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Powell J, Daly M, O'Connell NH, Dunne CP. Seek and you shall find: Yersinia enterocolitica in Ireland's drinking water. Ir J Med Sci 2024; 193:1885-1890. [PMID: 38381378 PMCID: PMC11294261 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-024-03641-5] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Three Yersinia species were identified from samples of drinking water from diverse geographic regions of Ireland. Conventional commercial biochemical identification systems classified them as Yersinia enterocolitica. Since this organism is the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in some countries, further investigation was warranted. The aim of the study was to provide a microbial characterisation of three Yersinia species, to determine their pathogenicity, and to review the incidence rate of Yersinia enterocolitica detection in our region. METHODS Organism identification was performed using conventional commercial diagnostic systems MALDI-TOF, API 20E, API 50CHE, TREK Sensititre GNID and Vitek 2 GN, and whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed. Historical data for detections was extracted from the lab system for 2008 to 2023. RESULTS All three isolates gave "good" identifications of Yersinia enterocolitica on conventional systems. Further analysis by WGS matched two of the isolates with recently described Yersinia proxima, and the third was a member of the non-pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica clade 1Aa. DISCUSSION Our analysis of these three isolates deemed them to be Yersinia species not known currently to be pathogenic, but determining this necessitated the use of next-generation sequencing and advanced bioinformatics. Our work highlights the importance of having this technology available to public laboratories, either locally or in a national reference laboratory. The introduction of molecular technologies for the detection of Yersinia species may increase the rate of detections. Accurate identification of significant pathogens in environmental, public health and clinical microbiology laboratories is critically important for the protection of society.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Powell
- Department of Microbiology, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Medicine and Centre for Interventions in Infection, Inflammation, and Immunity (4I), University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Maureen Daly
- Department of Microbiology, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Nuala H O'Connell
- Department of Microbiology, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Medicine and Centre for Interventions in Infection, Inflammation, and Immunity (4I), University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Colum P Dunne
- School of Medicine and Centre for Interventions in Infection, Inflammation, and Immunity (4I), University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
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Lu J, Fu J, Cha M. Comment on "Poor hospitalization outcomes in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant with hospital acquired influenza infection". Transpl Infect Dis 2023; 25:e14082. [PMID: 37254950 DOI: 10.1111/tid.14082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Lu
- Department of Hospital Infection, Jiajia Central Health Center of Chengdu Eastern New Area, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jianjun Fu
- Department of Hospital Infection, Jiajia Central Health Center of Chengdu Eastern New Area, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Mei Cha
- Department of Hospital Infection, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Ortiz DA, Loeffelholz MJ. Practical Challenges of Point-of-Care Testing. Clin Lab Med 2023; 43:155-165. [PMID: 37169439 DOI: 10.1016/j.cll.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The practical challenges of point-of-care testing (POCT) include analytical performance and quality compared with testing performed in a central laboratory and higher cost per test compared with laboratory-based tests. These challenges can be addressed with new test technology, consensus, and practice guidelines for the use of POCT, instituting a quality management system and data connectivity in the POCT setting, and studies that demonstrate evidence of clinical and economic value of POCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Ortiz
- Microbiology and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Beaumont Health, 3601 West 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA
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Daly M, Powell J, O'Connell NH, Murphy L, Dunne CP. Antimicrobial Resistance Is Prevalent in E. coli and Other Enterobacterales Isolated from Public and Private Drinking Water Supplies in the Republic of Ireland. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1224. [PMID: 37317198 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
High levels of bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have been reported in many environmental studies conducted in Ireland and elsewhere. The inappropriate use of antibiotics in both human and animal healthcare as well as concentrations of residual antibiotics being released into the environment from wastewaters are thought to be contributing factors. Few reports of AMR in drinking water-associated microbes are available for Ireland or internationally. We analysed 201 enterobacterales from group water schemes and public and private water supplies, only the latter having been surveyed in Ireland previously. The organisms were identified using conventional or molecular techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for a range of antibiotics was performed using the ARIS 2X interpreted in accordance with EUCAST guidelines. A total of 53 Escherichia coli isolates, 37 Serratia species, 32 Enterobacter species and enterobacterales from seven other genera were identified. A total of 55% of isolates were amoxicillin resistant, and 22% were amoxicillin-clavulanic acid resistant. A lower level of resistance (<10%) was observed to aztreonam, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, ceftriaxone and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. No resistance to amikacin, piperacillin/tazobactam, ertapenem or meropenem was detected. The level of AMR detected in this study was low but not insignificant and justifies ongoing surveillance of drinking water as a potential source of antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Daly
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Limerick, V94 F858 Limerick, Ireland
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
| | - James Powell
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Limerick, V94 F858 Limerick, Ireland
- Centre for Interventions in Infection, Inflammation & Immunity (4i), School of Medicine, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Nuala H O'Connell
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Limerick, V94 F858 Limerick, Ireland
- Centre for Interventions in Infection, Inflammation & Immunity (4i), School of Medicine, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Liz Murphy
- Public Health Laboratory, Raheen Business Park, V94 H9YE Limerick, Ireland
| | - Colum P Dunne
- Centre for Interventions in Infection, Inflammation & Immunity (4i), School of Medicine, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
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Stolberg-Stolberg J, Jacob E, Kuehn J, Hennies M, Hafezi W, Freistuehler M, Koeppe J, Friedrich AW, Katthagen JC, Raschke MJ. COVID-19 rapid molecular point-of-care testing is effective and cost-beneficial for the acute care of trauma patients. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2023; 49:487-493. [PMID: 36066585 PMCID: PMC9447950 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-022-02091-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the accuracy and cost benefit of a rapid molecular point-of-care testing (POCT) device detecting COVID-19 within a traumatological emergency department. BACKGROUND Despite continuous withdrawal of COVID-19 restrictions, hospitals will remain particularly vulnerable to local outbreaks which is reflected by a higher institution-specific basic reproduction rate. Patients admitted to the emergency department with unknown COVID-19 infection status due to a- or oligosymptomatic COVID-19 infection put other patients and health care workers at risk, while fast diagnosis and treatment is necessary. Delayed testing results in additional costs to the health care system. METHODS From the 8th of April 2021 until 31st of December 2021, all patients admitted to the emergency department were tested with routine RT-PCR and rapid molecular POCT device (Abbott ID NOW™ COVID-19). COVID-19-related additional costs for patients admitted via shock room or emergency department were calculated based on internal cost allocations. RESULTS 1133 rapid molecular tests resulted in a sensitivity of 83.3% (95% CI 35.9-99.6%), specificity of 99.8% (95% CI 99.4-100%), a positive predictive value of 71.4% (95% CI 29-96.3%) and a negative predictive value of 99.9% (95% CI 99.5-100%) as compared to RT-PCR. Without rapid COVID-19 testing, each emergency department and shock room admission with subsequent surgery showed additional direct costs of 2631.25€, without surgery of 729.01€. CONCLUSION Although rapid molecular COVID-19 testing can initially be more expensive than RT-PCR, subsequent cost savings, improved workflows and workforce protection outweigh this effect by far. The data of this study support the use of a rapid molecular POCT device in a traumatological emergency department.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Stolberg-Stolberg
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building W1, 48149, Muenster, Germany.
| | - Elena Jacob
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building W1, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Joachim Kuehn
- Department of Clinical Virology, Institute of Virology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Marc Hennies
- Department of Clinical Virology, Institute of Virology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Wali Hafezi
- Department of Clinical Virology, Institute of Virology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Moritz Freistuehler
- Medical Management Division-Medical Controlling, University Hospital Muenster, Niels-Stensen-Straße 8, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Jeanette Koeppe
- Institute of Biostatistics and Clinical Research, University of Muenster, Schmeddingstrasse 56, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Alex W Friedrich
- Medical Executive Board, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D5, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - J Christoph Katthagen
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building W1, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Michael J Raschke
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building W1, 48149, Muenster, Germany
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Xia S, Pan J, Dai D, Dai Z, Yang M, Yi C. Design of portable electrochemiluminescence sensing systems for point-of-care-testing applications. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.107799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Teoh T, Powell J, O’Keeffe J, Donlon E, Dillon L, Lenihan M, Mostyn A, Power L, Boers P, Stapleton PJ, O’Connell NH, Dunne CP. Outcomes of implementation of the FilmArray meningoencephalitis panel in a tertiary hospital between 2017 and 2020. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265187. [PMID: 35298491 PMCID: PMC8929653 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute meningoencephalitis is encountered commonly in the acute hospital setting and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, in addition to significant healthcare costs. Multiplex PCR panels now allow syndromic testing for central nervous system infection. The BioFire® FilmArray® Meningoencephalitis (ME) allows testing of 14 target pathogens using only 0.2mls of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We conducted a retrospective observational study to assess the performance of the assay and secondarily to observe the clinical utility of negative results by comparing clinical outcomes of aseptic meningitis to bacterial and viral meningoencephalitis. Methods Data for CSF samples tested using the FilmArray ME panel from October 2017 to October 2020 were analysed. Detection of bacterial and viral targets was analysed. Admission to critical care area, 90-day readmission rates, average length of stay and 30-day and 90-day mortality were analysed for three groups with following diagnoses: bacterial meningitis, viral meningoencephalitis, or aseptic meningitis. Results From October 2017 to October 2020, 1926 CSF samples were received in the Clinical Microbiology laboratory. Of those, 543 CSF samples from 512 individual patients were tested using the FilmArray ME panel. Twenty-one bacterial targets and 56 viral targets were detected during the study period. For viral targets, the cumulative specificity was 98.9% (95% confidence interval: 93.1–99.9) when compared to the reference laboratory methods. The outcomes for 30- and 90-day mortality of the aseptic meningitis group were non-inferior relative to the viral meningoencephalitis and bacterial meningitis group. Patients with bacterial meningitis had a longer average length of stay. Aseptic meningitis was associated with a higher 90-day readmission rate than the other 2 groups, but without statistical significance. Conclusion In our hands, implementation of the FilmArray ME panel was relatively straightforward. We experienced a transition in our workflow processes that enabled streamlining of CSF diagnostics and the safe removal of Gram staining in those samples being tested by this molecular assay. Coupled to this improvement, there was a positive clinical impact on patient care due to rapid turnaround time to results.
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Affiliation(s)
- TeeKeat Teoh
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Limerick Hospital Group, Limerick, Ireland
- Centre for Interventions in Infection, Inflammation & Immunity (4i), Limerick, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - James Powell
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Limerick Hospital Group, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Jillian O’Keeffe
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Limerick Hospital Group, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Eoghan Donlon
- Department of Neurology, University Limerick Hospital Group, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Lisa Dillon
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Limerick Hospital Group, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Marie Lenihan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Limerick Hospital Group, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Amanda Mostyn
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Limerick Hospital Group, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Lorraine Power
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Limerick Hospital Group, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Peter Boers
- Department of Neurology, University Limerick Hospital Group, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Patrick J. Stapleton
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Limerick Hospital Group, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Nuala H. O’Connell
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Limerick Hospital Group, Limerick, Ireland
- Centre for Interventions in Infection, Inflammation & Immunity (4i), Limerick, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Colum P. Dunne
- Centre for Interventions in Infection, Inflammation & Immunity (4i), Limerick, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- * E-mail:
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Markussen DL, Grewal HMS, Knoop ST, Serigstad S, Kommedal Ø, Ebbesen M, Ulvestad E, Bjørneklett R. Comparison of rapid molecular testing methods for detecting respiratory viruses in emergency care: a prospective study. Infect Dis (Lond) 2021; 54:247-254. [PMID: 34847841 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2021.2003857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) caused by contagious viruses are common among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). Early detection of these viruses can help prevent nosocomial transmission. AIM To investigate the efficacy of three rapid molecular methods, namely FilmArray® Pneumonia Panel plus (FAP plus), ID NOW™ Influenza A and B 2 (ID NOW2) point-of-care test, and an in-house real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, to identify patients with viral RTIs requiring isolation in an emergency setting. METHODS We included a FilmArray® Pneumonia Panel plus in the initial workup of patients with suspected RTIs during a flu season. The RT-PCR and the influenza point-of-care test were performed as part of routine diagnostics, on demand from the treating physicians. We compared viral detections and compared time to positive test results for each method. FINDINGS The FAP plus significantly reduced the turnaround time and was able to identify 95% patients with potential contagious viral RTI. Routine diagnostics ordered by the treating physician had a turnaround time of a median 22 h and detected 87% of patients with potential contagious viral RTI. In patients that had all three tests, the ID NOW2 detected 62% of patients with influenza. CONCLUSIONS The FAP plus was able to rapidly and reliably identify patients with potential contagious viral RTIs; its use was feasible in the ED setting. Failing to test patients with viral RTI and using tests with long turnaround time may lead to nosocomial transmission of viral infections and adverse patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Harleen M S Grewal
- Department of Clinical Science, Bergen Integrated Diagnostic Stewardship Cluster, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Siri Tandberg Knoop
- Emergency Care Clinic, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Sondre Serigstad
- Emergency Care Clinic, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, Bergen Integrated Diagnostic Stewardship Cluster, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Øyvind Kommedal
- Department of Clinical Science, Bergen Integrated Diagnostic Stewardship Cluster, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marit Ebbesen
- Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Elling Ulvestad
- Department of Clinical Science, Bergen Integrated Diagnostic Stewardship Cluster, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rune Bjørneklett
- Emergency Care Clinic, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Teoh T, McNamara R, Powell J, O’Connell NH, Dunne CP. A retrospective observational study of the impact of 16s and 18s ribosomal RNA PCR on antimicrobial treatment over seven years: A tertiary hospital experience. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258552. [PMID: 34637486 PMCID: PMC8509882 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although culture-based methods remain a staple element of microbiology analysis, advanced molecular methods increasingly supplement the testing repertoire. Since the advent of 16s and 18s ribosomal RNA PCR in the 2000s, there has been interest in its utility for pathogen detection. Nonetheless, studies assessing the impact on antimicrobial prescribing are limited. We report a single-centre experience of the influence of 16s and 18s PCR testing on antimicrobial treatment, including a cost-analysis. Methods Data were collected retrospectively for all samples sent for 16s and 18s PCR testing between January 2014 and December 2020. Results were compared to any culture-based result. Assessment focused on any change of antimicrobial treatment based on PCR result, or use of the result as supportive evidence for microbiological diagnosis. Results 310 samples relevant to 268 patients were referred for 16s/18s rRNA PCR testing during the period. Culture was performed for 234 samples. Enrichment culture was performed for 83 samples. 82 of 300 samples sent for 16s PCR had positive results (20.8%). When culture was performed, enrichment reduced the outcome of 16s PCR only positive results (4/36 [11.1%] versus 14/35 [40.0%], p = 0.030 where a pathogen found). 18s PCR yielded 9 positive results from 67 samples. The 16s PCR result influenced antimicrobial change for 6 patients (2.2%). We estimated the cost for 16s PCR testing to result in one significant change in antimicrobial therapy to be €3,340. 18s PCR did not alter antimicrobial treatment. Conclusion There was limited impact of 16s PCR results on antimicrobial treatments. Relevance to practice was affected by relatively long turn-around-time for results. Utility may be increased in specialised surgical centres, or by reducing turn-around-time. Enrichment culture should be considered on samples where 16s PCR is requested. There remains limited evidence for use of 18s PCR in clinical management, and further studies in this area are likely warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- TeeKeat Teoh
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Limerick Hospital Group, Limerick, Ireland
- Centre for Interventions in Infection, Inflammation & Immunity (4i) and School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Rachel McNamara
- Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - James Powell
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Limerick Hospital Group, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Nuala H. O’Connell
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Limerick Hospital Group, Limerick, Ireland
- Centre for Interventions in Infection, Inflammation & Immunity (4i) and School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Colum P. Dunne
- Centre for Interventions in Infection, Inflammation & Immunity (4i) and School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- * E-mail:
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SARS-CoV-2 infection in general practice in Ireland: a seroprevalence study. BJGP Open 2021; 5:BJGPO.2021.0038. [PMID: 34006528 PMCID: PMC8450885 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2021.0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody testing in community settings may help us better understand the immune response to this virus and, therefore, help guide public health efforts. Aim To conduct a seroprevalence study of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in Irish GP clinics. Design & setting Participants were 172 staff and 799 patients from 15 general practices in the Midwest region of Ireland. Method This seroprevalence study utilised two manufacturers’ point-of-care (POC) SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin M (IgM)—IgG combined antibody tests, which were offered to patients and staff in general practice from 15 June to 10 July 2020. Results IgG seroprevalence was 12.6% in patients attending general practice and 11.1% in staff working in general practice, with administrative staff having the lowest seroprevalence at 2.5% and nursing staff having the highest at 17.6%. Previous symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 and history of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test were associated with higher seroprevalence. IgG antibodies were detected in approximately 80% of participants who had a previous PCR-confirmed infection. Average length of time between participants’ positive PCR test and positive IgG antibody test was 83 days. Conclusion Patients and healthcare staff in general practice in Ireland had relatively high rates of IgG to SARS-CoV-2 compared with the national average between 15 June and 10 July 2020 (1.7%). Four-fifths of participants with a history of confirmed COVID-19 disease still had detectable antibodies an average of 12 weeks post-infection. While not proof of immunity, SARS-CoV-2 POC testing can be used to estimate IgG seroprevalence in general practice settings.
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Woods S, Power L, O'Connell NH, Dunne CP. A 2018 hospital-mediated outbreak of 42 measles cases in Ireland: observations regarding emergency department waiting times and staff vaccination levels. J Hosp Infect 2021; 112:114-115. [PMID: 33862155 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Woods
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - L Power
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - N H O'Connell
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Centre for Interventions in Infection, Inflammation and Immunity (4i) and School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - C P Dunne
- Centre for Interventions in Infection, Inflammation and Immunity (4i) and School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
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