, Cozzani F, Del Rio P, Marcellinaro R, Carlini M, De Rosa R, Scabini S, Maiello F, Polastri R, Turri G, Pedrazzani C, Zese M, Parini D, Casaril A, Moretto G, De Leo A, Catarci M, Trapani R, Zonta S, Marsanic P, Muratore A, Di Franco G, Morelli L, Coppola A, Caputo D, Andreuccetti J, Pignata G, Mastrangelo L, Jovine E, Mazzola M, Ferrari G, Mariani L, Ceccarelli G, Giuseppe R, Bolzon S, Grasso M, Testa S, Germani P, de Manzini N, Langella S, Ferrero A, Coletta D, Bianchi PP, Bengala C, Coratti A. The COVID - AGICT study: COVID-19 and advanced gastro-intestinal cancer surgical treatment. A multicentric Italian study on the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic impact on gastro-intestinal cancers surgical treatment during the 2020. Analysis of perioperative and short-term oncological outcomes. Surg Oncol 2023; 47:101907. [PMID: 36924550 PMCID: PMC9892255 DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2023.101907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This Italian multicentric retrospective study aimed to investigate the possible changes in outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD Our primary endpoint was to determine whether the pandemic scenario increased the rate of patients with colorectal, gastroesophageal, and pancreatic cancers resected at an advanced stage in 2020 compared to 2019. Considering different cancer staging systems, we divided tumors into early stages and advanced stages, using pathological outcomes. Furthermore, to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical outcomes, perioperative data of both 2020 and 2019 were also examined. RESULTS Overall, a total of 8250 patients, 4370 (53%) and 3880 (47%) were surgically treated during 2019 and 2020 respectively, in 62 Italian surgical Units. In 2020, the rate of patients treated with an advanced pathological stage was not different compared to 2019 (P = 0.25). Nevertheless, the analysis of quarters revealed that in the second half of 2020 the rate of advanced cancer resected, tented to be higher compared with the same months of 2019 (P = 0.05). During the pandemic year 'Charlson Comorbidity Index score of cancer patients (5.38 ± 2.08 vs 5.28 ± 2.22, P = 0.036), neoadjuvant treatments (23.9% vs. 19.5%, P < 0.001), rate of urgent diagnosis (24.2% vs 20.3%, P < 0.001), colorectal cancer urgent resection (9.4% vs. 7.37, P < 0.001), and the rate of positive nodes on the total nodes resected per surgery increased significantly (7 vs 9% - 2.02 ± 4.21 vs 2.39 ± 5.23, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Although the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic did not influence the pathological stage of colorectal, gastroesophageal, and pancreatic cancers at the time of surgery, our study revealed that the pandemic scenario negatively impacted on several perioperative and post-operative outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Giuliani
- Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Misericordia Hospital, Azienda Usl Toscana Sud Est. School of Robotic Surgery, Grosseto, Italy
| | - Francesco Guerra
- Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Misericordia Hospital, Azienda Usl Toscana Sud Est. School of Robotic Surgery, Grosseto, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Santelli
- Department of Economics, Business, Mathematics and Statistics (DEAMS), University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Lucia Salvischiani
- Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Misericordia Hospital, Azienda Usl Toscana Sud Est. School of Robotic Surgery, Grosseto, Italy
| | - Sofia Esposito
- Department of General, Emergency Surgery and New Technologies, Baggiovara General Hospital, AOU Modena, Italy
| | - Luca Ferraro
- Division of General and Robotic Surgery, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università di Milano, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142 Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Esposito
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery, The Pancreas Institute, University of Verona Hospital Trust, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo De Pastena
- Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery, The Pancreas Institute, University of Verona Hospital Trust, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Daniela Rega
- Colorectal Surgical Oncology, Abdominal Oncology Department, Fondazione Giovanni Pascale IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Delrio
- Colorectal Surgical Oncology, Abdominal Oncology Department, Fondazione Giovanni Pascale IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlotta La Raja
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonino Spinelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Simonetta Massaron
- Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola De Nardi
- Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Ugo Boggi
- Division of General and Transplant Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Deidda
- Department of Surgery, Colorectal Surgery Center, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Angelo Restivo
- Department of Surgery, Colorectal Surgery Center, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Marano
- General and Specialist Surgery Department, Emergency General Surgery Unit, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Felice Borghi
- Oncological Surgery, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, 10060, Torino, Italy
| | - Micaela Piccoli
- Department of General, Emergency Surgery and New Technologies, Baggiovara General Hospital, AOU Modena, Italy
| | - Norma Depalma
- Department of General Surgery, "Vito Fazzi" Hospital, Piazza Muratore, 1-73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Stefano D'Ugo
- Department of General Surgery, "Vito Fazzi" Hospital, Piazza Muratore, 1-73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Marcello Spampinato
- Department of General Surgery, "Vito Fazzi" Hospital, Piazza Muratore, 1-73100, Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Del Rio
- General Surgery Unit, Parma University Hospital, Parma, Italy
| | - Rosa Marcellinaro
- Department of General Surgery, S. Eugenio Hospital, Piazzale dell'Umanesimo, 10, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Carlini
- Department of General Surgery, S. Eugenio Hospital, Piazzale dell'Umanesimo, 10, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele De Rosa
- Surgical Oncology Surgery, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Scabini
- Surgical Oncology Surgery, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabio Maiello
- Department of Surgery - General Surgery Unit, Hospital of Biella, Biella, Italy
| | - Roberto Polastri
- Department of Surgery - General Surgery Unit, Hospital of Biella, Biella, Italy
| | - Giulia Turri
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Unit of General and Hepatobiliary Surgery, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Corrado Pedrazzani
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Unit of General and Hepatobiliary Surgery, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Monica Zese
- Department of General and Urgent Surgery, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Rovigo, Italy
| | - Dario Parini
- Department of General and Urgent Surgery, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Rovigo, Italy
| | - Andrea Casaril
- Department of Surgery, "Pederzoli" Hospital, Peschiera del Garda, Verona, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Moretto
- Department of Surgery, "Pederzoli" Hospital, Peschiera del Garda, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio De Leo
- General Surgery Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, ASL Roma 2, Via dei Monti Tiburtini, 385, 00157, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Catarci
- General Surgery Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, ASL Roma 2, Via dei Monti Tiburtini, 385, 00157, Rome, Italy
| | - Renza Trapani
- Department of General Surgery, Ospedale San Biagio, ASL VCO, Domodossola, Italy
| | - Sandro Zonta
- Department of General Surgery, Ospedale San Biagio, ASL VCO, Domodossola, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Muratore
- Surgical Department, E. Agnelli Hospital, 10064, Pinerolo, Italy
| | - Gregorio Di Franco
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56125, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Morelli
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56125, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Damiano Caputo
- Research Unit of Generale Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128, Rome, Italy; Operative Research Unit of General Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200 - 00128, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Giusto Pignata
- Second General Surgery, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Mastrangelo
- Division of General and Emergency Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elio Jovine
- Division of General and Emergency Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Mazzola
- Division of Minimally-Invasive Surgical Oncology, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore, 3 20162, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ferrari
- Division of Minimally-Invasive Surgical Oncology, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore, 3 20162, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mariani
- General Surgery, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, USL Umbria 2, Foligno, Italy
| | - Graziano Ceccarelli
- General Surgery, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, USL Umbria 2, Foligno, Italy
| | - Rocco Giuseppe
- Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and General Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Area Vasta Romagna, Santa Maria delle Croci - Ravenna Hospital, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Stefano Bolzon
- Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and General Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Area Vasta Romagna, Santa Maria delle Croci - Ravenna Hospital, Ravenna, Italy
| | | | - Silvio Testa
- S.C. Chirurgia Generale, Ospedale S.Andrea, Vercelli, Italy
| | - Paola Germani
- Surgical Clinic Unit, University Hospital of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Nicolò de Manzini
- Surgical Clinic Unit, University Hospital of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Serena Langella
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Mauriziano Hospital, Largo Turati 62, 10128, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ferrero
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Mauriziano Hospital, Largo Turati 62, 10128, Turin, Italy
| | - Diego Coletta
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Pietro Bianchi
- Division of General and Robotic Surgery, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università di Milano, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142 Milano, Italy
| | - Carmelo Bengala
- Medical Oncology Unit, Misericordia Hospital, Grosseto, Italy
| | - Andrea Coratti
- Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Misericordia Hospital, Azienda Usl Toscana Sud Est. School of Robotic Surgery, Grosseto, Italy
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Lee HJ, Lee HK, Kim YR. The impact of caregivers on nosocomial transmission during a COVID-19 outbreak in a community-based hospital in South Korea. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277816. [PMID: 36409747 PMCID: PMC9678252 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic becomes a cause of concern for hospital transmission. Caregivers may play an important role as vectors for nosocomial infections; however, infection control for caregivers often is neglected. A nosocomial COVID-19 outbreak occurred in a 768-bed hospital from March 20, 2020, to April 14, 2020. We conducted a retrospective chart review and epidemiologic investigation on all cases. A total of 54 cases of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 occurred in the community-based hospital. They included 26 (48.1%) patients, 21 (38.9%) caregivers, and 7 (13.0%) healthcare workers. These 21 caregivers cared for 18 patients, and of these, 9 were positive for COVID-19, 6 were negative, and 3 died before testing. Of the 6 negative patients, 3 had no exposure because the caregiver began to show symptoms at least 5 days after their discharge. Of the 9 positive patients, 4 cases of transmission took place from patient to caregiver (one patient transmitted COVID-19 to two caregivers), and 6 cases of transmission occurred from caregiver to patient. Of the 54 hospital-acquired cases, 38 occurred in the 8th-floor ward and 8 occurred in the 4th-floor ward. The index case of each ward was a caregiver. Counting the number of cases where transmission occurred only between patients and their own caregivers, 9 patients were suspected of having exposure to COVID-19 from their own caregivers. Six patients (66.7%) were infected by COVID-19-confirmed caregivers, and 3 patients were uninfected. Fewer patients among the infected were able to perform independent activities compared to uninfected patients. Not only patients and healthcare workers but also caregivers groups may be vulnerable to COVID-19 and be transmission sources of nosocomial outbreaks. Therefore, infection control programs for caregivers in addition to patients and healthcare workers can be equally important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo-Jin Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hae Kook Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yang Ree Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail:
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6
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Lavis P, Morra S, Orte Cano C, Albayrak N, Corbière V, Olislagers V, Dauby N, Del Marmol V, Marchant A, Decaestecker C, Mascart F, De Vos N, Van de Borne P, Salmon I, Remmelink M, Parmentier M, Cardozo AK, Bondue B. Chemerin plasma levels are increased in COVID-19 patients and are an independent risk factor of mortality. Front Immunol 2022; 13:941663. [PMID: 36032171 PMCID: PMC9412239 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.941663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chemerin is an extracellular protein with chemotactic activities and its expression is increased in various diseases such as metabolic syndrome and inflammatory conditions. Its role in lung pathology has not yet been extensively studied but both known pro- and anti-inflammatory properties have been observed. The aim of our study was to evaluate the involvement of the chemerin/ChemR23 system in the physiopathology of COVID-19 with a particular focus on its prognostic value. Methods Blood samples from confirmed COVID-19 patients were collected at day 1, 5 and 14 from admission to Erasme Hospital (Brussels – Belgium). Chemerin concentrations and inflammatory biomarkers were analyzed in the plasma. Blood cells subtypes and their expression of ChemR23 were determined by flow cytometry. The expression of chemerin and ChemR23 was evaluated on lung tissue from autopsied COVID-19 patients by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results 21 healthy controls (HC) and 88 COVID-19 patients, including 40 in intensive care unit (ICU) were included. Plasma chemerin concentration were significantly higher in ICU patients than in HC at all time-points analyzed (p<0.0001). Moreover, they were higher in deceased patients compared to survivors (p<0.05). Logistic univariate regression and multivariate analysis demonstrated that chemerin level at day 14 of admission was an independent risk factor for death. Accordingly, chemerin levels correlated with inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor α. Finally, IHC analysis revealed a strong expression of ChemR23 on smooth muscle cells and chemerin on myofibroblasts in advanced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Discussion Increased plasma chemerin levels are a marker of severity and may predict death of COVID-19 patients. However, multicentric studies are needed, before chemerin can be considered as a biomarker of severity and death used in daily clinical practice. Further studies are also necessary to identify the precise mechanisms of the chemerin/ChemR23 system in ARDS secondary to viral pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philomène Lavis
- Department of Pathology, Erasme Hospital, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- I.R.I.B.H.M., Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sofia Morra
- Department of Cardiology, Erasme Hospital, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carmen Orte Cano
- Department of Dermatology, Erasme Hospital, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nurhan Albayrak
- Laboratory of Vaccinology and Mucosal Immunity, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Véronique Corbière
- Laboratory of Vaccinology and Mucosal Immunity, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Véronique Olislagers
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Dauby
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Infectious Diseases, C.H.U. Saint-Pierre, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Véronique Del Marmol
- Department of Dermatology, Erasme Hospital, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Marchant
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Decaestecker
- DIAPath, Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging, Université libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
- Laboratory of Image Synthesis and Analysis, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Françoise Mascart
- Laboratory of Vaccinology and Mucosal Immunity, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathalie De Vos
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, LHUB-ULB, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Van de Borne
- Department of Cardiology, Erasme Hospital, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Institute for Translational Research in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Salmon
- Department of Pathology, Erasme Hospital, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- DIAPath, Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging, Université libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
- Centre Universitaire inter Régional d’expertise en Anatomie Pathologique Hospitalière, Jumet, Belgium
| | - Myriam Remmelink
- Department of Pathology, Erasme Hospital, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Parmentier
- I.R.I.B.H.M., Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alessandra Kupper Cardozo
- Inflammation and Cell Death Signalling group, Experimental Gastroenterology Laboratory and Endotools, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benjamin Bondue
- I.R.I.B.H.M., Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Pneumology, Erasme Hospital, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Benjamin Bondue,
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7
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Al-Tawfiq JA, Temsah MH. Perspective on the challenges of COVID-19 facing healthcare workers. Infection 2022; 51:541-544. [PMID: 35781868 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-022-01882-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of COVID-19 has caused a significant impact on healthcare workers (HCWs) across the globe. A few of these challenges include high workload, lack of coordination and direction, changing information, shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), managing isolation, fear, and increased anxiety, adapting to changes in healthcare practice and policy, coping strategies, and emotional and physical needs. Here, we shed light on some aspects of these challenges among healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Specialty Internal Medicine and Quality Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Mohamad-Hani Temsah
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pediatrics, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ben Khaled Celiac Disease Research Chair, King Saud University, Prince Abdullah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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8
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Jabs JM, Schwabe A, Wollkopf AD, Gebel B, Stadelmaier J, Erdmann S, Radicke F, Grundmann H, Kramer A, Monsef I, Rücker G, Rupp J, Scheithauer S, Schmucker C, Simon A, Mutters NT. The role of routine SARS-CoV-2 screening of healthcare-workers in acute care hospitals in 2020: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:587. [PMID: 35780088 PMCID: PMC9250183 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07554-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare workers (HCW) are at increased risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2. Vulnerable patient populations in particular must be protected, and clinics should not become transmission hotspots to avoid delaying medical treatments independent of COVID. Because asymptomatic transmission has been described, routine screening of asymptomatic HCW would potentially be able to interrupt chains of infection through early detection. Methods A systematic search was conducted in the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register, Web of Science and WHO COVID‐19 Global literature on coronavirus with regard to non-incident related testing of healthcare workers using polymerase chain reaction on May 4th 2021. Studies since January 2020 were included. An assessment of risk of bias and representativeness was performed. Results The search identified 39 studies with heterogeneous designs. Data collection of the included studies took place from January to August 2020. The studies were conducted worldwide and the sample size of the included HCW ranged from 70 to 9449 participants. In total, 1000 of 51,700 (1.9%) asymptomatic HCW were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 using PCR testing. The proportion of positive test results ranged between 0 and 14.3%. No study reported on HCW-screening related reductions in infected person-days. Discussion and conclusions The heterogeneous proportions might be explained by different regional incidences, lock-downs, and pre-analytical pitfalls that reduce the sensitivity of the nasopharyngeal swab. The very high prevalence in some studies indicates that screening HCW for SARS-CoV-2 may be important particularly in geographical regions and pandemic periods with a high-incidence. With low numbers and an increasing rate of vaccinated HCW, a strict cost–benefit consideration must be made, especially in times of low incidences. Since we found no studies that reported on HCW-screening related reductions in infected person-days, re-evaluation should be done when these are available. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07554-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Jabs
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, Bonn University Hospital, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - A Schwabe
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, Bonn University Hospital, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - A D Wollkopf
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, Bonn University Hospital, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - B Gebel
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - J Stadelmaier
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 86, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - S Erdmann
- Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - F Radicke
- Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - H Grundmann
- Institute for Infection Prevention and Hospital Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Straße 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - A Kramer
- Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - I Monsef
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cochrane Haematology, University Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - G Rücker
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Zinkmattenstraße 6a, 79108, Freiburg, Germany
| | - J Rupp
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - S Scheithauer
- Institute of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - C Schmucker
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 86, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - A Simon
- Clinic for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Saarland University Hospital, Kirrberger Straße, 66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Nico T Mutters
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, Bonn University Hospital, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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9
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Galante O, Borer A, Almog Y, Fuchs L, Saidel-Odes L. Double-gloving in an Intensive Care Unit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eur J Intern Med 2022; 100:127-129. [PMID: 35177304 PMCID: PMC8841223 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2022.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ori Galante
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Soroka University Medical Center and the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.Box 151, Beer-Sheva, Israel, 84101
| | - Abraham Borer
- Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology Unit, Soroka University Medical Center and the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.Box 151 Beer-Sheva, Israel, 84101; Infectious Diseases Unit, Soroka University Medical Center and the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.Box 151 Beer-Sheva, Israel, 84101
| | - Yaniv Almog
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Soroka University Medical Center and the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.Box 151, Beer-Sheva, Israel, 84101
| | - Lior Fuchs
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Soroka University Medical Center and the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.Box 151, Beer-Sheva, Israel, 84101
| | - Lisa Saidel-Odes
- Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology Unit, Soroka University Medical Center and the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.Box 151 Beer-Sheva, Israel, 84101; Infectious Diseases Unit, Soroka University Medical Center and the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.Box 151 Beer-Sheva, Israel, 84101.
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10
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Muzalyova A, Ebigbo A, Kahn M, Zellmer S, Beyer A, Rosendahl J, Zenk J, Al-Nawas B, Frankenberger R, Hoffmann J, Arens C, Lammert F, Traidl-Hoffmann C, Messmann H, Roemmele C. SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Rate and SARS-CoV-2 Infection of Health Care Workers in Aerosol-Generating Medical Disciplines. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11102751. [PMID: 35628879 PMCID: PMC9144158 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11102751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCW) who perform aerosol-generating procedures (AGP) are at high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Data on infection rates and vaccination are limited. A nationwide, cross-sectional study focusing on AGP-related specialties was conducted between 3 May 2021 and 14 June 2021. Vaccination rates among HCW, perception of infection risk, and infection rates were analyzed, focusing on the comparison of gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) and other AGP-related specialties (NON-GIE), from the beginning of the pandemic until the time point of the study. Infections rates among HCW developed similarly to the general population during the course of the pandemic, however, with significantly higher infections rates among the GIE specialty. The perceived risk of infection was distributed similarly among HCW in GIE and NON-GIE (91.7%, CI: 88.6−94.4 vs. 85.8%, CI: 82.4−89.0; p < 0.01) with strongest perceived threats posed by AGPs (90.8%) and close patient contact (70.1%). The very high vaccination rate (100−80%) among physicians was reported at 83.5%, being significantly more frequently reported than among nurses (56.4%, p < 0.01). GIE had more often stated very high vaccination rate compared with NON-GIE (76.1% vs. 65.3%, p < 0.01). A significantly higher rate of GIE was reported to have fewer concerns regarding infection risk after vaccination than NON-GIE (92.0% vs. 80.3%, p < 0.01).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Muzalyova
- Clinic for Internal Medicine III—Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany; (A.E.); (M.K.); (S.Z.); (H.M.); (C.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-821-400-165905
| | - Alanna Ebigbo
- Clinic for Internal Medicine III—Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany; (A.E.); (M.K.); (S.Z.); (H.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Maria Kahn
- Clinic for Internal Medicine III—Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany; (A.E.); (M.K.); (S.Z.); (H.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Stephan Zellmer
- Clinic for Internal Medicine III—Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany; (A.E.); (M.K.); (S.Z.); (H.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Albert Beyer
- Medical Practice for Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, 84503 Altoetting, Germany;
| | - Jonas Rosendahl
- Clinic for Internal Medicine I—Gastroenterology and Pneumology, University Hospital Halle, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Johannes Zenk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany;
| | - Bilal Al-Nawas
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Roland Frankenberger
- Department for Operative Dentistry, Endodontics, and Pediatric Dentistry, Philipps University Marburg and University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, 35039 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Juergen Hoffmann
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Christoph Arens
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany;
| | - Frank Lammert
- Saarland University Medical Center, Department of Medicine II, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany;
- Hannover Medical School (MHH), 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany;
| | - Helmut Messmann
- Clinic for Internal Medicine III—Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany; (A.E.); (M.K.); (S.Z.); (H.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Christoph Roemmele
- Clinic for Internal Medicine III—Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany; (A.E.); (M.K.); (S.Z.); (H.M.); (C.R.)
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11
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Pierson-Marchandise M, Castelain S, Chevalier C, Brochot E, Schmit JL, Diouf M, Ganry O, Gignon M. Hospital-wide SARS-CoV-2 antibody screening of 4840 staff members in a University Medical Center in France: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e047010. [PMID: 35545377 PMCID: PMC9096052 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Healthcare workers are more likely to be infected by SARS-CoV-2. In order to assess the infectious risk associated with working in a hospital, we sought to estimate the proportion of healthcare professionals infected with SARS-CoV-2 by screening staff in a University Medical Center in France. SETTING A hospital-wide screening campaign (comprising a serological test and a questionnaire) ran from 18 May to 26 July 2020. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The seroprevalence rate was analysed in a multivariate analysis according to sociodemographic variables (age, sex and profession), exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and symptoms. RESULTS A total of 4840 professionals were included, corresponding to 74.5% of the centre's staff. The seroprevalence rate (95% CI) was 9.7% (7.0% to 12.4%). Contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 was significantly associated with seropositivity (OR (95% CI: 1.43, (1.15 to 1.78)). The seroprevalence rate was significantly higher among nursing assistants (17.6%) than among other healthcare professionals. The following symptoms were predictive of COVID-19: anosmia (OR (95% CI): 1.55, (1.49 to 1.62)), ageusia (1.21, (1.16 to 1.27)), fever (1.15, (1.12 to 1.18)), myalgia (1.03, (1.01 to 1.06)) and headache (1.03, (1.01 to 1.04)).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Pierson-Marchandise
- Department of Preventions, Risks, Medical Information and Epidemiology, CHU Amiens-Picardie, Amiens, France
| | - Sandrine Castelain
- Department of Virology, CHU Amiens-Picardie, Amiens, France
- AGIR Research Unit, EA 4294, Amiens University, Amiens, France
| | - Cassandra Chevalier
- Department of Preventions, Risks, Medical Information and Epidemiology, CHU Amiens-Picardie, Amiens, France
| | - Etienne Brochot
- Department of Virology, CHU Amiens-Picardie, Amiens, France
- AGIR Research Unit, EA 4294, Amiens University, Amiens, France
| | - Jean-Luc Schmit
- AGIR Research Unit, EA 4294, Amiens University, Amiens, France
- Infectious Disease, CHU Amiens-Picardie, Amiens, France
| | - Momar Diouf
- Department of Statistics, University Hospital Centre Amiens-Picardie, Amiens, France
| | - Olivier Ganry
- Department of Preventions, Risks, Medical Information and Epidemiology, CHU Amiens-Picardie, Amiens, France
| | - Maxime Gignon
- Department of Preventions, Risks, Medical Information and Epidemiology, CHU Amiens-Picardie, Amiens, France
- CRP CPO, Amiens University, Amiens, France
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12
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Detection of Neutralizing Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Post-Vaccination in Health Care Workers of a Large Tertiary Hospital in Spain by Using a Rapid Test LFIC and sVNT-ELISA. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10040510. [PMID: 35455259 PMCID: PMC9032347 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10040510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against SARS-CoV-2 represent a surrogate marker of immunologic protection in populations at high risk of infection such as healthcare workers caring for hospitalized patients with COVID-19. As recommended by CDC and the European CDC, the use of rapid diagnostic tests during population-based evaluations offers an opportunity to identify individuals with serologic evidence of natural infection or who have undergone vaccination. We carried out a cross-sectional study to assess the presence of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among medical providers at an intensive care unit of a large referral hospital in Alicante, Spain. In addition, we tested for the presence of neutralizing antibodies compared to serum of uninfected individuals from a Biobank. We were also interested in evaluating the use of a rapid lateral flow immunochromatography (LFIC) test against a surrogate ELISA viral neutralization test (sVNT). This rapid test demonstrated a specificity of 1.000 95% CI (0.91–1.00) and the sensitivity of 0.987 95% CI (0.93–1.00). The negative predictive value was 95%. After six months, this rapid test demonstrated that those immunized with two doses of BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine, maintained optimal levels of neutralizing antibodies. We concluded that all Health Care Workers develop NAbs and the use of this rapid immunochromatographic test represents a potential tool to be used in population-based studies to detect serological antibody responses to vaccination. Vaccination policies could benefit from this tool to assess additional doses of vaccine or boosters among high-risk populations.
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13
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Darvishian M, Sharafkhah M, Mohammadi Z, Sadeghniiat-haghighi K, Abdollahi A, Jafary M, Talaschian M, Tabarsi P, Baghai P, Mardani M, Shayanrad A, Shafighian F, Markarian M, Roozafzai F, Zamani M, Alvand S, Hariri S, Sadeghi A, Poustchi H, Malekzadeh R. SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Among Health Care Workers in Major Private and Public Hospitals With COVID-19 Patient's Referral in Tehran, Iran. Front Public Health 2022; 10:832003. [PMID: 35400056 PMCID: PMC8987007 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.832003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Estimating the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity among health care workers (HCWs) is crucial. In this study, the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCWs of five hospitals of Tehran, Iran with high COVID-19 patient's referrals from April to June, 2020, was assessed. In this cross-sectional study, HCWs from three public and two private hospitals, selected randomly as a pilot, were included. Participants were asked questions on their demographic characteristics, medical history, hospital role, and usage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Iran FDA-approved SARS-CoV-2 ELISA kits were used to detect IgG and IgM antibodies in blood samples. The seroprevalence was estimated on the basis of ELISA test results and adjusted for test performance. Among the 2,065 participants, 1,825 (88.4%) and 240 (11.6%) HCWs were recruited from public and private hospitals, respectively. A total of 340 HCWs were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG or IgM antibodies, and 17.9% of seropositive individuals were asymptomatic. The overall test performance-adjusted seroprevalence estimate among HCWs was 22.6 (95% CI: 20.2–25.1), and PPE usage was significantly higher among HCWs of public vs. private hospitals (66.5 vs. 20.0%). This study found that seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among HCWs was higher in private hospitals (37.0%; 95% CI: 28.6–46.2) than public hospitals (20.7%; 95% CI: 18.2–23.3), and also highest among assistant nurses and nurses, and lowest among janitor or superintendent categories. The PPE usage was especially suboptimal among HCWs in private hospitals. Continued effort in access to adequate PPE and regular screening of hospital staff for detecting asymptomatic personnel, especially during the upcoming wave of infection, are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Darvishian
- Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Maryam Sharafkhah
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Mohammadi
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Alireza Abdollahi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Imam Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mona Talaschian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Payam Tabarsi
- Clinical Tb and Epidemiology Research Center, NRITLD, Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parvaneh Baghai
- Clinical Tb and Epidemiology Research Center, NRITLD, Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Mardani
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amaneh Shayanrad
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Shafighian
- Digestive Oncology Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Melineh Markarian
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzin Roozafzai
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zamani
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Alvand
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sanam Hariri
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anahita Sadeghi
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Poustchi
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Hossein Poustchi
| | - Reza Malekzadeh
- Digestive Oncology Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Reza Malekzadeh
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14
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Maza MDC, Úbeda M, Delgado P, Horndler L, Llamas MA, van Santen HM, Alarcón B, Abia D, García-Bermejo L, Serrano-Villar S, Bastolla U, Fresno M. ACE2 Serum Levels as Predictor of Infectability and Outcome in COVID-19. Front Immunol 2022; 13:836516. [PMID: 35401548 PMCID: PMC8986157 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.836516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background COVID‐19 can generate a broad spectrum of severity and symptoms. Many studies analysed the determinants of severity but not among some types of symptoms. More importantly, very few studies analysed patients highly exposed to the virus that nonetheless remain uninfected. Methods We analysed serum levels of ACE2, Angiotensin II and anti-Spike antibodies in 2 different cohorts at high risk of viral exposure, highly exposed but uninfected subjects, either high risk health care workers or persons cohabiting with infected close relatives and seropositive patients with symptoms. We tested the ability of the sera of these subjects to neutralize lentivirus pseudotyped with the Spike-protein. Results We found that the serum levels of ACE2 are significantly higher in highly exposed but uninfected subjects. Moreover, sera from this seronegative persons can neutralize SARS-CoV-2 infection in cellular assays more strongly that sera from non-exposed negative controls eventhough they do not have anti-CoV-2 IgG antibodies suggesting that high levels of ACE2 in serum may somewhat protect against an active infection without generating a conventional antibody response. Finally, we show that among patients with symptoms, ACE2 levels were significantly higher in infected patients who developed cutaneous as compared with respiratory symptoms and ACE2 was also higher in those with milder symptoms. Conclusions These findings suggest that soluble ACE2 could be used as a potential biomarker to predict SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and to discriminate COVID-19 disease subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- María del Carmen Maza
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Úbeda
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Sanitario Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Manuel Fresno, ; María Úbeda,
| | - Pilar Delgado
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lydia Horndler
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Llamas
- EMPIREO Diagnóstico Molecular Sociedad Limitada (SL), Madrid, Spain
| | - Hisse M. van Santen
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Balbino Alarcón
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Abia
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura García-Bermejo
- Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Serrano-Villar
- Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ugo Bastolla
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Fresno
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Sanitario Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Manuel Fresno, ; María Úbeda,
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15
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Stead D, Adeniyi OV, Singata-Madliki M, Abrahams S, Batting J, Jelliman E, Parrish A. Cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 and associated risk factors among healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e058761. [PMID: 35304402 PMCID: PMC8935006 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study assesses the cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers (HCWs) during South Africa's first wave and examines the associated demographic, health-related and occupational risk factors for infection. METHODS Multistage cluster sampling was used in a cross-sectional study to recruit 1309 HCWs from two academic hospitals in the Eastern Cape, South Africa over 6 weeks in November and December 2020. Prior test results for SARS-CoV-2 PCR and participants' characteristics were recorded while a blood sample was drawn for detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. The primary outcome measure was the SARS-CoV-2 cumulative incidence rate, defined as the combined total of positive results for either PCR or IgG antibodies, divided by the total sample. The secondary outcome was significant risk factors associated with infection. RESULTS Of the total participants included in the analysis (n=1295), the majority were women (81.5%), of black race (78.7%) and nurses (44.8%). A total of 390 (30.1%) HCWs had a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR result and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 488 (37.7%), yielding a cumulative incidence of 47.2% (n=611). In the adjusted logistic regression model, being overweight (adjusted OR (aOR)=2.15, 95% CI 1.44 to 3.20), obese (aOR=1.37, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.85) and living with HIV (aOR=1.78, 95% CI 1.38 to 2.08) were independently associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. There was no significant difference in infection rates between high, medium and low COVID-19 exposure working environments. CONCLUSIONS The high SARS-CoV-2 cumulative incidence in the cohort was surprising this early in the epidemic and probably related to exposure both in and outside the hospitals. To mitigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 among HCWs, infection prevention and control strategies should target community transmission in addition to screening for HIV and metabolic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Stead
- Department of Internal Medicine, Walter Sisulu University Faculty of Health Sciences, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Internal Medicine, Frere Hospital, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
| | - Oladele Vincent Adeniyi
- Department of Family Medicine, Walter Sisulu University Faculty of Health Sciences, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Department of Family Medicine, Cecilia Makiwane Hospital, Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa
| | - Mandisa Singata-Madliki
- Department of Public health, University of Fort Hare East London Campus, East London, South Africa
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Wits University, Johannesburg-Braamfontein, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Shareef Abrahams
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Joanne Batting
- Department of Public health, University of Fort Hare East London Campus, East London, South Africa
| | - Eloise Jelliman
- Radiology, Frere Hospital, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
| | - Andrew Parrish
- Department of Internal Medicine, Walter Sisulu University Faculty of Health Sciences, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Internal Medicine, Frere Hospital, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
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16
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Doernberg SB, Holubar M, Jain V, Weng Y, Lu D, Bollyky JB, Sample H, Huang B, Craik CS, Desai M, Rutherford GW, Maldonado Y. Incidence and prevalence of COVID-19 within a healthcare worker cohort during the first year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:1573-1584. [PMID: 35279023 PMCID: PMC8992269 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preventing SARS-CoV2 infections in healthcare workers (HCWs) is critical for healthcare delivery. We aimed to estimate and characterize the prevalence and incidence of COVID-19 in a US HCW cohort and to identify risk factors associated with infection. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal cohort study of HCWs at 3 Bay Area medical centers using serial surveys and SARS-CoV-2 viral and orthogonal serological testing, including measurement of neutralizing antibodies. We estimated baseline prevalence and cumulative incidence of COVID-19. We performed multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to estimate associations of baseline factors with incident infections and evaluated the impact of time-varying exposures on time to COVID-19 using marginal structural models. RESULTS 2435 HCWs contributed 768 person years of follow-up time. We identified 21/2435 individuals with prevalent infection, resulting in a baseline prevalence of 0.86% (95% CI, 0.53% to 1.32%). We identified 70/2414 (2.9%) incident infections yielding a cumulative incidence rate of 9.11 cases per 100 person years (95% CI 7.11 to 11.52). Community contact with a known COVID-19 case most strongly correlated with increased hazard for infection (HR 8.1, 95% CI, 3.8, 17.5). High-risk work-related exposures (i.e., breach in protective measures) drove an association between work exposure and infection (HR 2.5, 95% CI, 1.3-4.8). More cases were identified in HCW when community case rates were high. CONCLUSION We observed modest COVID-19 incidence despite consistent exposure at work. Community contact was strongly associated with infections but contact at work was not unless accompanied by high-risk exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Doernberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
| | - Marisa Holubar
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Vivek Jain
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases & Global Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
| | - Yingjie Weng
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Di Lu
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Jenna B Bollyky
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | | | - Beatrice Huang
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
| | | | - Manisha Desai
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - George W Rutherford
- Division of Infectious Disease and Global Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UCSF
| | - Yvonne Maldonado
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Stanford University School of Medicine
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17
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Zekri AR, Ahmed OS, Asem N, Musa S, Ibrahem M, Soliman HK, Hafez MM, Nessim MS, Aboelkasem H, Bahnassy AA. SARS-CoV-2 Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction Positivity and Seroprevalence among Health Care Workers in a Referral Cancer Institute: A Cross-sectional Study. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.8066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: During the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) are presumed to be at increased risk of infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), transmitting the infection to vulnerable patients if they are not timeously isolated.
AIM: This study aimed to determine the point prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort of HCWs providing oncology services.
METHODS AND RESULTS: HCWs in a large referral cancer hospital in Egypt were tested using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on nasopharyngeal swabs, and immunochromatography-based rapid serological test (RST). Clinical and epidemiological data were collected. In 2020, 999 HCWs were screened, of whom 86 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR (8.6%) and 127 subjects were seropositive for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by RST (12.8%). Immunoglobulin M seroprevalence demonstrated considerable concordance with RT-PCR positivity (sensitivity 82.14% and specificity 96.71%). Most HCWs (>95%) reported adherence to personal protective equipment. Patient transporters/cleaner were the group with the highest frequency of positive RT-PCR (19%) whereas laboratory and radiology technicians displayed the lowest frequency. Fever, dry cough, rhinorrhea, shortness of breath, fatigue and diarrhea were significantly associated with RT-PCR positivity, with increased likelihood of being positive with the presence of five or six simultaneous symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: The point prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in screened HCWs is 8.6% by RT-PCR and seroprevalence is 12.8% by RST. Strict measures should be implemented to minimize transmission within healthcare settings and to the community. Our data support the importance of HCWs screening for SARS-CoV-2, taking in account the significant proportion of asymptomatic carriers.
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18
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Yousefi M, Ebrahimi Z, Fazaeli S. The Experiences of Nurses of Infectious and Non- Infectious Wards of Caring COVID-19 Patients in a Big Hospital in Iran: A Qualitative Study. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY RESEARCH 2022; 27:35-40. [PMID: 35280194 PMCID: PMC8865239 DOI: 10.4103/ijnmr.ijnmr_459_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background Nurses play a very important role in caring for patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). They are on the frontline fighting COVID-19. The objective was to explore the experiences of nurses in the surgical and infectious wards about caring for patients with COVID-19 in a large and tertiary care hospital in Iran. Materials and Methods This was a qualitative study. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 18 nurses in the Imam Reza Hospital Complex from April to May 2020, Mashhad, Iran. Data analysis was performed using the method proposed by Lundman and Granheim. The Maxqda10 software was used. Results The experiences were summarized into three categories: (1) experiencing new feelings and relationships with colleagues and patients, (2) viewpoints about managers' performance, and (3) concern about getting infected with COVID-19. Findings reflected similar experiences on personal protective equipment between nurses in the surgical and infectious wards. Experiencing new feelings and relationships with colleagues and patients and concern about getting infected and spreading the COVID-19 were mostly expressed by infectious nurses and surgical nurses, respectively. Conclusions This research results provide evidence of the experiences of infectious and non-infectious disease nurses who are currently caring for COVID-19 patients. Due to some differences between the experiences of these two groups in COVID-19, it is suggested to pay more attention to the needs and required skills in the staff mix during a crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Yousefi
- Department of Health Economics and Management Science, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Ebrahimi
- PhD Candidate, Department of Management, Faculty of Management, Azad University of North Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Fazaeli
- Department of Medical Records and Health Information Technology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran,Address for correspondence:Dr. Somayeh Fazaeli, Department of Medical Records and Health Information Technology, School of paramedical Sciences, Vakilabad Avenue, Ferdowsi University Campus, Mashhad, Iran. E-mail:
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19
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Zuñiga M, Lagomarcino AJ, Muñoz S, Alonso AP, Rodriguez MA, O'Ryan ML. A cross sectional study found differential risks for COVID-19 seropositivity amongst health care professionals in Chile. J Clin Epidemiol 2021; 144:72-83. [PMID: 34965480 PMCID: PMC8710239 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.12.026] [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: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Objective Health care workers (HCWs) are at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection, however not all face the same risk. We aimed to determine IgG/IgM prevalence and risk factors associated with seropositivity in Chilean HCWs. Study Design and Setting This was a nationwide, cross-sectional study including a questionnaire and COVID-19 lateral flow IgG/IgM antibody testing. All HCWs in the Chilean public health care system were invited to participate following the country's first wave. Results IgG/IgM positivity in 85,529 HCWs was 7.2%, ranging from 1.6% to 12.4% between regions. Additionally, 9.7% HCWs reported a positive PCR of which 47% were seropositive. Overall, 10,863 (12.7%) HCWs were PCR and/or IgG/IgM positive. Factors independently associated with increased odds ratios (ORs) for seropositivity were: working in a hospital, night shifts, contact with Covid-19, using public transport, male gender, age>45, BMI ≥30, and reporting ≥2 symptoms. Stress and/or mental health disorder and smoking were associated with decreased ORs. These factors remained significant when including PCR positive cases in the model. Conclusions HCWs in the hospital were at highest risk for COVID-19, and several independent risk factors for seropositivity and/or PCR positivity were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Zuñiga
- Healthcare Networks Undersecretariat, Ministry of Health, Monjitas 565, Santiago, Chile
| | - Anne J Lagomarcino
- Office of Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Av. Independencia 1027, Independencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sergio Muñoz
- Department of Public Health - CIGES, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Claro Solar 115, Temuco, Chile
| | - Alfredo Peña Alonso
- Management Control and Quality Department, Primary Care Division, Healthcare Networks Undersecretariat, Ministry of Health, Monjitas 565, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Andrea Rodriguez
- Computer Science Department, Universidad de Concepción, Edmundo Larenas 219, Concepción, Chile; Millennium Institute of Foundational Research on Data, Campus San Joaquín, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Chile
| | - Miguel L O'Ryan
- Microbiology and Mycology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Av. Independencia 1027, Independencia, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Av. Independencia 1027, Independencia, Santiago, Chile.
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20
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Aydin R, Bulut E. Experiences of nurses diagnosed with COVID-19 in Turkey: A qualitative study. Int Nurs Rev 2021; 69:294-304. [PMID: 34921729 DOI: 10.1111/inr.12735] [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: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study examined the experiences of nurses diagnosed with COVID-19 under the guidance of Meleis' Transitions Theory. BACKGROUND Nurses, who make up the majority of healthcare professionals, are struggling with COVID-19, a silent war, on the front lines at the cost of their lives. The pandemic has deeply affected nurses' lives, and hundreds of nurses around the world have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and died. METHODS A descriptive qualitative approach was used in this study. Data were collected from 18 nurses who experienced COVID-19 symptoms, with a semistructured interview form prepared based on Meleis' Transitions Theory concepts. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a thematic analysis technique. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist was used in the study. RESULTS The six themes that emerged in the data analysis were emotions experienced when nurses tested positive for COVID-19, emotions experienced during the quarantine process, posttraumatic growth, methods of coping with COVID-19, nursing care after COVID-19 treatment, and metaphors about COVID-19. CONCLUSION This study showed that being diagnosed with COVID-19 caused nurses to have both positive (posttraumatic growth, empathic and psychosocial nursing care) and negative experiences (fear of death, stigma, etc.). They tried to cope with adverse situations due to COVID-19 by obtaining social support, thinking positively, and engaging in domestic activities. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY To reduce COVID-19-related physical and psychological symptoms, appropriate policies should be developed for effective and rapid nursing workforce planning, extending the time allocated for postdiagnosis treatment, updating infection control and prevention guides, training nurses, and providing ongoing psychosocial counseling services that nurses can access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruveyde Aydin
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Enes Bulut
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Artvin Çoruh University, Artvin, Turkey
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21
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Labriola L, Ruelle J, Scohy A, Seghers F, Perlot Q, De Greef J, Desmet C, Romain C, Yombi JC, Rodriguez-Villalobos H, Kabamba B, Jadoul M. Dynamics of spreading of SARS-CoV-2 in a Belgian hemodialysis facility: The importance of the analysis of viral strains. J Med Virol 2021; 94:1481-1487. [PMID: 34811754 PMCID: PMC9011566 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27471] [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: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In‐center maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients are at high risk of acquiring coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) by cross‐contamination inside the unit. The aim of this study was to assess retrospectively the dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) transmission during the very first pandemic phase (March–July 2020) in a cohort of in‐center maintenance HD patients and in nurses the same HD facility, using a phylogenetic approach. All SARS‐CoV‐2 quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction positive patients and nurses from our HD unit‐respectively 10 out of 98, and 8 out of 58‐ and two other positive patients dialyzed in our self‐care unit were included. Whole‐genome viral sequencing and phylogenetic analysis supported the cluster investigation. Five positive patients were usually dialyzed in the same room and same shift before their COVID‐19 diagnosis was made. Viral sequencing performed on 4/5 patients' swabs showed no phylogenetic link between their viruses. The fifth patient (whose virus could not be sequenced) was dialyzed at the end of the dialysis room and was treated by a different nurse than the one in charge of the other patients. Three nurses shared the same virus detected in both self‐care patients (one of them had been transferred to our in‐center facility). The epidemiologically strongly suspected intra‐unit cluster could be ruled out by viral genome sequencing. The infection control policy did not allow inter‐patient contamination within the HD facility, in contrast to evidence of moderate dissemination within the nursing staff and in the satellite unit. Epidemiologic data without phylogenetic confirmation might mislead the interpretation of the dynamics of viral spreading within congregate settings. In‐center maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients are at high risk of acquiring coronavirus disease 2019 by cross‐contamination inside the unit. In this study we assessed the dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) transmission in a cohort of in‐center maintenance hemodialysis patients and in nurses the same HD facility in Brussels, Belgium, using whole‐genome viral sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. All SARS‐CoV‐2 quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) positive patients (10 out 98) and nurses from our HD unit (8 out 58) and two other positive patients dialyzed in our self‐care unit were included. An intra‐unit cluster was suspected because five SARS‐CoV‐2 RT‐qPCR positive patients were dialyzed in the same room at the same time three times weekly. The epidemiologically strongly suspected intra‐unit cluster could be ruled out by viral genome sequencing. In contrast, three nurses shared the same virus detected in both self‐care patients (one of them had been transferred to our in‐center facility). Epidemiologic data without phylogenetic confirmation might mislead the interpretation of the dynamics of viral spreading within congregate settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Labriola
- Department of Nephrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean Ruelle
- Pôle de Microbiologie Médicale (MBLG), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anaïs Scohy
- Pôle de Microbiologie Médicale (MBLG), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - François Seghers
- Department of Nephrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Quentin Perlot
- Department of Nephrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julien De Greef
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Desmet
- Department of Nephrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cécile Romain
- Department of Nephrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean Cyr Yombi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hector Rodriguez-Villalobos
- Pôle de Microbiologie Médicale (MBLG), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benoît Kabamba
- Pôle de Microbiologie Médicale (MBLG), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michel Jadoul
- Department of Nephrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
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22
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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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23
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Ajab S, Ádam B, Al Hammadi M, Al Bastaki N, Al Junaibi M, Al Zubaidi A, Hegazi M, Grivna M, Kady S, Koornneef E, Neves R, Uva AS, Sheek-Hussein M, Loney T, Serranheira F, Paulo MS. Occupational Health of Frontline Healthcare Workers in the United Arab Emirates during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Snapshot of Summer 2020. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11410. [PMID: 34769927 PMCID: PMC8583571 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The study aim was to understand the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study was an online-based, cross-sectional survey during July and August 2020. Participants were eligible from the entire country, and 1290 agreed to participate. The majority of HCWs were females aged 30-39 years old, working as nurses, and 80% considered PPE to be available. Twelve percent of respondents tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Half of HCWs considered themselves physically tired (52.2%), reported musculoskeletal pain or discomfort (54.2%), and perceived moderate-to-high levels of burnout on at least one of three burnout domains (52.8%). A quarter of HCWs reported anxiety (26.3%) or depression (28.1%). HCWs reporting not having musculoskeletal pain, having performed physical activity, and higher scores of available PPE reported lower scores of anxiety, depression, and burnout. UAE HCWs experienced more access to PPE and less anxiety, depression, and burnout compared with HCWs in other countries. Study findings can be used by healthcare organizations and policymakers to ensure adequate measures are implemented to maximize the health and wellbeing of HCWs during the current COVID-19 and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suad Ajab
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (S.A.); (B.Á.); (M.G.); (E.K.); (M.S.-H.)
| | - Balázs Ádam
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (S.A.); (B.Á.); (M.G.); (E.K.); (M.S.-H.)
| | - Muna Al Hammadi
- Tawam Hospital, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Najwa Al Bastaki
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai P.O. Box 4545, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Mohamed Al Junaibi
- Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 280, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.J.); (A.A.Z.); (S.K.)
| | - Abdulmajeed Al Zubaidi
- Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 280, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.J.); (A.A.Z.); (S.K.)
| | - Mona Hegazi
- Department of Family Medicine, Mediclinic City Hospital, Dubai P.O. Box 505004, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Michal Grivna
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (S.A.); (B.Á.); (M.G.); (E.K.); (M.S.-H.)
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Suhail Kady
- Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 280, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.J.); (A.A.Z.); (S.K.)
| | - Erik Koornneef
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (S.A.); (B.Á.); (M.G.); (E.K.); (M.S.-H.)
- Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 280, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.J.); (A.A.Z.); (S.K.)
| | - Raquel Neves
- Health Science Faculty, Higher College of Technology Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 25026, United Arab Emirates;
| | - António Sousa Uva
- CHRC, Comprehensive Health Research Center, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.S.U.); (F.S.)
| | - Mohamud Sheek-Hussein
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (S.A.); (B.Á.); (M.G.); (E.K.); (M.S.-H.)
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Florentino Serranheira
- CHRC, Comprehensive Health Research Center, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.S.U.); (F.S.)
| | - Marília Silva Paulo
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (S.A.); (B.Á.); (M.G.); (E.K.); (M.S.-H.)
- CHRC, Comprehensive Health Research Center, Nova Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
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24
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Yaghoubi M, Salimi M, Meskarpour-Amiri M. Systematic review of productivity loss among healthcare workers due to Covid-19. Int J Health Plann Manage 2021; 37:94-111. [PMID: 34655098 PMCID: PMC8652830 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess existing evidence on the effects of COVID‐19 on healthcare workers (HCWs) using the health‐related productivity loss approach. Methods A systematic search of online databases including PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, Web of Science, and EMBASE was conducted up to 25 August 2020. Following two screening stages, studies related to the effects of COVID‐19 on healthcare workers were included in the study. Results 82 studies were included in the analysis. The COVID‐19 related death rate among HCWs ranged from 0.00‐0.7%, while the positive test incidence varied between 0.00 and 24.4%. 39 evidences assessed psychological disorders. A wide range of psychological disorders observed among HCWs: 5.2 to 71.2% in anxiety, 1.00 to 88.3% in stress, 8.27 to 61.67% in insomnia, and 4.5 to 50.4% in depression. Conclusions The early evidence suggests that healthcare workers are one of the most vulnerable groups when it comes to positive COVID‐19 infection, mortality, and mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Yaghoubi
- Health Management Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Salimi
- Health Management Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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25
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Montesinos I, Dahma H, Wolff F, Dauby N, Delaunoy S, Wuyts M, Detemmerman C, Duterme C, Vandenberg O, Martin C, Hallin M. Neutralizing antibody responses following natural SARS-CoV-2 infection: Dynamics and correlation with commercial serologic tests. J Clin Virol 2021; 144:104988. [PMID: 34607239 PMCID: PMC8479371 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2021.104988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The prediction of SARS-CoV-2 immunity by commercially available serologic tests will be crucial to assess the efficacy of vaccination. We used plaque reduction neutralization testing as the reference standard to evaluate the diagnostic performance of six commercial serologic tests for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies. Euroimmun ELISA anti-spike 1 IgG, Euroimmun anti-spike 1 IgG QuantiVac ELISA, Elecsys Anti-nucleocapsid protein total antibodies, Elecsys Anti-receptor-binding domain total antibodies, VIDAS anti-spike subdomain IgG, and Microblot-Array COVID-19 IgG assay were performed on 228 sera from 89 healthcare workers who participated in a six-month seroprevalence survey. Although all immunoassays demonstrated similar performances, VIDAS SARS-CoV-2 IgG and Euroimmun QuantiVac IgG (area under the curve 0.96 and 0.95 respectively) showed the better ability to detect Nabs. Except for the Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 and the Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S assays, the commercial serologic tests evaluated here showed a significant decrease of antibody titers in the 6-month follow-up samples. Depending on the immunoassay, 21% to 33% of the participants became seronegative, and 16.9% had a loss of neutralizing antibodies. Microblot-Array assay results showed cross-reactivity with HCoVNL63 in only one sample, and this sample showed SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing capacity. In conclusion, our results support the use of VIDAS SARS-CoV-2 IgG, Euroimmun Anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA IgG, Euroimmun Anti-SARS-CoV-2 QuantiVac ELISA IgG and Microblot-Array COVID-19 IgG assays to monitor neutralizing antibody response following natural SARS-CoV-2 infection. These immunoassays could facilitate the prediction of post-vaccine protection in the long term and the allocation of booster doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Montesinos
- Department of Microbiology, Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles - Universitair Laboratorium Brussel (LHUB-ULB). Université Libre de Bruxelles. Rue Haute 322, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Hafid Dahma
- Department of Microbiology, Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles - Universitair Laboratorium Brussel (LHUB-ULB). Université Libre de Bruxelles. Rue Haute 322, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fleur Wolff
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles - Universitair Laboratorium Brussel (LHUB-ULB). Université Libre de Bruxelles. Rue Haute 322, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Dauby
- Department of Infectious Diseases, CHU Saint Pierre- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB). Brussels, Belgium & Institute for Medical Immunology (ULB), Belgium; Institute for Medical Immunology. Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium; Center for Environmental Health and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Rue Haute 322, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sabrina Delaunoy
- Department of Microbiology, Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles - Universitair Laboratorium Brussel (LHUB-ULB). Université Libre de Bruxelles. Rue Haute 322, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Magaly Wuyts
- Department of Microbiology, Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles - Universitair Laboratorium Brussel (LHUB-ULB). Université Libre de Bruxelles. Rue Haute 322, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cedric Detemmerman
- Department of Microbiology, Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles - Universitair Laboratorium Brussel (LHUB-ULB). Université Libre de Bruxelles. Rue Haute 322, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cecile Duterme
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles - Universitair Laboratorium Brussel (LHUB-ULB). Université Libre de Bruxelles. Rue Haute 322, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olivier Vandenberg
- Innovation and Business Development Unit, Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles - Universitair Laboratorium Brussel (LHUB-ULB), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Rue Haute 322, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; Center for Environmental Health and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Rue Haute 322, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; Division of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Martin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, CHU Saint Pierre- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB). Brussels, Belgium & Institute for Medical Immunology (ULB), Belgium
| | - Marie Hallin
- Department of Microbiology, Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles - Universitair Laboratorium Brussel (LHUB-ULB). Université Libre de Bruxelles. Rue Haute 322, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; Innovation and Business Development Unit, Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles - Universitair Laboratorium Brussel (LHUB-ULB), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Rue Haute 322, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
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26
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Neumann M, Aigner A, Rossow E, Schwarz D, Marschallek M, Steinmann J, Stücker R, Koenigs I, Stock P. Low SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence but high perception of risk among healthcare workers at children's hospital before second pandemic wave in Germany. World J Pediatr 2021; 17:484-494. [PMID: 34415560 PMCID: PMC8378295 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-021-00447-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare workers are considered a particularly high-risk group during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Healthcare workers in paediatrics are a unique subgroup: they come into frequent contact with children, who often experience few or no symptoms when infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and, therefore, may transmit the disease to unprotected staff. In Germany, no studies exist evaluating the risk of COVID-19 to healthcare workers in paediatric institutions. METHODS We tested the staff at a large children's hospital in Germany for immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies against the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 in a period between the first and second epidemic wave in Germany. We used a questionnaire to assess each individual's exposure risk and his/her own perception of having already been infected with SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS We recruited 619 participants from all sectors, clinical and non-clinical, constituting 70% of the entire staff. The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 0.325% (95% confidence interval 0.039-1.168). Self-perceived risk of a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection decreased with age (odds ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.93). Having experienced symptoms more than doubled the odds of a high self-perceived risk (odds ratio, 2.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.59-3.00). There was no significant difference in self-perceived risk between men and women. CONCLUSIONS Seroprevalence was low among healthcare workers at a large children's hospital in Germany before the second epidemic wave, and it was far from a level that confers herd immunity. Self-perceived risk of infection is often overestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marietta Neumann
- Department of Paediatrics, Altona Children's Hospital, Universität Hamburg, Altonaer Kinderkrankenhaus, Bleickenallee 38, 22763, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Annette Aigner
- Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eileen Rossow
- Department of Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Altona Children's Hospital, Hamburg, Germany
| | - David Schwarz
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Altona Children's Hospital, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Marschallek
- Department of Paediatrics, Altona Children's Hospital, Universität Hamburg, Altonaer Kinderkrankenhaus, Bleickenallee 38, 22763, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Steinmann
- Labor Dr. Fenner and Colleagues, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Paediatrics, Altona Children's Hospital, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Stücker
- Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Altona Children's Hospital, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ingo Koenigs
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Altona Children's Hospital, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Philippe Stock
- Department of Paediatrics, Altona Children's Hospital, Universität Hamburg, Altonaer Kinderkrankenhaus, Bleickenallee 38, 22763, Hamburg, Germany
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27
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El-Sokkary RH, Daef E, El-Korashi LA, Khedr EM, Gad D, Mohamed-Hussein A, Zayed NE, Mostafa EF, Bahgat SM, Hassany SM, Amer MG, El-Mokhtar MA, Elantouny NG, Hassan SA, Zarzour AA, Hashem MK, Amin MT, Hassan HM. Sero-prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers: A multicenter study from Egypt. J Infect Public Health 2021; 14:1474-1480. [PMID: 34556461 PMCID: PMC8450145 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2021.09.011] [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: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at a high risk for disease exposure. Given the limited availability of nucleic acid testing by PCR in low resource settings, serological assays can provide useful data on the proportion of HCWs who have recently or previously been infected. Therefore, in this study, we conducted an immunologic study to determine the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in two university hospitals in Egypt. Methods in this cross sectional study, HCWs who were working in SARS-CoV-2 Isolation Hospitals were interviewed. Estimating specific antibodies (IgM and IgG) against SARS-CoV-2 was carried out using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay targeting the Spike antigen of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Results Out of 111, 82 (74%) HCWs accepted to participate with a mean age of 31.5 ± 8.5 years. Anti-SARS-COV2 antibodies were detected in 38/82 (46.3%) of cases with a mean age of 31 years and female HCWs constituted 57.6% of cases. The highest rate of seropositivity was from the nurses (60.5%), and physicians (31.6%) with only (7.9%) technicians. Only 28/82 (34.1%) HCWs reported previous history of COVID19. We reported a statistically significant difference in the timing of exposure (p = 0.010) and the frequency of contact with COVID-19 cases (p = 0.040) between previously infected and on-infected HCWs. Longer time of recovery was reported from IgG positive HCWs (p = 0.036). Conclusion The high frequency of seropositive HCWs in investigated hospitals is alarming, especially among asymptomatic personnel. Confirmation of diseased HCWs (among seropositive ones) are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehab H El-Sokkary
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt.
| | - Enas Daef
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
| | - Lobna A El-Korashi
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt
| | - Eman M Khedr
- Neurology and Psychiatry Department, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Doaa Gad
- Chest Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt
| | | | - Niveen E Zayed
- Chest Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt
| | - Ehab F Mostafa
- Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Alrajhi University Hospital, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | | | - Sahar M Hassany
- Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Alrajhi University Hospital, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | | | - Mohamed A El-Mokhtar
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
| | - Neveen G Elantouny
- Internal Medicine, Head Infectious Diseases Unit, Zagazig University, Egypt
| | - Shimaa A Hassan
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Amro A Zarzour
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Maiada K Hashem
- Chest Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
| | | | - Hebatallah M Hassan
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
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28
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O'Kelly B, McLaughlin R, O'Doherty R, Carroll H, Murray R, Dilworth R, Corkery L, Cotter AG, McGinty T, Muldoon EG, Cullen W, Avramovic G, Sheehan G, Sadlier D, Higgins M, O'Gorman P, Doran P, Inzitari R, Holden S, O'Meara Y, Ennis S, Lambert JS. Rapid and Laboratory SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Testing in High-Risk Hospital Associated Cohorts of Unknown COVID-19 Exposure, a Validation and Epidemiological Study After the First Wave of the Pandemic. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:642318. [PMID: 34513853 PMCID: PMC8427142 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.642318] [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: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: We aimed to use SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests to assess the asymptomatic seroprevalence of individuals in high-risk hospital cohorts who's previous COVID-19 exposure is unknown; staff, and patients requiring haemodialysis or chemotherapy after the first wave. Methods: In a single Center, study participants had five SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests done simultaneously; one rapid diagnostic test (RDT) (Superbio Colloidal Gold IgM/IgG), and four laboratory tests (Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG [RE], Abbott Architect i2000SR IgG [AAr], Abbott Alinity IgG [AAl], and Abbott Architect IgM CMIA). To determine seroprevalence, only positive test results on laboratory assay were considered true positives. Results: There were 157 participants, of whom 103 (65.6%) were female with a median age of 50 years (range 19–90). The IgG component of the RDT showed a high number of false positives (n = 18), was inferior to the laboratory assays (p < 0.001 RDT vs. AAl/AAr, p < 0.001 RDT vs. RE), and had reduced specificity (85.5% vs. AAl/AAr, 87.2% vs. RE). Sero-concordance was 97.5% between IgG laboratory assays (RE vs. AAl/AAr). Specificity of the IgM component of the RDT compared to Abbott IgM CMIA was 95.4%. Ten participants had positivity in at least one laboratory assay, seven (9.9%) of which were seen in HCWs. Two (4.1%) hematology/oncology (H/O) patients and a single (2.7%) haemodialysis (HD) were asymptomatically seropositive. Asymptomatic seroprevalence of HCWs compared to patients was not significant (p = 0.105). Conclusion: HCWs (9.9%) had higher, although non-significant asymptomatic seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies compared to high-risk patients (H/O 4.1%, HD 2.7%). An IgM/IgG rapid diagnostic test was inferior to laboratory assays. Sero-concordance of 97.5% was found between IgG laboratory assays, RE vs. AAl/AAr.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan O'Kelly
- Infectious Diseases Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ronan McLaughlin
- Oncology Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Roseann O'Doherty
- Haematology Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hailey Carroll
- Oncology Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Roisin Murray
- Infectious Diseases Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rachel Dilworth
- Nephrology Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura Corkery
- Nephrology Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aoife G Cotter
- Infectious Diseases Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tara McGinty
- Infectious Diseases Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eavan G Muldoon
- Infectious Diseases Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Walter Cullen
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Gerard Sheehan
- Infectious Diseases Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Denise Sadlier
- Nephrology Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michaela Higgins
- Oncology Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter O'Gorman
- Haematology Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter Doran
- Clinical Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rosanna Inzitari
- Clinical Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinead Holden
- Clinical Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yvonne O'Meara
- Nephrology Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sean Ennis
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John S Lambert
- Infectious Diseases Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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29
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Hamorsky KT, Bushau-Sprinkle AM, Kitterman K, Corman JM, DeMarco J, Keith RJ, Bhatnagar A, Fuqua JL, Lasnik A, Joh J, Chung D, Klein J, Flynn J, Gardner M, Barve S, Ghare SS, Palmer KE. Serological assessment of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first wave of the pandemic in Louisville Kentucky. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18285. [PMID: 34521900 PMCID: PMC8440627 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97423-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Serological assays intended for diagnosis, sero-epidemiologic assessment, and measurement of protective antibody titers upon infection or vaccination are essential for managing the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Serological assays measuring the antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 antigens are readily available. However, some lack appropriate characteristics to accurately measure SARS-CoV-2 antibodies titers and neutralization. We developed an Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) methods for measuring IgG, IgA, and IgM responses to SARS-CoV-2, Spike (S), receptor binding domain (RBD), and nucleocapsid (N) proteins. Performance characteristics of sensitivity and specificity have been defined. ELISA results show positive correlation with microneutralization and Plaque Reduction Neutralization assays with infectious SARS-CoV-2. Our ELISA was used to screen healthcare workers in Louisville, KY during the first wave of the local pandemic in the months of May and July 2020. We found a seropositive rate of approximately 1.4% and 2.3%, respectively. Our analyses demonstrate a broad immune response among individuals and suggest some non-RBD specific S IgG and IgA antibodies neutralize SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystal T Hamorsky
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - Adrienne M Bushau-Sprinkle
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Kathleen Kitterman
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Julia M Corman
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Jennifer DeMarco
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Rachel J Keith
- Christine Lee Brown Envirome Institute, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Diabetes and Obesity Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Aruni Bhatnagar
- Christine Lee Brown Envirome Institute, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Diabetes and Obesity Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Joshua L Fuqua
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Amanda Lasnik
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Joongho Joh
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Donghoon Chung
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Jon Klein
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Joseph Flynn
- Norton Cancer Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Marti Gardner
- Norton Cancer Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Shirish Barve
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Smita S Ghare
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Kenneth E Palmer
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
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Kapuczinski A, de Terwangne C, De Keukeleire S, Goffard JC, Sorgente A, Place S, De Cubber M. Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in Hospital Environment: Working in a COVID-19 Ward Is a Risk Factor for Infection. Pathogens 2021; 10:1175. [PMID: 34578207 PMCID: PMC8466053 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims. Health care workers (HCWs) are at risk of acquiring the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection (SARS-CoV-2). The aim of the study is to determine the SARS-CoV-2 positivity rates during the first epidemiologic peak among HCWs of a south Belgian hospital and to identify risks factors for infection. Methods. All hospital staff who worked during the first epidemiological peak were asked to answer a questionnaire regarding demographical data, function, type of working unit, type of contact with patients, eventual symptomatology, and the positivity of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing or immunoassay. Results. A total of 235 questionnaires were collected; 90 (38%) HCWs tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 from either RT-PCR or immunoassay testing. The positivity rate of HCWs between wards was statistically different (p = 0.004) and was higher in COVID-19 wards than Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Emergency Department (ED). A total of 114 (49%) HCWs presented SARS-CoV-2-compatible symptomatology; 79 (88%) were positive on either RT-PCR or immunoassay testing; 74 (37%) HCWs were unable to work during the studied period; 5 were hospitalized. No deaths were reported. Multivariate logistic regression modeling showed that having symptoms was highly associated with test positivity (OR 23.3, CI 11.1, 53.1, p-value < 0.001). Working in a COVID-19 ward against working in ICU or ED was also predictive of positivity among HCWs (OR 3.25, CI 1.50, 7.28, p-value = 0.003). Discussion and Conclusions. This study shows a higher positivity rate compared to already reported positivity rates among HCWs. Reported differences in positivity rates depend on many factors, such as local crisis intensity, screening strategy, training in use of self-protective equipment, and study selection bias. HCWs working in COVID-19 wards, in comparison to ED and ICU, seemed at greater risk of being infected in this study. This could be explained by the disparity of HCWs' experience in handling self-protective equipment and knowledge in infection prevention. Hence, care should be taken in proper training for less-experienced HCWs during hospital epidemics. The latter could increase HCWs' protection and consequently decrease work absenteeism, ensuring enhanced continuity of patient care during hospital crisis. Rapid quarantine of symptomatic HCWs could reduce contamination rates, as having symptoms was highly associated with test positivity in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeline Kapuczinski
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier EpiCURA, 7301 Hornu, Belgium; (C.d.T.); (S.P.)
| | - Christophe de Terwangne
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier EpiCURA, 7301 Hornu, Belgium; (C.d.T.); (S.P.)
| | - Steven De Keukeleire
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Centre Hospitalier EpiCURA, 7301 Hornu, Belgium;
| | - Jean-Christophe Goffard
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium;
| | - Antonio Sorgente
- Department of Cardiology, Centre Hospitalier EpiCURA Hospital, 7301 Hornu, Belgium; (A.S.); (M.D.C.)
| | - Sammy Place
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier EpiCURA, 7301 Hornu, Belgium; (C.d.T.); (S.P.)
| | - Michael De Cubber
- Department of Cardiology, Centre Hospitalier EpiCURA Hospital, 7301 Hornu, Belgium; (A.S.); (M.D.C.)
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Murongazvombo AS, Jones RS, Rayment M, Mughal N, Azadian B, Donaldson H, Davies GW, Moore LSP, Aiken AM. Association between SARS-CoV-2 exposure and antibody status among healthcare workers in two London hospitals: a cross-sectional study. Infect Prev Pract 2021; 3:100157. [PMID: 34316587 PMCID: PMC8217738 DOI: 10.1016/j.infpip.2021.100157] [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: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient-facing (frontline) health-care workers (HCWs) are at high risk of repeated exposure to SARS-CoV-2. AIM We sought to determine the association between levels of frontline exposure and likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity amongst HCW. METHODS A cross-sectional study was undertaken using purposefully collected data from HCWs at two hospitals in London, United Kingdom (UK) over eight weeks in May-June 2020. Information on sociodemographic, clinical and occupational characteristics was collected using an anonymised questionnaire. Serology was performed using split SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG lateral flow immunoassays. Exposure risk was categorised into five pre-defined ordered grades. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between being frontline and SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity after controlling for other risks of infection. FINDINGS 615 HCWs participated in the study. 250/615 (40.7%) were SARS-CoV-2 IgM and/or IgG positive. After controlling for other exposures, there was non-significant evidence of a modest association between being a frontline HCW (any level) and SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity compared to non-frontline status (OR 1.39, 95% CI 0.84-2.30, P=0.200). There was 15% increase in the odds of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity for each step along the frontline exposure gradient (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.00-1.32, P=0.043). CONCLUSION We found a high SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG seropositivity with modest evidence for a dose-response association between increasing levels of frontline exposure risk and seropositivity. Even in well-resourced hospital settings, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, in addition to other transmission-based precautions for inpatient care of SARS-CoV-2 patients could reduce the risk of hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection among frontline HCW.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachael S. Jones
- Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, 369 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9NH, UK
| | - Michael Rayment
- Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, 369 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9NH, UK
| | - Nabeela Mughal
- Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, 369 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9NH, UK
- North West London Pathology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 8RF, UK
| | - Berge Azadian
- Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, 369 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9NH, UK
| | - Hugo Donaldson
- Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, 369 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9NH, UK
- North West London Pathology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 8RF, UK
| | - Gary W. Davies
- Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, 369 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9NH, UK
| | - Luke SP. Moore
- Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, 369 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9NH, UK
- North West London Pathology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 8RF, UK
- Imperial College London, NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Alexander M. Aiken
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, UK
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Martínez-Caballero CM, Cárdaba-García RM, Varas-Manovel R, García-Sanz LM, Martínez-Piedra J, Fernández-Carbajo JJ, Pérez-Pérez L, Madrigal-Fernández MA, Barba-Pérez MÁ, Olea E, Durantez-Fernández C, Herrero-Frutos MT. Analyzing the Impact of COVID-19 Trauma on Developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Emergency Medical Workers in Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18179132. [PMID: 34501726 PMCID: PMC8431006 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic presented the characteristics of a traumatic event that could trigger post-traumatic stress disorder. Emergency Medical Services workers are already a high-risk group due to their professional development. The research project aimed to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on EMS professionals in terms of their mental health. For this purpose, we present a descriptive crosssectional study with survey methodology. A total of 317 EMS workers (doctors, nurses, and emergency medical technicians) were recruited voluntarily. Psychological distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and insomnia were assessed. The instruments were the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), the Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS-8), and the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS-8). We found that 36% of respondents had psychological distress, 30.9% potentially had PTSD, and 60.9% experienced insomnia. Years of work experience were found to be positively correlated, albeit with low effect, with the PTSD score (r = 0.133). Finally, it can be stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has been a traumatic event for EMS workers. The number of professionals presenting psychological distress, possible PTSD, or insomnia increased dramatically during the early phases of the pandemic. This study highlights the need for mental health disorder prevention programmes for EMS workers in the face of a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen M. Martínez-Caballero
- Emergencies Management (SACYL), 40002 Segovia, Spain; (C.M.M.-C.); (R.M.C.-G.); (R.V.-M.); (L.M.G.-S.); (J.J.F.-C.)
| | - Rosa M. Cárdaba-García
- Emergencies Management (SACYL), 40002 Segovia, Spain; (C.M.M.-C.); (R.M.C.-G.); (R.V.-M.); (L.M.G.-S.); (J.J.F.-C.)
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain or (L.P.-P.); or (M.A.M.-F.); (M.Á.B.-P.); (E.O.)
- Nursing Care Research (GICE), Faculty of Nursing, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Rocío Varas-Manovel
- Emergencies Management (SACYL), 40002 Segovia, Spain; (C.M.M.-C.); (R.M.C.-G.); (R.V.-M.); (L.M.G.-S.); (J.J.F.-C.)
| | - Laura M. García-Sanz
- Emergencies Management (SACYL), 40002 Segovia, Spain; (C.M.M.-C.); (R.M.C.-G.); (R.V.-M.); (L.M.G.-S.); (J.J.F.-C.)
| | | | - Juan J. Fernández-Carbajo
- Emergencies Management (SACYL), 40002 Segovia, Spain; (C.M.M.-C.); (R.M.C.-G.); (R.V.-M.); (L.M.G.-S.); (J.J.F.-C.)
| | - Lucía Pérez-Pérez
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain or (L.P.-P.); or (M.A.M.-F.); (M.Á.B.-P.); (E.O.)
- Nursing Care Research (GICE), Faculty of Nursing, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
- Primary Care Management Valladolid West (SACYL), 47012 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Madrigal-Fernández
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain or (L.P.-P.); or (M.A.M.-F.); (M.Á.B.-P.); (E.O.)
- Nursing Care Research (GICE), Faculty of Nursing, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
- University Clinical Hospital of Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
| | - M. Ángeles Barba-Pérez
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain or (L.P.-P.); or (M.A.M.-F.); (M.Á.B.-P.); (E.O.)
- Nursing Care Research (GICE), Faculty of Nursing, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
- University Clinical Hospital of Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Elena Olea
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain or (L.P.-P.); or (M.A.M.-F.); (M.Á.B.-P.); (E.O.)
- Nursing Care Research (GICE), Faculty of Nursing, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid-CSIC, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - M. Teresa Herrero-Frutos
- Emergencies Management (SACYL), 40002 Segovia, Spain; (C.M.M.-C.); (R.M.C.-G.); (R.V.-M.); (L.M.G.-S.); (J.J.F.-C.)
- Correspondence: or
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Sah P, Fitzpatrick MC, Zimmer CF, Abdollahi E, Juden-Kelly L, Moghadas SM, Singer BH, Galvani AP. Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2109229118. [PMID: 34376550 PMCID: PMC8403749 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2109229118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 261] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantification of asymptomatic infections is fundamental for effective public health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Discrepancies regarding the extent of asymptomaticity have arisen from inconsistent terminology as well as conflation of index and secondary cases which biases toward lower asymptomaticity. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and World Health Organization Global Research Database on COVID-19 between January 1, 2020 and April 2, 2021 to identify studies that reported silent infections at the time of testing, whether presymptomatic or asymptomatic. Index cases were removed to minimize representational bias that would result in overestimation of symptomaticity. By analyzing over 350 studies, we estimate that the percentage of infections that never developed clinical symptoms, and thus were truly asymptomatic, was 35.1% (95% CI: 30.7 to 39.9%). At the time of testing, 42.8% (95% prediction interval: 5.2 to 91.1%) of cases exhibited no symptoms, a group comprising both asymptomatic and presymptomatic infections. Asymptomaticity was significantly lower among the elderly, at 19.7% (95% CI: 12.7 to 29.4%) compared with children at 46.7% (95% CI: 32.0 to 62.0%). We also found that cases with comorbidities had significantly lower asymptomaticity compared to cases with no underlying medical conditions. Without proactive policies to detect asymptomatic infections, such as rapid contact tracing, prolonged efforts for pandemic control may be needed even in the presence of vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratha Sah
- Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Meagan C Fitzpatrick
- Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Charlotte F Zimmer
- Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Elaheh Abdollahi
- Agent-Based Modelling Laboratory, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Lyndon Juden-Kelly
- Agent-Based Modelling Laboratory, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Seyed M Moghadas
- Agent-Based Modelling Laboratory, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Burton H Singer
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Alison P Galvani
- Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520
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Mohiedden M, Said AM, Ali AM, Abdel Razik MM, Gad MA. Healthcare Workers Infection Rate in the Era of Coronavirus Disease 2019 - in Tertiary Teaching Hospital. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.6584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the frontline defense against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
AIM: The study aimed to describe the characteristics and appraise potential risk factors of COVID-19 transmission among HCWs who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in one of Cairo University Hospitals.
METHOD: Cross-sectional descriptive analysis of confirmed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive versus negative cases for COVID-19.
RESULTS: Through March–June 2020, (145/846; 17%) suspected HCWs were tested for COVID-19 by PCR; out of them (70/145; 48.3%) were confirmed as positive, these positive cases represented (70/846; 8.3%) of all HCWs of the hospital. About 33% of confirmed COVID-19 positive HCWs acquired the infection from the healthcare while only (13/70; 19%) from community settings, and no clear exposure data were identified in (34/70; 48%) of cases. Most of symptomatic cases showed a positive PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 versus asymptomatic cases, p < 0.001. There was no statistical significance regarding gender, age, presence of comorbidity, workload or the type of acquisition.
CONCLUSION: HCWs are at an increased risk of COVID-19 infection at the workplace. Strict implementation of infection control measures is of crucial role in preventing transmission of COVID-19 infection in health-care settings.
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The front-line during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: healthcare personnel. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2021; 34:372-383. [PMID: 34227581 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW An estimated four to 11% of reported coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases occurs in healthcare personnel (HCP). HCP are at high risk of acquiring and transmitting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) given their close contact with individuals with recognized and unrecognized COVID-19. We summarize the literature to date describing the epidemiology, identifying risk factors associated with COVID-19, and analyzing clinical characteristics and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCP. RECENT FINDINGS The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCP ranges from 0.7 to 45%. Although there is heterogeneity in the seroprevalence rate reported in the literature, HCP may be at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection from exposure to patients with COVID-19. The literature supports that this can be minimized with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) supply, proper hand hygiene, appropriate PPE use, and other infection prevention measures. In addition, infections in HCP are commonly acquired in the community as well as in nonclinical care settings including break rooms or work rooms. SUMMARY While much focus has been on minimizing patient-to-HCP transmission of SARS-CoV-2, additional efforts are needed to prevent exposures in nonclinical care settings and in the community.
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Vitrat V, Maillard A, Raybaud A, Wackenheim C, Chanzy B, Nguyen S, Valran A, Bosch A, Noret M, Delory T. Effect of Professional and Extra-Professional Exposure on Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Healthcare Workers of the French Alps: A Multicentric Cross-Sectional Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:824. [PMID: 34451949 PMCID: PMC8402428 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9080824] [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: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to report SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence after the first wave of the pandemic among healthcare workers, and to explore factors associated with an increased infection rate. We conducted a multicentric cross-sectional survey from 27 June to 31 September 2020. For this survey, we enrolled 3454 voluntary healthcare workers across four participating hospitals, of which 83.4% were female, with a median age of 40.6 years old (31.8-50.3). We serologically screened the employees for SARS-CoV-2, estimated the prevalence of infection, and conducted binomial logistic regression with random effect on participating hospitals to investigate associations. We estimated the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection at 5.0% (95 CI, 4.3%-5.8%). We found the lowest prevalence in health professional management support (4.3%) staff. Infections were more frequent in young professionals below 30 years old (aOR = 1.59, (95 CI, 1.06-2.37)), including paramedical students and residents (aOR = 3.38, (95 CI, 1.62-7.05)). In this group, SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was up 16.9%. The location of work and patient-facing role were not associated with increased infections. Employees reporting contacts with COVID-19 patients without adequate protective equipment had a higher rate of infection (aOR = 1.66, (95 CI, 1.12-2.44)). Aerosol-generating tasks were associated with a ~1.7-fold rate of infection, regardless of the uptake of FFP2. Those exposed to clusters of infected colleagues (aOR = 1.77, (95 CI, 1.24-2.53)) or intra-familial COVID-19 relatives (aOR = 2.09, (95 CI, 1.15-3.80)) also had a higher likelihood of infection. This report highlights that a sustained availability of personal protective equipment limits the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate to what is measured in the general population. It also pinpoints the need for dedicated hygiene training among young professionals, justifies the systematic eviction of infected personnel, and stresses the need for interventions to increase vaccination coverage among any healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Vitrat
- Infectious Diseases Department, Annecy Genevois Hospital, 74370 Epagny Metz-Tessy, France;
| | - Alexis Maillard
- Clinical Research Unit, Annecy Genevois Hospital, 74370 Epagny Metz-Tessy, France; (A.M.); (M.N.); (T.D.)
| | - Alain Raybaud
- Occupational Medicine Department, Alpes Leman Hospital, 74130 Contamine sur Arves, France;
| | - Chloé Wackenheim
- Infectious Diseases Department, Alpes Leman Hospital, 74130 Contamine sur Arves, France;
| | - Bruno Chanzy
- Virology Laboratory, Annecy Genevois Hospital, 74370 Epagny Metz-Tessy, France;
| | - Sophie Nguyen
- Hygiene Unit, Annecy Genevois Hospital, 74370 Epagny Metz-Tessy, France;
| | - Amélie Valran
- Infectious Diseases Department, Annecy Genevois Hospital, 74370 Epagny Metz-Tessy, France;
| | - Alexie Bosch
- Infectious Diseases Department, Metropole Savoie Hospital, 73000 Chambery, France;
| | - Marion Noret
- Clinical Research Unit, Annecy Genevois Hospital, 74370 Epagny Metz-Tessy, France; (A.M.); (M.N.); (T.D.)
| | - Tristan Delory
- Clinical Research Unit, Annecy Genevois Hospital, 74370 Epagny Metz-Tessy, France; (A.M.); (M.N.); (T.D.)
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Mortgat L, Verdonck K, Hutse V, Thomas I, Barbezange C, Heyndrickx L, Fischer N, Vuylsteke B, Kabouche I, Ariën KK, Desombere I, Duysburgh E. Prevalence and incidence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers in Belgian hospitals before vaccination: a prospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e050824. [PMID: 34187832 PMCID: PMC8245288 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe prevalence and incidence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among Belgian hospital healthcare workers (HCW) in April-December 2020. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. Follow-up was originally planned until September and later extended. SETTING Multicentre study, 17 hospitals. PARTICIPANTS 50 HCW were randomly selected per hospital. HCW employed beyond the end of the study and whose profession involved contact with patients were eligible. 850 HCW entered the study in April-May 2020, 673 HCW (79%) attended the September visit and 308 (36%) the December visit. OUTCOME MEASURES A semiquantitative ELISA was used to detect IgG against SARS-CoV-2 in serum (Euroimmun) at 10 time points. In seropositive samples, neutralising antibodies were measured using a virus neutralisation test. Real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect SARS-CoV-2 on nasopharyngeal swabs. Participant characteristics and the presence of symptoms were collected via an online questionnaire. RESULTS Among all participants, 80% were women, 60% nurses and 21% physicians. Median age was 40 years. The seroprevalence remained relatively stable from April (7.7% (95% CI: 4.8% to 12.1%) to September (8.2% (95% CI: 5.7% to 11.6%)) and increased thereafter, reaching 19.7% (95% CI: 12.0% to 30.6%) in December 2020. 76 of 778 initially seronegative participants seroconverted during the follow-up (incidence: 205/1000 person-years). Among all seropositive individuals, 118/148 (80%) had a positive neutralisation test, 83/147 (56%) presented or reported a positive RT-qPCR, and 130/147 (88%) reported COVID-19-compatible symptoms at least once. However, only 46/73 (63%) of the seroconverters presented COVID-19-compatible symptoms in the month prior to seroconversion. CONCLUSIONS The seroprevalence among hospital HCW was slightly higher than that of the general Belgian population but followed a similar evolution, suggesting that infection prevention and control measures were effective and should be strictly maintained. After two SARS-CoV-2 waves, 80% of HCW remained seronegative, justifying their prioritisation in the vaccination strategy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04373889.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Mortgat
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
- European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), ECDC, Solna, Sweden
| | - Kristien Verdonck
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Veronik Hutse
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Thomas
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cyril Barbezange
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Leo Heyndrickx
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Natalie Fischer
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
- European Public Health Microbiology Training (EUPHEM), ECDC, Solna, Sweden
| | - Bea Vuylsteke
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ines Kabouche
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin K Ariën
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Desombere
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Els Duysburgh
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
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Janssen C, Maillard A, Bodelet C, Claudel AL, Gaillat J, Delory T. Hesitancy towards COVID-19 Vaccination among Healthcare Workers: A Multi-Centric Survey in France. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:547. [PMID: 34067490 PMCID: PMC8224571 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9060547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination programs against COVID-19 are being scaled up. We aimed to assess the effects of vaccine characteristics on vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in a multi-center survey conducted within French healthcare facilities from 1 December 2020 to 26 March 2021. We invited any healthcare workers naïve of COVID-19 vaccination to complete an online self-questionnaire. They reported on their socio-demographic characteristics, as well as their perception and beliefs towards vaccination. We measured their willingness to get vaccinated in eight scenarios for candidates' vaccines presented sequentially (1 to 4-point scale). Candidates' vaccines varied for efficacy (25%, 50%, 100%), length of immunization (1 year or lifetime), frequency (<1/100, <1/10,000), and severity (none, moderate, severe) of adverse events. We analyzed 4349 healthcare workers' responses with interpretable questionnaires. The crude willingness to get vaccinated was 53.2% and increased over time. We clustered the trajectories of responses using an unsupervised classification algorithm (k-means) and identified four groups of healthcare workers: those willing to get vaccinated in any scenario (18%), those not willing to get vaccinated at all (22%), and those hesitating but more likely to accept (32%) or reject (28%) the vaccination depending on the scenario. In these last two subgroups, vaccine acceptance was growing with age, educational background and was higher among men with condition. Compared to an ideal vaccine candidate, a 50% reduced efficacy resulted in an average drop in acceptance by 0.8 (SD ± 0.8, -23.5%), while it was ranging from 1.4 (SD ± 1.0, -38.4%) to 2.1 (SD ± 1.0, -58.4%) in case of severe but rare adverse event. The acceptance of a mandatory immunization program was 29.6% overall and was positively correlated to the willingness to get vaccinated, ranging from 2.4% to 60.0%. Even if healthcare workers represent a heterogeneous population, most (80%) could accept the vaccination against COVID-19. Their willingness to get the vaccine increased over time and as immunization programs became available. Among hesitant professionals, the fear of adverse events was the main concern. Targeted information campaigns reassuring about adverse events may increase vaccine coverage, in a population with a strong opinion about mandatory immunization programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Janssen
- Centre Hospitalier Annecy Genevois, Infectious Diseases Unit, F-74374 Annecy, France;
| | - Alexis Maillard
- Centre Hospitalier Annecy Genevois, Clinical Research Unit, F-74374 Annecy, France; (A.M.); (A.-L.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Céline Bodelet
- Laboratoire Inter-universitaire de Psychologie (LIP-PC2S), Université Grenoble, Alpes 1251 Avenue Centrale, 38400 Saint-Martin-d’Hères, France;
| | - Anne-Laure Claudel
- Centre Hospitalier Annecy Genevois, Clinical Research Unit, F-74374 Annecy, France; (A.M.); (A.-L.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Jacques Gaillat
- Centre Hospitalier Annecy Genevois, Clinical Research Unit, F-74374 Annecy, France; (A.M.); (A.-L.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Tristan Delory
- Centre Hospitalier Annecy Genevois, Clinical Research Unit, F-74374 Annecy, France; (A.M.); (A.-L.C.); (J.G.)
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Different Laboratory Diagnosis Methods of COVID-19: A Systematic Review. ARCHIVES OF CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/archcid.110667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
: The virus causing COVID-19 disease is known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease spread rapidly and was transmitted like a contagious disease throughout China, and then it gradually spread in other parts of the world. Accordingly, the rapid and accurate detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus plays an essential role in selecting timely treatments, saving lives, and preventing the spread of the disease. This study summarizes the methods used to identify coronavirus nucleic acid. The effectiveness of coronavirus nucleic acid detection kits by different samples and the performance of other diagnostic techniques are also addressed in this study. We searched Embase, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases as well as the references of all relevant articles in English published during 2019 - 2020 using keywords related to COVID-19, detection kits, and respiratory failure and proceedings from relevant conferences and congresses. The authors collected the relevant reports, and each of the authors independently reviewed the data published in different studies. The results of previous studies indicated that the diagnosis methods of the COVID-19 disease are the RT-PCR method, ELISA kits, quick tests, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, other laboratory factors and antigenic detection methods. Given the sensitivity and specificity of these methods at different periods using different samples, the disease interpretation can be performed accurately. The findings showed that proper laboratory equipment and appropriate laboratory kits are necessary for the rapid and precise identification of COVID-19.
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Costantino C, Cannizzaro E, Verso MG, Tramuto F, Maida CM, Lacca G, Alba D, Cimino L, Conforto A, Cirrincione L, Graziano G, Palmeri S, Pizzo S, Restivo V, Casuccio A, Vitale F, Mazzucco W. SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Healthcare Professionals and General Population During "First Wave" of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study Conducted in Sicily, Italy. Front Public Health 2021; 9:644008. [PMID: 34055716 PMCID: PMC8155294 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.644008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
On December 31, 2019, an outbreak of lower respiratory infections was documented in Wuhan caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since the beginning, SARS-CoV-2 has caused many infections among healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. Aims of this study were: a. to compare the distribution among the HCWs and the general population of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Western Sicily and Italy; b. to describe the characteristics of HCWs infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the western Sicilian healthcare context during the first wave of the epidemic diffusion in Italy. Incidence and mean age of HCWs infected with SARS-CoV-2 were comparable in Western Sicily and in the whole Italian country. The 97.6% of infections occurred in HCWs operating in non-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) working environments, while an equal distribution of cases between hospital and primary care services context was documented. Nurses and healthcare assistants, followed by physicians, were the categories more frequently infected by SARS-CoV-2. The present study suggests that healthcare workers are easily infected compared to the general population but that often infection could equally occur in hospital and non-hospital settings. Safety of HCWs in counteracting the COVID-19 pandemic must be strengthened in hospital [adequate provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), optimization of human resources, implementation of closed and independent groups of HCWs, creation of traffic control building and dedicated areas in every healthcare context] and non-hospital settings (influenza vaccination, adequate psychophysical support, including refreshments during working shifts, adequate rest, and family support).
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Costantino
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,COVID-19 Surveillance Western Sicily Reference Laboratory, Palermo University Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cannizzaro
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Verso
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabio Tramuto
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,COVID-19 Surveillance Western Sicily Reference Laboratory, Palermo University Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Carmelo Massimo Maida
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,COVID-19 Surveillance Western Sicily Reference Laboratory, Palermo University Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Guido Lacca
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Davide Alba
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Livia Cimino
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Arianna Conforto
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Luigi Cirrincione
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Graziano
- COVID-19 Surveillance Western Sicily Reference Laboratory, Palermo University Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Sara Palmeri
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Pizzo
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Restivo
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,COVID-19 Surveillance Western Sicily Reference Laboratory, Palermo University Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Casuccio
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Vitale
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,COVID-19 Surveillance Western Sicily Reference Laboratory, Palermo University Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Walter Mazzucco
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,COVID-19 Surveillance Western Sicily Reference Laboratory, Palermo University Hospital, Palermo, Italy
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Bella A, Akbar MT, Kusnadi G, Herlinda O, Regita PA, Kusuma D. Socioeconomic and Behavioral Correlates of COVID-19 Infections among Hospital Workers in the Greater Jakarta Area, Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5048. [PMID: 34064580 PMCID: PMC8151868 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: because of close contacts with COVID-19 patients, hospital workers are among the highest risk groups for infection. This study examined the socioeconomic and behavioral correlates of COVID-19 infection among hospital workers in Indonesia, the country hardest-hit by the disease in the Southeast Asia region. (2) Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional study, which collected data from 1397 hospital staff from eight hospitals in the Greater Jakarta area during April-July 2020. The data was collected using an online self-administered questionnaire and Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) tests. We employed descriptive statistics and adjusted and unadjusted logistic regressions to analyze the data of hospital workers as well as the subgroups of healthcare and non-healthcare workers. (3) Results: from a total of 1397 hospital staff in the study, 22 (1.6%) were infected. In terms of correlates, being a healthcare worker (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 8.31, 95% CI 1.27-54.54) and having a household size of more than five (AOR = 4.09, 1.02-16.43) were significantly associated with a higher risk of infection. On the other hand, those with middle- and upper-expenditure levels were shown to have a lower risk of infection (AOR = 0.06, 0.01-0.66). Behavioral factors associated with COVID-19 infection among healthcare and non-healthcare workers included knowledge of standard personal protective equipment (PPE) (AOR = 0.08, 0.01-0.54) and application of the six-step handwashing technique (AOR = 0.32, 0.12-0.83). (4) Conclusion: among hospital staff, correlates of COVID-19 infection included being a healthcare worker, household size, expenditure level, knowledge and use of PPE, and application of appropriate hand washing techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna Bella
- Center for Indonesia’s Strategic Development Initiatives (CISDI), Jakarta 10350, Indonesia; (A.B.); (M.T.A.); (G.K.); (O.H.); (P.A.R.)
| | - Mochamad Thoriq Akbar
- Center for Indonesia’s Strategic Development Initiatives (CISDI), Jakarta 10350, Indonesia; (A.B.); (M.T.A.); (G.K.); (O.H.); (P.A.R.)
| | - Gita Kusnadi
- Center for Indonesia’s Strategic Development Initiatives (CISDI), Jakarta 10350, Indonesia; (A.B.); (M.T.A.); (G.K.); (O.H.); (P.A.R.)
| | - Olivia Herlinda
- Center for Indonesia’s Strategic Development Initiatives (CISDI), Jakarta 10350, Indonesia; (A.B.); (M.T.A.); (G.K.); (O.H.); (P.A.R.)
| | - Putri Aprilia Regita
- Center for Indonesia’s Strategic Development Initiatives (CISDI), Jakarta 10350, Indonesia; (A.B.); (M.T.A.); (G.K.); (O.H.); (P.A.R.)
| | - Dian Kusuma
- Centre for Health Economics & Policy Innovation, Imperial College Business School, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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Scohy A, Gruson D, Simon A, Kabamba-Mukadi B, De Greef J, Belkhir L, Rodriguez-Villalobos H, Robert A, Yombi JC. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in health care workers of a teaching hospital in Belgium: self-reported occupational and household risk factors for seropositivity. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 100:115414. [PMID: 34082266 PMCID: PMC8098032 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2021.115414] [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: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among health care workers (HCWs) and to assess self-reported risk factors for seropositivity. A total of 3255 HCWs were included and the overall seroprevalence was 7.8%. The likelihood of seropositivity was higher in participants reporting any COVID-19 symptoms within the last 4 months (OR 8.32, 95% CI 5.83-11.88, P < 0.001). Being a female HCW (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.11–2.32, P < 0.01), having a cohabitant who was infected with SARS-CoV-2 (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.78–3.66 P < 0.001) or a cohabitant who was a nursing home caregiver (OR 3.71, 95% CI 1.59–8.65, P = 0.002) were independently associated with an increased risk of seropositivity. Working in a COVID-19 unit (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.21–2.23, P < 0.001) and being exposed to a SARS-CoV-2 infected co-worker (OR 1.30,95% CI 0.97–1.74, P = 0.016) resulted in higher seropositivity rate. Even if in-hospital exposure may play a significant role, increased infection risk is most likely attributable to household contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Scohy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Damien Gruson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne Simon
- Prevention and infection control, Centres hospitaliers Jolimont, Haine-Saint-Paul, Belgium
| | - Benoît Kabamba-Mukadi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julien De Greef
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Leïla Belkhir
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hector Rodriguez-Villalobos
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Annie Robert
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean Cyr Yombi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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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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Rodriguez A, Arrizabalaga-Asenjo M, Fernandez-Baca V, Lainez MP, Al Nakeeb Z, Garcia JD, Payeras A. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody among healthcare workers in a university hospital in Mallorca, Spain, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 105:482-486. [PMID: 33647507 PMCID: PMC7910131 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.02.104] [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: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence in healthcare workers (HCWs) at a university hospital in Mallorca, Spain. METHODS All HCWs received an e-mail inviting them to take part in the study. Participants had a nasopharyngeal swab test performed for reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and serological tests to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (primary study). Additionally, they were invited to complete a questionnaire on their exposure to COVID-19 individuals and their COVID-19-related symptoms (secondary study). Prevalence of antibodies (IgG, IgM, or both) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS Seventy-nine percent of the hospital's HCWs (N = 2210) took part in the primary study. Antibodies were detected in 61 participants, a prevalence of 2.8% (95% CI: 2.5-3.1). The prevalence was slightly higher in nurses (3.4%), registrars (3.9%), and wardens (3.4%). Thirty-nine percent of the primary study participants completed the secondary study questionnaire. Those with positive antibody test results had closer contact with COVID-19 individuals (60% vs. 92%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION After the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in our university hospital HCWs was around 2.8%, which is slightly higher than the seroprevalence in the general population in our region. We believe it would be advisable to perform additional seroprevalence studies during the second wave of the epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Rodriguez
- Internal Medicine Department, Son Llatzer University Hospital, Balearic Islands, Spain.
| | - Maria Arrizabalaga-Asenjo
- Internal Medicine Department, Son Llatzer University Hospital, Balearic Islands, Spain; Research Group in Infectious Diseases and HIV, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Spain
| | - Victoria Fernandez-Baca
- Microbiology Department, Son Llatzer University Hospital, Balearic Islands, Spain; Multidisciplinary Sepsis Group, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Spain
| | - Maria Pilar Lainez
- Department of Occupational Health, Son Llatzer University Hospital, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Zaid Al Nakeeb
- Medical Coordination, Son Llatzer University Hospital, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Jose Daniel Garcia
- Medical Coordination, Son Llatzer University Hospital, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Antoni Payeras
- Internal Medicine Department, Son Llatzer University Hospital, Balearic Islands, Spain; Research Group in Infectious Diseases and HIV, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Spain
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Johnson CC, Coleman CM, Sitarik AR, Leon JE, Tibbetts RJ, Cook BC, Muma BK, Weinmann AJ, Samuel LP. SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity and antibody prevalence among asymptomatic hospital-based health care workers. J Clin Virol 2021; 140:104794. [PMID: 34023573 PMCID: PMC7962992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2021.104794] [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: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background The level of asymptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2 could be substantial and among health care workers (HCWs) a source of continuing transmission of the virus to patients and co-workers. Objectives Measure the period prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies among a random sample of asymptomatic health system hospital-based health care workers (HCWs) 6½ -15½ weeks after 4/5/2020, the peak of the first surge of COVID-19 admissions. Results Of 524 eligible and consented participants from four metropolitan hospitals, nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from 439 (83.8 %) and blood from 374 (71.4 %). Using PCR nucleic acid-based amplification (NAAT) methods, the period prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 0.23 % (95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.01 %–1.28 %; 1/439) from 5/21/20−7/16/20. The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies from June 17-July 24, 2020 was 2.41 % (95 % CI 1.27 %–4.51 %; 9/374). Those who were reactive were younger (median age 36 versus 44 years; p = 0.050), and those with self-reported Hispanic/Latino ethnicity had a higher seroprevalence (2/12 = 16.7 % versus 7/352 = 2.0 %; p = 0.051). There were no significant differences by sex, race, residence, hospital, unit or job type. The one employee who was found to be PCR test positive in this study was also reactive for IgG antibodies, tested 27 days later. Conclusions The period prevalence of PCR positivity to SARS-CoV-2 and IgG seroprevalence was unexpectedly low in asymptomatic HCWs after a peak in COVID-19 admissions and the establishment of state and institutional infection control policies, suggesting that routine screening tests while community prevalence is relatively low would produce a minimal yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine C Johnson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States.
| | - Chad M Coleman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Alexandra R Sitarik
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Joyce E Leon
- Population Health, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Robert J Tibbetts
- Department of Pathology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Bernard C Cook
- Department of Pathology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Bruce K Muma
- Population Health, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Allison J Weinmann
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Linoj P Samuel
- Department of Pathology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States
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Trieu MC, Bansal A, Madsen A, Zhou F, Sævik M, Vahokoski J, Brokstad KA, Krammer F, Tøndel C, Mohn KGI, Blomberg B, Langeland N, Cox RJ. SARS-CoV-2-Specific Neutralizing Antibody Responses in Norwegian Health Care Workers After the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Cohort Study. J Infect Dis 2021; 223:589-599. [PMID: 33247924 PMCID: PMC7798943 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many countries experienced infection in health care workers (HCW) due to overburdened health care systems. Whether infected HCW acquire protective immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is unclear. METHODS In a Norwegian prospective cohort study, we enrolled 607 HCW before and after the first COVID-19 wave. Exposure history, COVID-19-like symptoms, and serum samples were collected. SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies were characterized by spike-protein IgG/IgM/IgA enzyme-linked immunosorbent and live-virus neutralization assays. RESULTS Spike-specific IgG/IgM/IgA antibodies increased after the first wave in HCW with, but not in HCW without, COVID-19 patient exposure. Thirty-two HCW (5.3%) had spike-specific antibodies (11 seroconverted with ≥4-fold increase, 21 were seropositive at baseline). Neutralizing antibodies were found in 11 HCW that seroconverted, of whom 4 (36.4%) were asymptomatic. Ninety-seven HCW were tested by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) during follow-up; 8 were positive (7 seroconverted, 1 had undetectable antibodies). CONCLUSIONS We found increases in SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in infected HCW, especially after COVID-19 patient exposure. Our data show a low number of SARS-CoV-2-seropositive HCW in a low-prevalence setting; however, the proportion of seropositivity was higher than RT-PCR positivity, highlighting the importance of antibody testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai-Chi Trieu
- Department of Clinical Science, Influenza Centre, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Amit Bansal
- Department of Clinical Science, Influenza Centre, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anders Madsen
- Department of Clinical Science, Influenza Centre, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Fan Zhou
- Department of Clinical Science, Influenza Centre, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marianne Sævik
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Juha Vahokoski
- Department of Clinical Science, Influenza Centre, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Karl Albert Brokstad
- Broeglemann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Safety, Chemistry and Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Florian Krammer
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Camilla Tøndel
- Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kristin G I Mohn
- Department of Clinical Science, Influenza Centre, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Emergency Care Clinic, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bjørn Blomberg
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,National Centre for Tropical Infectious Diseases, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nina Langeland
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,National Centre for Tropical Infectious Diseases, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rebecca J Cox
- Department of Clinical Science, Influenza Centre, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Çitak N, Pekçolaklar A. COVID-19 Screening Program Should be Performed in Healthcare Workers. Turk Thorac J 2021; 22:169-174. [PMID: 33871342 DOI: 10.5152/turkthoracj.2021.20217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The screening test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease 2019 (COVID-19) has not been performed in healthcare workers (HCWs) yet, although HCWs are at a high risk of infection. COVID-19 is detected in 5%-15% of HCWs according to published studies. Nevertheless, it may be higher than the rates indicated in published studies. Based on this fact, the current recommendation of studies in the literature is to screen COVID-19 in HCWs. In this review, studies on SARS-CoV-2 screening in HCWs will be reconsidered, and the frequency and target group in whom screening should be performed will be emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Necati Çitak
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Research and Education Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Hossain A, Nasrullah SM, Tasnim Z, Hasan M, Hasan M. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies among health care workers prior to vaccine administration in Europe, the USA and East Asia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 33:100770. [PMID: 33718853 PMCID: PMC7938754 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.100770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowing the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies across geographic regions before vaccine administration is one key piece of knowledge to achieve herd immunity. While people of all ages, occupations, and communities are at risk of getting infected with SARS-CoV-2, the health care workers (HCWs) are possibly at the highest risk. Most seroprevalence surveys with HCWs conducted worldwide have been limited to Europe, North America, and East Asia. We aimed to understand how the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies varied across these geographic regions among HCWs based on the available evidences. METHODS By searching through PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases, eligible studies published from January 1, 2020 to January 15, 2021 were included for the systematic review and meta-analysis. The random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled proportion of IgG seropositive HCWs. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot and confirmed by Egger's test. Heterogeneity was quantified using I2 statistics. We performed sensitivity analyses based on sample size, diagnostic method and publication status. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020219086). FINDINGS A total of 53 peer-reviewed articles were selected, including 173,353 HCWs (32.7% male) from the United States, ten European, and three East Asian countries. The overall seropositive prevalence rate of IgG antibodies was 8.6% in these regions (95% CI= 7.2-9.9%). Pooled seroprevalence of IgG antibodies was higher in studies conducted in the USA (12.4%, 95% CI= 7.8-17%) than in Europe (7.7%, 95% CI=6.3-9.2%) and East Asia (4.8%, 95% CI=2.9-6.7%). The subgroup study also estimated that male HCWs had 9.4% (95% CI= 7.2-11.6%) IgG seroconversion, and female HCWs had 7.8% (95% CI=5.9-9.7%). The study exhibits a high prevalence of IgG antibodies among HCWs under 40 years in the USA, conversely, it was high in older HCWs (≥40 years of age) in Europe and East Asia. In the months February-April 2020, the estimated pooled seroprevalence was 5.7% (4.0-7.4%) that increased to 8·2% (6.2-10%) in April-May and further to 9.9% (6.9-12.9%) in the May-September time-period. INTERPRETATION In the view of all evidence to date, a significant variation in the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in HCWs is observed in regions of Europe, the United States, and East Asia. The patterns of IgG antibodies by time, age, and gender suggest noticeable regional differences in transmission of the virus. Based on the insights driven from the analysis, priority is required for effective vaccination for older HCWs from Europe and East Asia. A considerable high seroprevalence of IgG among HCWs from the USA suggests a high rate of past infection that indicates the need to take adequate measures to prevent hospital spread. Moreover, the seroprevalence trend was not substantially changed after May 2020, suggesting a slow progression of long-term SARS-CoV-2 immunity. Routine testing of HCWs for SARS-CoV-2 should be considered even after the rollout of vaccination to identify the areas of increased transmission. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Hossain
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Global Health Institute, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Health Management BD Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Zarrin Tasnim
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md.Kamrul Hasan
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Prevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody in Hospital Staff in Double-Center Setting: A Preliminary Report of a Cohort Study From Iran. SHIRAZ E-MEDICAL JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/semj.112681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 in China in late 2019 was an unprecedented catastrophe that also involved many other countries, including Iran. Concerning the danger of disease contagion, it is necessary to detect asymptomatic or mild cases, especially in hospital staff who are highly exposed to the disease. Objectives: In this serosurvey study, we aimed to estimate IgG seroprevalence among hospital staff in two public hospitals to determine local transmission and infection risk factors, as well as protective immunity among high-risk populations. Methods: Screening was offered to the hospital staff of two public hospitals in Shiraz, Iran. Screening involved the measurement of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Besides, a checklist that consisted of questions about sociodemographic, occupational, and epidemiological characteristics was completed by the participants. Results: Among 494 participants in this study, 29 (5.8%) had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in their blood. Besides, 320 (64.8%) had at least one of the clinical symptoms within six months before this survey. Among participants with positive PCR, nine (21.4%) had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, while this figure was seven (33.3%) for individuals with positive CT scans. Non-proper disposal of used protective equipment or infectious wastes (OR = 26.5), rotational daily work shifts (OR = 7.5), being anxious about getting COVID-19 (OR = 3.8), and age (OR = 1.06) were the significant determinants of having anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in the hospital staff. Conclusions: It is essential to continue training and giving technical consultations about COVID-19, especially the proper disposal of used protective equipment or infectious wastes in rotational daily shift workers.
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Mukwege D, Byabene AK, Akonkwa EM, Dahma H, Dauby N, Cikwanine Buhendwa JP, Le Coadou A, Montesinos I, Bruyneel M, Cadière GB, Vandenberg O, Van Laethem Y. High SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Healthcare Workers in Bukavu, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 104:1526-1530. [PMID: 33591936 PMCID: PMC8045652 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-1526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Among 359 healthcare workers (HCW) employed in Panzi General Referral Hospital located in Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 148 (41.2%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Thirty-three (22.3%) of the 148 personnel with positive serology reported symptoms evoking a prior COVID-19 illness. None of the infected HCWs reported COVID-related hospitalization, and all of them recovered. Our findings indicate high and underestimated circulation of SARS-CoV-2 within the Bukavu area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Mukwege
- 1Gynaecology and General Surgery, Panzi General Referral Hospital, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo.,2Faculty of Medicine, Evangelical University in Africa, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Aline Kusinza Byabene
- 2Faculty of Medicine, Evangelical University in Africa, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Eric Mungu Akonkwa
- 1Gynaecology and General Surgery, Panzi General Referral Hospital, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo.,2Faculty of Medicine, Evangelical University in Africa, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Hafid Dahma
- 3Department of Microbiology, LHUB-ULB, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Dauby
- 4Department of Infectious Diseases, CHU Saint-Pierre, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,5Centre for Environmental Health and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,6Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Anne Le Coadou
- 5Centre for Environmental Health and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabel Montesinos
- 3Department of Microbiology, LHUB-ULB, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie Bruyneel
- 7Department of Pulmonary Medicine, CHU Saint-Pierre, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Guy-Bernard Cadière
- 8Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, European School of Laparoscopic Surgery, Saint-Pierre University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olivier Vandenberg
- 5Centre for Environmental Health and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,9Division of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yves Van Laethem
- 4Department of Infectious Diseases, CHU Saint-Pierre, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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