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Lam T, Saso A, Torres Ortiz A, Hatcher J, Woodman M, Chandran S, Thistlethwayte R, Best T, Johnson M, Wagstaffe H, Mai A, Buckland M, Gilmour K, Goldblatt D, Grandjean L. Socioeconomic and Demographic Risk Factors for SARS-CoV-2 Seropositivity Among Healthcare Workers in a UK Hospital: A Prospective Cohort Study. Clin Infect Dis 2024; 78:594-602. [PMID: 37647517 PMCID: PMC10954340 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad522] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To protect healthcare workers (HCWs) from the consequences of disease due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), it is necessary to understand the risk factors that drive exposure and infection within hospitals. Insufficient consideration of key socioeconomic variables is a limitation of existing studies that can lead to bias and residual confounding of proposed risk factors for infection. METHODS The Co-STARs study prospectively enrolled 3679 HCWs between April 2020 and September 2020. We used multivariate logistic regression to comprehensively characterize the demographic, occupational, socioeconomic, and environmental risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. RESULTS After adjusting for key confounders, relative household overcrowding (odds ratio [OR], 1.4 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.1-1.9]; P = .006), Black, Black British, Caribbean, or African ethnicity (OR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.2-2.3]; P = .003), increasing age (ages 50-60 years: OR, 1.8 [95% CI, 1.3-2.4]; P < .001), lack of access to sick pay (OR, 1.8 [95% CI, 1.3-2.4]; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Socioeconomic and demographic factors outside the hospital were the main drivers of infection and exposure to SARS-CoV-2 during the first wave of the pandemic in an urban pediatric referral hospital. Overcrowding and out-of-hospital SARS-CoV-2 contact are less amenable to intervention. However, lack of access to sick pay among externally contracted staff is more easily rectifiable. Our findings suggest that providing easier access to sick pay would lead to a decrease in SARS-CoV-2 transmission and potentially that of other infectious diseases in hospital settings. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT04380896.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Lam
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anja Saso
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Arturo Torres Ortiz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James Hatcher
- Department of Microbiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marc Woodman
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shruthi Chandran
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Timothy Best
- Department of Microbiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marina Johnson
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Wagstaffe
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Annabelle Mai
- Clinical Immunology, Camelia Botnar Laboratories, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Buckland
- Clinical Immunology, Camelia Botnar Laboratories, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kimberly Gilmour
- Clinical Immunology, Camelia Botnar Laboratories, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Goldblatt
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louis Grandjean
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Socan M, Prosenc K, Kukec A, Zaletel-Kragelj L, Remec T, Grmek-Kosnik I. Determinants of seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 in hospital staff in the second wave of the pandemic in Slovenia. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2022; 35:571-584. [PMID: 35856815 PMCID: PMC10464744 DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01932] [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: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) affected a disproportionately high percentage of healthcare workers (HCWs). The aim of the study was to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibodies in nurses and clinicians working in 2 Slovenian regional hospitals, and to identify the factors associated with seropositivity. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was designed as a crosssectional study. Clinicians and nurses were invited to participate in November-December 2020. The respondents (813, 65.8%) completed a questionnaire and consented to provide 10 ml of blood for determining the presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. RESULTS The authors observed a seroprevalence rate of 20.4%. The results of the univariate analysis proved that the age of a nurse or clinician was the factor most strongly associated with seropositivity - in fact, the youngest nurses and clinicians were 8.33 times more likely to be seropositive than those in the oldest age group (p = 0.041). Being in contact with a family/household member who was SARS-CoV-2-positive was also a very important factor. In the work-related factors group, being in the contact with a SARS-CoV-2-positive colleague (OR = 2.35, p = 0.026) or being in contact with a COVID-19 patient (OR = 1.96, p = 0.004) correlated with seropositivity. In the primary work location/department group, the only significant association appeared among those working in surgical, ENT or ophthalmology departments. The results of the multivariate analysis further supported the thesis that the age of nurses and clinicians was the factor most strongly associated with seropositivity. The youngest nurses and clinicians were 12.5 times more likely to be seropositive than those in the oldest age group (p = 0.024). Being in contact with a SARS-CoV-2-positive family/household member remained the second most important factor. CONCLUSIONS A significant number of clinicians and nurses working in secondary healthcare were infected in the first 9 months of the pandemic. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(5):571-84.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Socan
- National Institute of Public Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Centre for Communicable Diseases)
| | - Katarina Prosenc
- National Laboratory for Health, Food and Environment, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Laboratory for Public Health Virology)
| | - Andreja Kukec
- University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Medical Faculty, Chair for Public Health)
| | | | - Tatjana Remec
- Novo Mesto General Hospital, Novo Mesto, Slovenia (Department for Infectious Diseases)
| | - Irena Grmek-Kosnik
- National Laboratory for Health, Food and Environment, Kranj, Slovenia (Laboratory for Human Microbiology)
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Kribi S, Touré F, Mendes A, Sanou S, Some A, Aminou AM, Belarbi E, Griessel R, Hema A, Kabore F, Pitzinger P, Strydom A, Vietor AC, Traoré K, Zongo A, Anoh EA, Grossegesse M, Hofmann N, Ouangraoua S, Poda A, Kagone T, Schubert G, Eckmanns T, Venter M, Leendertz F, Akoua-Koffi C, Tomczyk S. Multicountry study of SARS-CoV-2 and associated risk factors among healthcare workers in Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso and South Africa. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2022; 117:179-188. [PMID: 36153637 PMCID: PMC9619424 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac089] [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: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread across Africa have varied, including among healthcare workers (HCWs). This study assessed the comparative SARS-CoV-2 burden and associated risk factors among HCWs in three African countries. METHODS A multicentre study was conducted at regional healthcare facilities in Côte d'Ivoire (CIV), Burkina Faso (BF) and South Africa (SA) from February to May 2021. HCWs provided blood samples for SARS-CoV-2 serology and nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs for testing of acute infection by polymerase chain reaction and completed a questionnaire. Factors associated with seropositivity were assessed with logistic regression. RESULTS Among 719 HCWs, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 34.6% (95% confidence interval 31.2 to 38.2), ranging from 19.2% in CIV to 45.7% in BF. A total of 20 of 523 (3.8%) were positive for acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Female HCWs had higher odds of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity compared with males, and nursing staff, allied health professionals, non-caregiver personnel and administration had higher odds compared with physicians. HCWs also reported infection prevention and control (IPC) gaps, including 38.7% and 29% having access to respirators and IPC training, respectively, in the last year. CONCLUSIONS This study was a unique comparative HCW SARS-CoV-2 investigation in Africa. Seroprevalence estimates varied, highlighting distinctive population/facility-level factors affecting COVID-19 burden and the importance of established IPC programmes to protect HCWs and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kribi
- Corresponding author: Tel: +4915203088440; E-mail: ; Present address: Seestraße 10, Berlin 13353, Germany
| | | | - Adriano Mendes
- Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x 20 Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Soufiane Sanou
- Le Centre Muraz, Ave Mamadou Konate, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Arsène Some
- Le Centre Muraz, Ave Mamadou Konate, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Abdoul M Aminou
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Bouaké, Laboratoire de Bactériologie et Virologie 01, 01 BP 1174 Bouaké, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Essia Belarbi
- Robert Koch Institut P3 Seestraße 10, Berlin 13353, Germany
| | - Rosemary Griessel
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x 20 Hatfield 0028, South Africa,Department of Medical Microbiology, Tshwane Academic Division, National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Arsène Hema
- Centre Hospitalier Sourô Sanou, Service d'épidemiologie, Ave Ponty, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Firmin Kabore
- Le Centre Muraz, Ave Mamadou Konate, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Paul Pitzinger
- Robert Koch Institut P3 Seestraße 10, Berlin 13353, Germany
| | - Amy Strydom
- Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x 20 Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | | | - Korotimi Traoré
- Le Centre Muraz, Ave Mamadou Konate, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Arsène Zongo
- Le Centre Muraz, Ave Mamadou Konate, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Etilé A Anoh
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Bouaké, Laboratoire de Bactériologie et Virologie 01, 01 BP 1174 Bouaké, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | | | | | - Armel Poda
- Centre Hospitalier Sourô Sanou, Service d'épidemiologie, Ave Ponty, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Thérèse Kagone
- Le Centre Muraz, Ave Mamadou Konate, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Grit Schubert
- Robert Koch Institut P3 Seestraße 10, Berlin 13353, Germany
| | - Tim Eckmanns
- Robert Koch Institut P3 Seestraße 10, Berlin 13353, Germany
| | - Marietjie Venter
- Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x 20 Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | | | - Chantal Akoua-Koffi
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Bouaké, Laboratoire de Bactériologie et Virologie 01, 01 BP 1174 Bouaké, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Sara Tomczyk
- Robert Koch Institut P3 Seestraße 10, Berlin 13353, Germany
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Lee HL, Wilson KS, Bernstein C, Naicker N, Yassi A, Spiegel JM. Psychological Distress in South African Healthcare Workers Early in the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Analysis of Associations and Mitigating Factors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159722. [PMID: 35955078 PMCID: PMC9368661 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
While the global COVID-19 pandemic has been widely acknowledged to affect the mental health of health care workers (HCWs), attention to measures that protect those on the front lines of health outbreak response has been limited. In this cross-sectional study, we examine workplace contextual factors associated with how psychological distress was experienced in a South African setting where a severe first wave was being experienced with the objective of identifying factors that can protect against HCWs experiencing negative impacts. Consistent with mounting literature on mental health effects, we found a high degree of psychological distress (57.4% above the General Health Questionnaire cut-off value) and a strong association between perceived risks associated with the presence of COVID-19 in the healthcare workplace and psychological distress (adjusted OR = 2.35, p < 0.01). Our research indicates that both training (adjusted OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.21−0.81) and the reported presence of supportive workplace relationships (adjusted OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.27−0.97) were associated with positive outcomes. This evidence that workplace resilience can be reinforced to better prepare for the onset of similar outbreaks in the future suggests that pursuit of further research into specific interventions to improve resilience is well merited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Ling Lee
- Global Health Research Program, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Kerry S. Wilson
- National Institute for Occupational Health, Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Colleen Bernstein
- Department of Psychology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Nisha Naicker
- National Institute for Occupational Health, Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
| | - Annalee Yassi
- Global Health Research Program, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Jerry M. Spiegel
- Global Health Research Program, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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Hajissa K, Islam MA, Hassan SA, Zaidah AR, Ismail N, Mohamed Z. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127257. [PMID: 35742506 PMCID: PMC9223681 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A reliable estimate of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies is increasingly important to track the spread of infection and define the true burden of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted with the objective of estimating the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa. A systematic search of the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar electronic databases was conducted. Thirty-five eligible studies were included. Using meta-analysis of proportions, the overall seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was calculated as 16% (95% CI 13.1-18.9%). Based on antibody isotypes, 14.6% (95% CI 12.2-17.1%) and 11.5% (95% CI 8.7-14.2%) were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM, respectively, while 6.6% (95% CI 4.9-8.3%) were tested positive for both IgM and IgG. Healthcare workers (16.3%) had higher seroprevalence than the general population (11.7%), blood donors (7.5%) and pregnant women (5.7%). The finding of this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) may not accurately reflect the true seroprevalence status of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa, hence, further seroprevalence studies across Africa are required to assess and monitor the growing COVID-19 burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Hajissa
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia; (K.H.); (S.A.H.); (A.R.Z.); (N.I.)
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Omdurman Islamic University, P.O. Box 382, Omdurman 14415, Sudan
| | - Md Asiful Islam
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Correspondence: or (M.A.I.); (Z.M.)
| | - Siti Asma Hassan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia; (K.H.); (S.A.H.); (A.R.Z.); (N.I.)
- Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Rahman Zaidah
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia; (K.H.); (S.A.H.); (A.R.Z.); (N.I.)
- Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
| | - Nabilah Ismail
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia; (K.H.); (S.A.H.); (A.R.Z.); (N.I.)
- Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
| | - Zeehaida Mohamed
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia; (K.H.); (S.A.H.); (A.R.Z.); (N.I.)
- Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
- Correspondence: or (M.A.I.); (Z.M.)
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Ratshikhopha E, Muvhali M, Naicker N, Tlotleng N, Jassat W, Singh T. Disease Severity and Comorbidities among Healthcare Worker COVID-19 Admissions in South Africa: A Retrospective Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095519. [PMID: 35564914 PMCID: PMC9104097 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are among the most vulnerable in regard to contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Comorbidities are reported to increase the risk for more severe COVID-19 outcomes, often requiring hospitalization. However, the evidence on disease severity and comorbidities among South African HCWs is lacking. This retrospective study analyzed the prevalence of comorbidities among HCW hospitalized with COVID-19 and its association with the severity of outcomes. Data from public and private hospitals in nine provinces of South Africa were extracted from the national hospital surveillance database for COVID-19 admissions. A total of 10,149 COVID-19 HCWs admissions were reported from 5 March 2020 to 31 December 2021. The risk of disease severity among HCWs increased with age, with those older (≥60 years) having seven times the odds of disease severity (aOR 7.0; 95% CI 4.2–11.8) compared to HCWs in the younger age (20–29 years) group. The most commonly reported comorbidity was hypertension (36.3%), followed by diabetes (23.3%) and obesity (16.7%). Hypertension (aOR 1.3; 95% CI 1.0–1.6), diabetes (aOR 1.6; 95% CI 1.3–2.0), and HIV (aOR 1.6; 95% CI 1.2–2.1) were significantly associated with disease severity. In conclusion, age, gender, and existing comorbidities were strong predictors of the prognosis of severe COVID-19 among HCWs in South Africa. The information is important in the development of occupational health policies and vulnerability risk assessments for HCWs in light of future COVID-19 waves or similar outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Ratshikhopha
- National Health Laboratory Service, National Institute for Occupational Health, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; (E.R.); (M.M.); (N.T.)
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
| | - Munyadziwa Muvhali
- National Health Laboratory Service, National Institute for Occupational Health, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; (E.R.); (M.M.); (N.T.)
| | - Nisha Naicker
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa;
| | - Nonhlanhla Tlotleng
- National Health Laboratory Service, National Institute for Occupational Health, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; (E.R.); (M.M.); (N.T.)
| | - Waasila Jassat
- National Health Laboratory Service, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Sandringham 2192, South Africa;
| | - Tanusha Singh
- National Health Laboratory Service, National Institute for Occupational Health, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; (E.R.); (M.M.); (N.T.)
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa;
- Correspondence:
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Pagheh AS, Asghari A, Abrari Romenjan K, Mousavi T, Abedi F, Ziaee A, Malakimoghadam H, Ziaee M. Seroprevalence of SARS-COV-2 antibodies among health-care workers exposed to COVID-19 patients in a large reference hospital, Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2022; 14:138-144. [PMID: 35765550 PMCID: PMC9168247 DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v14i2.9178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Health care workers (HCWs) are a high-risk group for acquiring and transmitting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Aim of the study was the evaluation of seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in a random sample of HCWs at a large acute care hospital in Iran. Materials and Methods We collected blood samples of 180 medical staffs from September 22, 2020 to January 26, 2021. The enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) tests were used for evaluation of the presence of IgG antibodies. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire, comprising demographics, occupational, the work area, and personal protection data. Results Of the 180 HCWs who participated in this study, 44 (24.4%) were seropositive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. The percentage of IgG positivity was higher in males than females (P<0.05). Also, there was statistically significant difference between presence of the antibodies and the occupation, location, and infecting family members with Covid -1 (P<0.05). Other factors did not associate significantly to antibody presence against SARS-CoV-2 (P>0.05). Conclusion According to this point that the number of COVID-19 cases is still growing rapidly among HCWs. So, the epidemiological estimate of SARS-CoV-2 infection remains a major challenge that is needed to prevent the spread of infection in the hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdol Sattar Pagheh
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Arghavan Asghari
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | | | - Tahoora Mousavi
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Hemoglobinopathy Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Farshid Abedi
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Arash Ziaee
- Department of Neuroscience, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hakime Malakimoghadam
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Masood Ziaee
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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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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9
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Spies R, Potter M, Govender S, Kirk L, Rauch S, Black J. SARS-CoV-2 infection in public hospital medical doctors in an Eastern Cape metro. S Afr J Infect Dis 2022; 37:335. [PMID: 35399560 PMCID: PMC8991316 DOI: 10.4102/sajid.v37i1.335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ruan Spies
- Department of Medicine, Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex, Gqeberha, South Africa
| | - Matthew Potter
- Department of Medicine, Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex, Gqeberha, South Africa
| | - Sudarshan Govender
- Department of Medicine, Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex, Gqeberha, South Africa
| | - Luke Kirk
- Department of Medicine, Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex, Gqeberha, South Africa
| | - Simon Rauch
- Department of Medicine, Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex, Gqeberha, South Africa
| | - John Black
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Livingstone Hospital, Gqeberha, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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10
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Raimann A, Farr A, Huscsava M, Krois W, Strassl R, Schellnegger J, Eibensteiner F, Göschl B, Schned H, Steinbauer P, Hetzmannseder M, Stiegner F, Greber-Platzer S, Kiss H, Plener PL, Aufricht C, Berger A, Wagner M. Saliva Sampling for Prospective SARS-CoV-2 Screening of Healthcare Professionals. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:823577. [PMID: 35155504 PMCID: PMC8825473 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.823577] [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: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to analyze the feasibility and acceptance of a non-invasive, daily and proactive screening program for SARS-CoV-2 infection employing serial saliva testing, in combination with a digital questionnaire among healthcare providers (HCPs) in a multi-professional setting. Design This was a prospective cohort study involving HCPs from different units at a single tertiary care center, over a pilot phase of 4 weeks during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic from April 18th to June 6th, 2020. Setting Pediatric tertiary patient care units, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna. Subjects HCPs from different units, including physicians, nurses, midwives, and administrative staff (with patient contact) were considered eligible for the study. Study participants were working in different settings in our center at varying levels of risk exposure. Interventions Saliva collection from mouth gargle and electronic symptom and exposure monitoring (eSEM) was performed by participants at the onset of each regular clinical shift (day or night shift), using an anonymous ID for matching the results. Measurements RT-PCR of all saliva samples, eSEM, as well as feasibility and acceptance thereof. Results Two hundred and seventy-five volunteers collected 1,865 saliva samples and responded 1,378 times in the eSEM during a 4-week period. 1,331 (96.7%) responses were that the testing was feasible and acceptable. The most common severe symptom during the 4-week period mentioned by HCPs was headache, reported 54 times (3.9%). Two SARS-CoV-2 positive samples—one of them being associated with symptoms—were identified. The acceptance rate among HCPs was 96.6%. Conclusion Serial saliva screening was a well-accepted and feasible method for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 infectious state in health care professionals. Combination of regular SARS-CoV-2 tests with sequential saliva collection and storage could potentially represent a highly efficient strategy to identify and trace virus positive staff for employee and patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adalbert Raimann
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alex Farr
- Division of Obstetrics and Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mercedes Huscsava
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wilfried Krois
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Strassl
- Division of Clinical Virology, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Schellnegger
- Division of Clinical Virology, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fabian Eibensteiner
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernadette Göschl
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hannah Schned
- Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Steinbauer
- Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Fabian Stiegner
- Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Greber-Platzer
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Kiss
- Division of Obstetrics and Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul L Plener
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christoph Aufricht
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Angelika Berger
- Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Wagner
- Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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11
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Koureas M, Bogogiannidou Z, Vontas A, Kyritsi MA, Mouchtouri VA, Dadouli K, Anagnostopoulos L, Mina P, Matziri A, Ntouska M, Tsigaridaki M, Gkiata V, Tsilidis KK, Ntzani EE, Prezerakos P, Tsiodras S, Speletas M, Hadjichristodoulou C. SARS-CoV-2 Sero-Surveillance in Greece: Evolution over Time and Epidemiological Attributes during the Pre-Vaccination Pandemic Era. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020295. [PMID: 35204386 PMCID: PMC8871128 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Nation-wide SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence surveys provide valuable insights into the course of the pandemic, including information often not captured by routine surveillance of reported cases. Methods: A serosurvey of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was conducted in Greece between March and December 2020. It was designed as a cross-sectional survey repeated at monthly intervals. The leftover sampling methodology was used and a geographically stratified sampling plan was applied. Results: Of 55,947 serum samples collected, 705 (1.26%) were found positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, with higher seroprevalence (9.09%) observed in December 2020. Highest seropositivity levels were observed in the “0–29” and “30–49” year age groups. Seroprevalence increased with age in the “0–29” age group. Highly populated metropolitan areas were characterized with elevated seroprevalence levels (11.92% in Attica, 12.76% in Thessaloniki) compared to the rest of the country (5.90%). The infection fatality rate (IFR) was estimated at 0.451% (95% CI: 0.382–0.549%) using aggregate data until December 2020, and the ratio of actual to reported cases was 9.59 (7.88–11.33). Conclusions: The evolution of seroprevalence estimates aligned with the course of the pandemic and varied widely by region and age group. Young and middle-aged adults appeared to be drivers of the pandemic during a severe epidemic wave under strict policy measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalis Koureas
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece; (M.K.); (Z.B.); (A.V.); (M.A.K.); (V.A.M.); (K.D.); (L.A.); (P.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Zacharoula Bogogiannidou
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece; (M.K.); (Z.B.); (A.V.); (M.A.K.); (V.A.M.); (K.D.); (L.A.); (P.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Alexandros Vontas
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece; (M.K.); (Z.B.); (A.V.); (M.A.K.); (V.A.M.); (K.D.); (L.A.); (P.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Maria A. Kyritsi
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece; (M.K.); (Z.B.); (A.V.); (M.A.K.); (V.A.M.); (K.D.); (L.A.); (P.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Varvara A. Mouchtouri
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece; (M.K.); (Z.B.); (A.V.); (M.A.K.); (V.A.M.); (K.D.); (L.A.); (P.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Katerina Dadouli
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece; (M.K.); (Z.B.); (A.V.); (M.A.K.); (V.A.M.); (K.D.); (L.A.); (P.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Lemonia Anagnostopoulos
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece; (M.K.); (Z.B.); (A.V.); (M.A.K.); (V.A.M.); (K.D.); (L.A.); (P.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Paraskevi Mina
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece; (M.K.); (Z.B.); (A.V.); (M.A.K.); (V.A.M.); (K.D.); (L.A.); (P.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Alexia Matziri
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece; (M.K.); (Z.B.); (A.V.); (M.A.K.); (V.A.M.); (K.D.); (L.A.); (P.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Maria Ntouska
- Hematology Laboratory, Corfu General Hospital, 49100 Corfu, Greece;
| | - Maria Tsigaridaki
- Biochemical Laboratory, Venizelio Hospital, 71409 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Vasiliki Gkiata
- Microbiological Laboratory, Kozani General Hospital” Mamatsio”, 50100 Kozani, Greece;
| | - Konstantinos K. Tsilidis
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (K.K.T.); (E.E.N.)
| | - Evangelia E. Ntzani
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (K.K.T.); (E.E.N.)
- Center for Research Synthesis in Health, Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- Institute of Biosciences, University Research Center of loannina, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Sotirios Tsiodras
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Matthaios Speletas
- Department of Immunology and Histocompatibility, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Christos Hadjichristodoulou
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece; (M.K.); (Z.B.); (A.V.); (M.A.K.); (V.A.M.); (K.D.); (L.A.); (P.M.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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Somboro AM, Cissoko Y, Camara I, Kodio O, Tolofoudie M, Dembele E, Togo ACG, Ba DM, Sarro YDS, Baya B, Samake S, Diallo IB, Kumar A, Traore M, Kone B, Kone A, Diarra B, Dabitao DK, Wague M, Dabo G, Doumbia S, Holl JL, Murphy RL, Diallo S, Maiga AI, Maiga M, Dao S. High SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence among Healthcare Workers in Bamako, Mali. Viruses 2022; 14:v14010102. [PMID: 35062306 PMCID: PMC8780908 DOI: 10.3390/v14010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In Mali, a country in West Africa, cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths among healthcare workers (HCWs) remain enigmatically low, despite a series of waves, circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants, the country’s weak healthcare system, and a general lack of adherence to public health mitigation measures. The goal of the study was to determine whether exposure is important by assessing the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in HCWs. The study was conducted between November 2020 and June 2021. HCWs in the major hospitals where COVID-19 cases were being cared for in the capital city, Bamako, Mali, were recruited. During the study period, vaccinations were not yet available. The ELISA of the IgG against the spike protein was optimized and quantitatively measured. A total of 240 HCWs were enrolled in the study, of which seropositivity was observed in 147 cases (61.8%). A continuous increase in the seropositivity was observed, over time, during the study period, from 50% at the beginning to 70% at the end of the study. HCWs who provided direct care to COVID-19 patients and were potentially highly exposed did not have the highest seropositivity rate. Vulnerable HCWs with comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and asthma had even higher seropositivity rates at 77.8%, 75.0%, and 66.7%, respectively. Overall, HCWs had high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, likely reflecting a “herd” immunity level, which could be protective at some degrees. These data suggest that the low number of cases and deaths among HCWs in Mali is not due to a lack of occupational exposure to the virus but rather related to other factors that need to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anou M. Somboro
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X5, Durban 4001, South Africa
- Correspondence: (A.M.S.); (M.M.); Tel.: +1-847-467-2560 (M.M.)
| | - Yacouba Cissoko
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Point “G” University Teaching Hospital, Bamako PB 1805, Mali
| | - Issiaka Camara
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Ousmane Kodio
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Mohamed Tolofoudie
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Etienne Dembele
- Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (E.D.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Antieme C. G. Togo
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Djibril M. Ba
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Yeya dit Sadio Sarro
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Bocar Baya
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Seydou Samake
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Ibrahim B. Diallo
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Alisha Kumar
- Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (E.D.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Mohamed Traore
- Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (E.D.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Bourahima Kone
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Amadou Kone
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Bassirou Diarra
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Djeneba K. Dabitao
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Mamadou Wague
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Garan Dabo
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Seydou Doumbia
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Jane L. Holl
- Department of Neurology and Center for Healthcare Delivery Science and Innovation, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Robert L. Murphy
- Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (E.D.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Souleymane Diallo
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Almoustapha I. Maiga
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Mamoudou Maiga
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
- Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (E.D.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (R.L.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.M.S.); (M.M.); Tel.: +1-847-467-2560 (M.M.)
| | - Sounkalo Dao
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Point “G” University Teaching Hospital, Bamako PB 1805, Mali
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13
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Krashias G, Deeba E, Constantinou A, Hadjiagapiou M, Koptides D, Richter J, Tryfonos C, Bashiardes S, Lambrianides A, Loizidou MA, Hadjisavvas A, Panayiotidis MI, Christodoulou C. Characterization of IgG Antibody Response against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in the Cypriot Population. Microorganisms 2021; 10:85. [PMID: 35056533 PMCID: PMC8777616 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has hit its second year and continues to damage lives and livelihoods across the globe. There continues to be a global effort to present serological data on SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in different individuals. As such, this study aimed to characterize the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the Cypriot population for the first time since the pandemic started. Our results show that a majority of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 developed IgG antibodies against the virus, whether anti-NP, anti-S1RBD, or both, at least 20 days after their infection. Additionally, the percentage of people with at least one antibody against SARS-CoV-2 in the group of volunteers deemed SARS-CoV-2 negative via RT-PCR or who remain untested/undetermined (14.43%) is comparable to other reported percentages worldwide, ranging anywhere from 0.2% to 24%. We postulate that these percentages reflect the underreporting of true infections in the population, and also show the steady increase of herd immunity. Additionally, we showed a significantly marked decrease in anti-NP IgG antibodies in contrast to relatively stable levels of anti-S1RBD IgG antibodies in previously infected individuals across time.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Krashias
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (M.H.); (A.L.); (M.A.L.); (A.H.); (M.I.P.); (C.C.)
- Department of Molecular Virology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (E.D.); (A.C.); (D.K.); (J.R.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Elie Deeba
- Department of Molecular Virology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (E.D.); (A.C.); (D.K.); (J.R.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Astero Constantinou
- Department of Molecular Virology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (E.D.); (A.C.); (D.K.); (J.R.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Maria Hadjiagapiou
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (M.H.); (A.L.); (M.A.L.); (A.H.); (M.I.P.); (C.C.)
- Department of Neuroimmunology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Dana Koptides
- Department of Molecular Virology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (E.D.); (A.C.); (D.K.); (J.R.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Jan Richter
- Department of Molecular Virology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (E.D.); (A.C.); (D.K.); (J.R.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Christina Tryfonos
- Department of Molecular Virology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (E.D.); (A.C.); (D.K.); (J.R.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Stavros Bashiardes
- Department of Molecular Virology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (E.D.); (A.C.); (D.K.); (J.R.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Anastasia Lambrianides
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (M.H.); (A.L.); (M.A.L.); (A.H.); (M.I.P.); (C.C.)
- Department of Neuroimmunology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Maria A. Loizidou
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (M.H.); (A.L.); (M.A.L.); (A.H.); (M.I.P.); (C.C.)
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics and Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Andreas Hadjisavvas
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (M.H.); (A.L.); (M.A.L.); (A.H.); (M.I.P.); (C.C.)
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics and Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Mihalis I. Panayiotidis
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (M.H.); (A.L.); (M.A.L.); (A.H.); (M.I.P.); (C.C.)
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics and Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Christina Christodoulou
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (M.H.); (A.L.); (M.A.L.); (A.H.); (M.I.P.); (C.C.)
- Department of Molecular Virology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (E.D.); (A.C.); (D.K.); (J.R.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
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14
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Goldblatt D, Fiore-Gartland A, Johnson M, Hunt A, Bengt C, Zavadska D, Snipe HD, Brown JS, Workman L, Zar HJ, Montefiori D, Shen X, Dull P, Plotkin S, Siber G, Ambrosino D. Towards a population-based threshold of protection for COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccine 2021; 40:306-315. [PMID: 34933765 PMCID: PMC8673730 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Correlates of protection for COVID-19 vaccines are urgently needed to license additional vaccines. We measured immune responses to four COVID-19 vaccines of proven efficacy using a single serological platform. IgG anti-Spike antibodies were highly correlated with ID50 neutralization in a validated pseudoviral assay and correlated significantly with efficacies for protection against infection with wild-type, alpha and delta variant SARS-CoV-2 virus. The protective threshold for each vaccine was calculated for IgG anti-Spike antibody. The mean protective threshold for all vaccine studies for WT virus was 154 BAU/ml (95 %CI 42-559), and for studies with antibody distributions that enabled precise estimation of thresholds (i.e. leaving out 2-dose mRNA regimens) was 60 BAU/ml (95 %CI 35-102). We propose that the proportion of individuals with responses above the appropriate protective threshold together with the geometric mean concentration can be used in comparative non-inferiority studies with licensed vaccines to ensure that new vaccines will be efficacious.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Goldblatt
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1 EH, UK; Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK.
| | - Andrew Fiore-Gartland
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Marina Johnson
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1 EH, UK
| | - Adam Hunt
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1 EH, UK
| | - Christopher Bengt
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1 EH, UK
| | - Dace Zavadska
- Children's Clinical University Hospital, Vienibas gatve 45, Riga LV-1004, Latvia
| | - Hilda Darta Snipe
- Children's Clinical University Hospital, Vienibas gatve 45, Riga LV-1004, Latvia
| | - Jeremy S Brown
- UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Lesley Workman
- Dept of Paediatrics & Child Health, Red Cross Children's Hospital, and SA-MRC Unit on Child & Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Heather J Zar
- Dept of Paediatrics & Child Health, Red Cross Children's Hospital, and SA-MRC Unit on Child & Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David Montefiori
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Xiaoying Shen
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Peter Dull
- Vaccine Development and Surveillance, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stanley Plotkin
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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15
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Evolution of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence among employees of a US academic children's hospital during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021; 43:1647-1655. [PMID: 34852866 PMCID: PMC8668398 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2021.487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To describe the cumulative seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among employees of a large pediatric healthcare system. Design, setting, and participants: Prospective observational cohort study open to adult employees at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, conducted April 20–December 17, 2020. Methods: Employees were recruited starting with high-risk exposure groups, utilizing e-mails, flyers, and announcements at virtual town hall meetings. At baseline, 1 month, 2 months, and 6 months, participants reported occupational and community exposures and gave a blood sample for SARS-CoV-2 antibody measurement by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). A post hoc Cox proportional hazards regression model was performed to identify factors associated with increased risk for seropositivity. Results: In total, 1,740 employees were enrolled. At 6 months, the cumulative seroprevalence was 5.3%, which was below estimated community point seroprevalence. Seroprevalence was 5.8% among employees who provided direct care and was 3.4% among employees who did not perform direct patient care. Most participants who were seropositive at baseline remained positive at follow-up assessments. In a post hoc analysis, direct patient care (hazard ratio [HR], 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–3.68), Black race (HR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.24–5.87), and exposure to a confirmed case in a nonhealthcare setting (HR, 4.32; 95% CI, 2.71–6.88) were associated with statistically significant increased risk for seropositivity. Conclusions: Employee SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rates remained below the point-prevalence rates of the surrounding community. Provision of direct patient care, Black race, and exposure to a confirmed case in a nonhealthcare setting conferred increased risk. These data can inform occupational protection measures to maximize protection of employees within the workplace during future COVID-19 waves or other epidemics.
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16
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Müller SA, Wood RR, Hanefeld J, El-Bcheraoui C. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of COVID-19 in Healthcare Workers From Eleven African Countries: A Scoping Review and Appraisal of Existing Evidence. Health Policy Plan 2021; 37:505-513. [PMID: 34726740 PMCID: PMC8689910 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czab133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A better understanding of serological data and risk factors for COVID-19 infection in healthcare workers are especially important in African countries where human resources and health services are more constrained. We reviewed and appraised the evidence of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and its risk factors in healthcare workers in Africa to inform response and preparedness strategies during the SARS CoV-2 pandemic. We followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines in this scoping review. Databases including PubMed, Embase and preprint servers were searched accordingly from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to 19th April 2021. Our search yielded twelve peer-reviewed and four pre-print articles comprising data on 9,223 HCWs from eleven countries in Africa. Seroprevalence varied widely and ranged from 0% to 45.1%. Seropositivity was associated with older age, lower education, working as a nurse/non- clinical HCW, or in gynaecology, emergency, outpatient or surgery departments. Asymptomatic rates were high and half of the studies recommended routine testing of HCWs. This scoping review found a varying, but often high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in HCWs in eleven African countries and identified certain risk factors. COVID-19 public health strategies for policy and planning should consider these risk factors and the potential for high seroprevalence among HCWs when prioritizing infection prevention and control measures and vaccine deployment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Alice Müller
- Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rebekah Ruth Wood
- Evidence- based Public Health, Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Johanna Hanefeld
- Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Charbel El-Bcheraoui
- Evidence- based Public Health, Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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17
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Heyming T, Bacon K, Lara B, Knudsen-Robbins C, Tongol A, Sanger T. SARS-CoV-2 Serology Testing in an Asymptomatic, At-Risk Population: Methods, Results, Pitfalls. Infect Dis Rep 2021; 13:910-916. [PMID: 34698190 PMCID: PMC8544562 DOI: 10.3390/idr13040082] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a population of pediatric healthcare workers (HCWs). This study was conducted 14 May-13 July 2020. Study participants included pediatric HCWs at a pediatric hospital with either direct patient contact or close proximity to patient-care areas. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were assessed via the Wytcote Superbio SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG Antibody Fast Detection Kit and the Abbott Architect SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay. Participants underwent RT-PCR testing upon entry to the study and following rapid IgM+/IgG+ results; respiratory panel PCR (RP-PCR) was performed following IgM+ results. A total of 57 of 289 (19.7%) of participants demonstrated positive serology as assessed by the Wytcote rapid kit (12 on Day 1 and 45 throughout the study). However, only one of these participants demonstrated IgG+ serology via the Abbott assay. Two participants tested SARS-CoV-2+ via RT-PCR testing. One individual was adenovirus+ and enterovirus/rhinovirus+. In our study population, we observed a seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies of 0.35%. The lack of concordance between antibody tests suggests that the Wytcote rapid test kit may not be of use as a screening tool. However, the feasibility of the overall process indicates that a similar methodology may have potential for future epidemiologic surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore Heyming
- Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA 92868, USA; (T.H.); (K.B.); (B.L.); (A.T.)
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868, USA
| | - Kellie Bacon
- Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA 92868, USA; (T.H.); (K.B.); (B.L.); (A.T.)
| | - Bryan Lara
- Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA 92868, USA; (T.H.); (K.B.); (B.L.); (A.T.)
| | | | - Aprille Tongol
- Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA 92868, USA; (T.H.); (K.B.); (B.L.); (A.T.)
| | - Terence Sanger
- Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA 92868, USA; (T.H.); (K.B.); (B.L.); (A.T.)
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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18
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Alroqi F, Masuadi E, Alabdan L, Nogoud M, Aljedaie M, Abu-Jaffal AS, Barhoumi T, Almasoud A, Alharbi NK, Alsaedi A, Khan M, Arabi YM, Nasr A. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among high-risk healthcare workers in a MERS-CoV endemic area. J Infect Public Health 2021; 14:1268-1273. [PMID: 34479078 PMCID: PMC8386093 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2021.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Healthcare workers (HCWs) in Saudi Arabia are a unique population who have had exposures to the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). It follows that HCWs from this country could have pre-existingMERS-CoV antibodies that may either protect from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection or cause false SARS-CoV-2 seropositive results. In this article, we report the seroprevalence of MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 among high-risk healthcare workers in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study enrolling 420 high-risk HCWs who are physically in contact with COVID-19 patients in three tertiary hospitals in Riyadh city. The participants were recruited between the 1st of July to the end of December 2020. A 3 ml of the venous blood samples were collected and tested for the presence of IgG antibodies against the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS The overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in high-risk HCWs was 14.8% based on SARS-CoV-2 IgG testing while only 7.4% were positive by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for viral RNA. Most of the SARS-CoV-2 seropositive HCWs had symptoms and the most frequent symptoms were body aches, fever, cough, loss of smell and taste, and headache. The seroprevalence of MERS-CoV IgG was 1% (4 participants) and only one participant had dual seropositivity against MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Three MERS-CoV positive samples (75%) turned to be negative after using in-house ELISA and none of the MERS-CoV seropositive samples had detectable neutralization activity. CONCLUSION Our SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence results were higher than reported regional seroprevalence studies. This finding was expected and similar to other international findings that targeted high-risk HCWs. Our results provide evidence that the SARS-CoV-2- seropositivity in Saudi Arabia similar to other countries was due to exposure to SARS-CoV-2 rather than MERS-CoV antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fayhan Alroqi
- Department of Paediatric, King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital (KASCH), Ministry of the National Guard - Health Affairs, City, Saudi Arabia; College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad Masuadi
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lulwah Alabdan
- Prince Mohammed Bin Abdul Aziz Hospital (PMAH), Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maysa Nogoud
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Modhi Aljedaie
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad S Abu-Jaffal
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tlili Barhoumi
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman Almasoud
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif Khalaf Alharbi
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman Alsaedi
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Khan
- Prince Mohammed Bin Abdul Aziz Hospital (PMAH), Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yaseen M Arabi
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Intensive Care Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amre Nasr
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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19
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SARS-CoV-2 seroepidemiological study in healthcare workers and discordant results using seven different diagnostic methods. Infection 2021; 50:251-256. [PMID: 34224078 PMCID: PMC8256773 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-021-01653-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to access the SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence in healthcare workers (HCWs) of a tertiary pediatric hospital after the first wave of the pandemic and to compare the results among seven commercially available antibody detection assays, including chemiluminescence (CMIA), electroluminescence (ECLIA), Εnzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and rapid immunochromatography (RIC). SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection was performed in serum samples of 1216 HCWs, using a reference CMIA assay and 8/1216 (0.66%) were detected positive. Positive serum samples were further tested with other assays; however, only one sample was positive by all tests. The rest 7 cases were negative with ECLIA and ELISA and gave discordant results with RIC test. Six months later, new serum samples of seropositive HCWs were analyzed with the same 7 tests, with inconsistent results again. Identification of reliable SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests is important to determine the actual number of past infections, the duration of antibodies, and guide public health decisions.
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20
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Gaskell KM, Johnson M, Gould V, Hunt A, Stone NRH, Waites W, Kasstan B, Chantler T, Lal S, Roberts CH, Goldblatt D, Eggo RM, Marks M. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in a strictly-Orthodox Jewish community in the UK: A retrospective cohort study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2021; 6:100127. [PMID: 34308409 PMCID: PMC8291041 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2021.100127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethnic and religious minorities have been disproportionately affected by SARS-CoV-2 worldwide. The UK strictly-Orthodox Jewish community has been severely affected by the pandemic. This group shares characteristics with other ethnic minorities including larger family sizes, higher rates of household crowding and relative socioeconomic deprivation. We studied a UK strictly-Orthodox Jewish population to understand transmission of COVID-19 within this community. METHODS We performed a household-focused cross-sectional SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey between late-October and early December 2020 prior to the third national lockdown. Randomly-selected households completed a standardised questionnaire and underwent serological testing with a multiplex assay for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. We report clinical illness and testing before the serosurvey, seroprevalence stratified by age and sex. We used random-effects models to identify factors associated with infection and antibody titres. FINDINGS A total of 343 households, consisting of 1,759 individuals, were recruited. Serum was available for 1,242 participants. The overall seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 was 64.3% (95% CI 61.6-67.0%). The lowest seroprevalence was 27.6% in children under 5 years and rose to 73.8% in secondary school children and 74% in adults. Antibody titres were higher in symptomatic individuals and declined over time since reported COVID-19 symptoms, with the decline more marked for nucleocapsid titres. INTERPRETATION In this tight-knit religious minority population in the UK, we report one of the highest SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence levels in the world to date, which was markedly higher than the reported 10% seroprevalence in London at the time of the study. In the context of this high force of infection, all age groups experienced a high burden of infection. Actions to reduce the burden of disease in this and other minority populations are urgently required. FUNDING This work was jointly funded by UKRI and NIHR [COV0335; MR/V027956/1], a donation from the LSHTM Alumni COVID-19 response fund, HDR UK, the MRC and the Wellcome Trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Gaskell
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Marina Johnson
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, UK
| | - Victoria Gould
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Adam Hunt
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, UK
| | - Neil RH Stone
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - William Waites
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT UK
- School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH8 9AB
| | - Ben Kasstan
- Centre for Health, Law and Society, University of Bristol Law School, Bristol BS1 1RJ, UK
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190501, UK
| | - Tracey Chantler
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Sham Lal
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Chrissy H. Roberts
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - David Goldblatt
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, UK
| | - Rosalind M Eggo
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT UK
| | - Michael Marks
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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21
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Nunes MC, Baillie VL, Kwatra G, Bhikha S, Verwey C, Menezes C, Cutland CL, Moore DP, Dangor Z, Adam Y, Mathivha R, Velaphi SC, Tsitsi M, Aguas R, Madhi SA. SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers in South Africa: a longitudinal cohort study. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:1896-1900. [PMID: 33949670 PMCID: PMC8135922 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
From April to September 2020, we investigated severe acute respiratory syndrome
coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in a cohort of 396 healthcare workers
(HCWs) from 5 departments at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, South Africa.
Overall, 34.6% of HCWs had polymerase chain reaction–confirmed SARS-CoV-2
infection (132.1 [95% confidence interval, 111.8–156.2] infections per
1000 person-months); an additional 27 infections were identified by serology.
HCWs in the internal medicine department had the highest rate of infection
(61.7%). Among polymerase chain reaction–confirmed cases, 10.4% remained
asymptomatic, 30.4% were presymptomatic, and 59.3% were symptomatic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta C Nunes
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, South African Research Chair Initiative in Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Vicky L Baillie
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, South African Research Chair Initiative in Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Gaurav Kwatra
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, South African Research Chair Initiative in Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sutika Bhikha
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, South African Research Chair Initiative in Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Charl Verwey
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Colin Menezes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Clare L Cutland
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, South African Research Chair Initiative in Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,African Leadership in Vaccinology Expertise, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - David P Moore
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ziyaad Dangor
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Yasmin Adam
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rudo Mathivha
- Department of Intensive Care, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sithembiso C Velaphi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Merika Tsitsi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ricardo Aguas
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Shabir A Madhi
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, South African Research Chair Initiative in Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,African Leadership in Vaccinology Expertise, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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22
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Chvatal-Medina M, Mendez-Cortina Y, Patiño PJ, Velilla PA, Rugeles MT. Antibody Responses in COVID-19: A Review. Front Immunol 2021; 12:633184. [PMID: 33936045 PMCID: PMC8081880 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.633184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to spread worldwide as a severe pandemic. Although its seroprevalence is highly variable among territories, it has been reported at around 10%, but higher in health workers. Evidence regarding cross-neutralizing response between SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 is still controversial. However, other previous coronaviruses may interfere with SARS-CoV-2 infection, since they are phylogenetically related and share the same target receptor. Further, the seroconversion of IgM and IgG occurs at around 12 days post onset of symptoms and most patients have neutralizing titers on days 14-20, with great titer variability. Neutralizing antibodies correlate positively with age, male sex, and severity of the disease. Moreover, the use of convalescent plasma has shown controversial results in terms of safety and efficacy, and due to the variable immune response among individuals, measuring antibody titers before transfusion is mostly required. Similarly, cellular immunity seems to be crucial in the resolution of the infection, as SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells circulate to some extent in recovered patients. Of note, the duration of the antibody response has not been well established yet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateo Chvatal-Medina
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Pablo J. Patiño
- Grupo Inmunodeficiencias Primarias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Paula A. Velilla
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Maria T. Rugeles
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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23
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Shaw JA, Meiring M, Cummins T, Chegou NN, Claassen C, Du Plessis N, Flinn M, Hiemstra A, Kleynhans L, Leukes V, Loxton AG, MacDonald C, Mtala N, Reuter H, Simon D, Stanley K, Tromp G, Preiser W, Malherbe ST, Walzl G. Higher SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in workers with lower socioeconomic status in Cape Town, South Africa. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247852. [PMID: 33630977 PMCID: PMC7906413 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inequality is rife throughout South Africa. The first wave of COVID-19 may have affected people in lower socioeconomic groups worse than the affluent. The SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and the specificity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests in South Africa is not known. METHODS We tested 405 volunteers representing all socioeconomic strata from the workforce of a popular shopping and tourist complex in central Cape Town with the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay. We assessed the association between antibody positivity and COVID-19 symptom status, medical history, and sociodemographic variables. We tested 137 serum samples from healthy controls collected in Cape Town prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, to confirm the specificity of the assay in the local population. RESULTS Of the 405 volunteers tested one month after the first peak of the epidemic in Cape Town, 96(23.7%) were SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive. Of those who tested positive, 46(47.9%) reported no symptoms of COVID-19 in the previous 6 months. Seropositivity was significantly associated with living in informal housing, residing in a subdistrict with low income-per household, and having a low-earning occupation. The specificity of the assay was 98.54%(95%CI 94.82%-99.82%) in the pre-COVID controls. CONCLUSIONS There is a high background seroprevalence in Cape Town, particularly in people of lower socioeconomic status. Almost half of cases are asymptomatic, and therefore undiagnosed by local testing strategies. These results cannot be explained by low assay specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Alexandra Shaw
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Maynard Meiring
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tracy Cummins
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Novel N. Chegou
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Conita Claassen
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nelita Du Plessis
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marika Flinn
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andriette Hiemstra
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Léanie Kleynhans
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vinzeigh Leukes
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andre G. Loxton
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Candice MacDonald
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nosipho Mtala
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Helmuth Reuter
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Donald Simon
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kim Stanley
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gerard Tromp
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wolfgang Preiser
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and National Health Laboratory Service, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stephanus T. Malherbe
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gerhard Walzl
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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24
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SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Healthcare Workers of Kaunas Hospitals during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic. MEDICINA-LITHUANIA 2021; 57:medicina57020148. [PMID: 33562085 PMCID: PMC7915158 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background and objective: Serologic testing is a useful additional method for the diagnosis of COVID-19. It is also used for population-based seroepidemiological studies. The objective of the study was to determine SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in healthcare workers of Kaunas hospitals and to compare two methods for specific SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing. Materials and Methods: A total of 432 healthcare workers in Kaunas hospitals were enrolled in this study. Each participant filled a questionnaire including questions about their demographics, contact with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, acute respiratory symptoms, and whether they contacted their general practitioner, could not come to work, or had to be hospitalized. Capillary blood was used to test for SARS-CoV-2 specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) a lateral flow immunoassay. Serum samples were used to test for specific IgG and IgA class immunoglobulins using semiquantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Results: 24.77% of study participants had direct contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. A total of 64.81% of studied individuals had at least one symptom representing acute respiratory infection, compatible with COVID-19. Lateral flow immunoassay detected SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG class immunoglobulins in 1.16% of the tested group. Fever, cough, dyspnea, nausea, diarrhea, headache, conjunctivitis, muscle pain, and loss of smell and taste predominated in the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG-positive group. Using ELISA, specific IgG were detected in 1.32% of the tested samples. Diarrhea, loss of appetite, and loss of smell and taste sensations were the most predominant symptoms in anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG-positive group. The positive percent agreement of the two testing methods was 50%, and negative percent agreement was 99.66%. Conclusions: 1.16% of tested healthcare workers of Kaunas hospitals were anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG-positive. The negative percent agreement of the lateral flow immunoassay and ELISA exceeded 99%.
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