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Kitchen M, Borena WT, Gisinger M, Meindl E, Wanner M, Govrins MA, Sarcletti M. Pharyngeal gonococcal infection and the sensitivity of oral gargle samples in comparison to self-collected throat swabs for the detection of N. gonorrhoeae in persons in Tyrol, Austria. Infection 2024:10.1007/s15010-024-02359-x. [PMID: 39093382 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-024-02359-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Asymptomatic pharyngeal gonorrhoea could play an important role in transmission and should be screened for in persons at risk. We investigated the sensitivity of oral gargle samples to detect N. gonorrhoea and describe the frequency of infection by anatomical site. METHODS From June 2021 to July 2022 persons diagnosed with gonorrhoea in the STI/HIV department were asked to provide self-collected specimens for single-site testing by NAAT from throat (by gargling and swabbing), anorectum, and first-void urine. RESULTS 104 episodes of gonorrhoea were analysed in 88 individuals. The median age was 33 years, 85 persons (96.5%) were male. The pharynx was the most common site of infection (71 cases, 68.2%); in 26 persons (25.0%) it was the only site of infection. Anorectal infection was detected in 65 cases (62.5%) and urogenital infection in 25 cases (24.0%). In 46 cases (44.2%) infection was detected in more than one anatomical site. Gargling was less sensitive than throat swabbing to detect pharyngeal infection (85.9% versus 97.2%, p = .038), but was preferred by patients. Only 4 of 71 pharyngeal infections (5.6%) were symptomatic; anorectal and urogenital infections were symptomatic in 12.3% and 76.0% of cases, respectively. Culture recovery of N.gonorrhoeae was only possible in 15.8% of throat swabs, but was successful in 61.9% of anorectal and 84.2% of urogenital samples. CONCLUSIONS Asymptomatic pharyngeal gonorrhoea is common. Gargle samples should be used only as alternative specimens with inferior sensitivity compared to throat swab samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kitchen
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | | | - Martin Gisinger
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Eva Meindl
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marina Wanner
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Miriam Alisa Govrins
- Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mario Sarcletti
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
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Alcantara DMC, Dos Santos CM, Torres JM, Stutz C, Vieira CA, Moreira RMDS, Rodrigues R, Marcon GEB, Ferreira EDC, Mendes FML, Sarti ECFB, de Oliveira TF, Lemos EF, Andrade UV, Lichs GGDC, Demarchi LHF, Zardin MCSU, Gonçalves CCM, Guilhermino JDF, Fernandez ZDC. Long-term surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in the school community from Campo Grande, Brazil. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2057. [PMID: 39085807 PMCID: PMC11290088 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19555-x] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted education systems worldwide, with Brazil being one of the countries with the longest school closures. Over a million children and teenagers have been affected, leading to increased hunger and nutritional deficiencies. This study aimed to implement long-term surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infections in public and private schools in Campo Grande, Brazil, after returning to in-person classes. METHODS The study involved testing and genomic surveillance at 23 public and private schools in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, from October 18, 2021 to November 21, 2022. The participants eligible for enrollment were students aged 6-17 years and staff members from school institutions. At the time of collection, participants were asked if they had symptoms in the last two weeks. Whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 was conducted to identify circulating variants and to compare them with those detected in the municipality. The demographic data and clinical history of the participants were described, and a logistic regression model was used to understand how the RT-qPCR results could be related to different characteristics. RESULTS The study included 999 participants, most of whom were women. A total of 85 tests were positive, with an overall positivity rate of 3.2%. The dynamics of case frequency were consistent with those observed in the municipality during the study period. The most common symptoms reported were cough, rhinorrhea, headache, and sore throat. Symptoms were significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Eleven lineages were identified in school community samples, with a frequency of occurrence per period similar to that found in the sequences available for the municipality. The most prevalent lineages within the sampling period were BA.2 (59.3%) and BA.5 (29.6%). CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that schools can play a crucial role in epidemiological surveillance, helping trigger rapid responses to pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. Long-term surveillance can be used to track outbreaks and assess the role of children and adults in transmission. It can also contribute to pandemic preparedness, enabling a rapid response to emergencies, such as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camila Maria Dos Santos
- FIOCRUZ Mato Grosso do Sul, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Jaire Marinho Torres
- FIOCRUZ Mato Grosso do Sul, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Claudia Stutz
- FIOCRUZ Mato Grosso do Sul, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Alimentos e Nutrição (FACFAN), Fundação Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Camila Aoyama Vieira
- FIOCRUZ Mato Grosso do Sul, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Raissa Mariele Dos Santos Moreira
- Instituto Integrado de Saúde (INISA), Fundação Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rudielle Rodrigues
- FIOCRUZ Mato Grosso do Sul, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo de Castro Ferreira
- FIOCRUZ Mato Grosso do Sul, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Fundação Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Flavia Maria Lins Mendes
- FIOCRUZ Mato Grosso do Sul, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | | | - Everton Ferreira Lemos
- Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Gislene Garcia de Castro Lichs
- Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul (LACEN/MS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Luiz Henrique Ferraz Demarchi
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Fundação Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul (LACEN/MS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Crhistinne Cavalheiro Maymone Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Fundação Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
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Dewald F, Steger G, Fish I, Torre-Lage I, Hellriegel C, Milz E, Kolb-Bastigkeit A, Heger E, Fries M, Buess M, Marizy N, Michaelis B, Suárez I, Rubio Quintanares GH, Pirkl M, Aigner A, Oberste M, Hellmich M, Wong A, Orduz JC, Fätkenheuer G, Dötsch J, Kossow A, Moench EM, Quade G, Neumann U, Kaiser R, Schranz M, Klein F. SARS-CoV-2 Test-to-Stay in Daycare. Pediatrics 2024; 153:e2023064668. [PMID: 38596855 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-064668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Test-to-stay concepts apply serial testing of children in daycare after exposure to SARS-CoV-2 without use of quarantine. This study aims to assess the safety of a test-to-stay screening in daycare facilities. METHODS 714 daycare facilities and approximately 50 000 children ≤6 years in Cologne, Germany participated in a SARS-CoV-2 Pool-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening from March 2021 to April 2022. The screening initially comprised post-exposure quarantine and was adapted to a test-to-stay approach during its course. To assess safety of the test-to-stay approach, we explored potential changes in frequencies of infections among children after the adaptation to the test-to-stay approach by applying regression discontinuity in time (RDiT) analyses. To this end, PCR-test data were linked with routinely collected data on reported infections in children and analyzed using ordinary least squares regressions. RESULTS 219 885 Pool-PCRs and 352 305 Single-PCRs were performed. 6440 (2.93%) Pool-PCRs tested positive, and 17 208 infections in children were reported. We estimated that during a period of 30 weeks, the test-to-stay concept avoided between 7 and 20 days of quarantine per eligible daycare child. RDiT revealed a 26% reduction (Exp. Coef: 0.74, confidence interval 0.52-1.06) in infection frequency among children and indicated no significant increase attributable to the test-to-stay approach. This result was not sensitive to adjustments for 7-day incidence, season, SARS-CoV-2 variant, and socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS Our analyses provide evidence that suggest safety of the test-to-stay approach compared with quarantine measures. This approach offers a promising option to avoid use of quarantine after exposure to respiratory pathogens in daycare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Dewald
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Public Health, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gertrud Steger
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne
| | - Irina Fish
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne
| | - Ivonne Torre-Lage
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne
| | | | - Esther Milz
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne
| | | | - Eva Heger
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne
| | - Mira Fries
- Health department of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Isabelle Suárez
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne
| | | | - Martin Pirkl
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne
| | - Annette Aigner
- Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Max Oberste
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne
| | - Martin Hellmich
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne
| | - Anabelle Wong
- Institute of Public Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Gerd Fätkenheuer
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne
| | - Jörg Dötsch
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Annelene Kossow
- Health department of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Gustav Quade
- MVZ Labor Dr. Quade and Kollegen GmbH, Cologne, Germany
| | - Udo Neumann
- Youth Welfare Office of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Rolf Kaiser
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Madlen Schranz
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Public Health, Berlin, Germany
- Robert Koch Institute, Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Klein
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Hoskins S, Beale S, Nguyen V, Boukari Y, Yavlinsky A, Kovar J, Byrne T, Fong WLE, Geismar C, Patel P, Johnson AM, Aldridge RW, Hayward A. Deprivation, essential and non-essential activities and SARS-CoV-2 infection following the lifting of national public health restrictions in England and Wales. NIHR OPEN RESEARCH 2023; 3:46. [PMID: 37994319 PMCID: PMC10663878 DOI: 10.3310/nihropenres.13445.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Background Individuals living in deprived areas in England and Wales undertook essential activities more frequently and experienced higher rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection than less deprived communities during periods of restrictions aimed at controlling the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant. We aimed to understand whether these deprivation-related differences changed once restrictions were lifted. Methods Among 11,231 adult Virus Watch Community Cohort Study participants multivariable logistic regressions were used to estimate the relationships between deprivation and self-reported activities and deprivation and infection (self-reported lateral flow or PCR tests and linkage to National Testing data and Second Generation Surveillance System (SGSS)) between August - December 2021, following the lifting of national public health restrictions. Results Those living in areas of greatest deprivation were more likely to undertake essential activities (leaving home for work (aOR 1.56 (1.33 - 1.83)), using public transport (aOR 1.33 (1.13 - 1.57)) but less likely to undertake non-essential activities (indoor hospitality (aOR 0.82 (0.70 - 0.96)), outdoor hospitality (aOR 0.56 (0.48 - 0.66)), indoor leisure (aOR 0.63 (0.54 - 0.74)), outdoor leisure (aOR 0.64 (0.46 - 0.88)), or visit a hairdresser (aOR 0.72 (0.61 - 0.85))). No statistical association was observed between deprivation and infection (P=0.5745), with those living in areas of greatest deprivation no more likely to become infected with SARS-CoV-2 (aOR 1.25 (0.87 - 1.79). Conclusion The lack of association between deprivation and infection is likely due to the increased engagement in non-essential activities among the least deprived balancing the increased work-related exposure among the most deprived. The differences in activities highlight stark disparities in an individuals' ability to choose how to limit infection exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Hoskins
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, University College London, London, England, NW1 2DA, UK
| | - Sarah Beale
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, University College London, London, England, NW1 2DA, UK
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, England, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Vincent Nguyen
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, University College London, London, England, NW1 2DA, UK
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, England, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Yamina Boukari
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, University College London, London, England, NW1 2DA, UK
| | - Alexei Yavlinsky
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, University College London, London, England, NW1 2DA, UK
| | - Jana Kovar
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, England, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Thomas Byrne
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, University College London, London, England, NW1 2DA, UK
| | - Wing Lam Erica Fong
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, University College London, London, England, NW1 2DA, UK
| | - Cyril Geismar
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, University College London, London, England, NW1 2DA, UK
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, England, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Parth Patel
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, University College London, London, England, NW1 2DA, UK
| | - Anne M. Johnson
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, England, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Robert W. Aldridge
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, University College London, London, England, NW1 2DA, UK
| | - Andrew Hayward
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, England, WC1E 7HB, UK
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Liu Y, Kumblathan T, Tao J, Xu J, Feng W, Xiao H, Hu J, Huang CV, Wu Y, Zhang H, Li XF, Le XC. Recent advances in RNA sample preparation techniques for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva and gargle. Trends Analyt Chem 2023; 165:117107. [PMID: 37317683 PMCID: PMC10204347 DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.117107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 in gargle and saliva complements the standard analysis of nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) specimens. Although gargle and saliva specimens can be readily obtained non-invasively, appropriate collection and processing of gargle and saliva specimens are critical to the accuracy and sensitivity of the overall analytical method. This review highlights challenges and recent advances in the treatment of gargle and saliva samples for subsequent analysis using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and isothermal amplification techniques. Important considerations include appropriate collection of gargle and saliva samples, on-site inactivation of viruses in the sample, preservation of viral RNA, extraction and concentration of viral RNA, removal of substances that inhibit nucleic acid amplification reactions, and the compatibility of sample treatment protocols with the subsequent nucleic acid amplification and detection techniques. The principles and approaches discussed in this review are applicable to molecular detection of other microbial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanming Liu
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Teresa Kumblathan
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Tao
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Jingyang Xu
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Wei Feng
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Huyan Xiao
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Jianyu Hu
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Camille V Huang
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Yiping Wu
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Hongquan Zhang
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Xing-Fang Li
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - X Chris Le
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
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Landier J, Bassez L, Bendiane MK, Chaud P, Franke F, Nauleau S, Danjou F, Malfait P, Rebaudet S, Gaudart J. Social deprivation and SARS-CoV-2 testing: a population-based analysis in a highly contrasted southern France region. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1162711. [PMID: 37250096 PMCID: PMC10213643 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1162711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Testing was the cornerstone of the COVID-19 epidemic response in most countries until vaccination became available for the general population. Social inequalities generally affect access to healthcare and health behaviors, and COVID-19 was rapidly shown to impact deprived population more drastically. In support of the regional health agency in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) in South-Eastern France, we analyzed the relationship between testing rate and socio-demographic characteristics of the population, to identify gaps in testing coverage and improve targeting of response strategies. Methods We conducted an ecological analysis of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 testing rate in the PACA region, based on data aggregated at the finest spatial resolution available in France (IRIS) and by periods defined by public health implemented measures and major epidemiological changes. Using general census data, population density, and specific deprivation indices, we used principal component analysis followed by hierarchical clustering to define profiles describing local socio-demographic characteristics. We analyzed the association between these profiles and testing rates in a generalized additive multilevel model, adjusting for access to healthcare, presence of a retirement home, and the age profile of the population. Results We identified 6 socio-demographic profiles across the 2,306 analyzed IRIS spatial units: privileged, remote, intermediate, downtown, deprived, and very deprived (ordered by increasing social deprivation index). Profiles also ranged from rural (remote) to high density urban areas (downtown, very deprived). From July 2020 to December 2021, we analyzed SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 testing rate over 10 periods. Testing rates fluctuated strongly but were highest in privileged and downtown areas, and lowest in very deprived ones. The lowest adjusted testing rate ratios (aTRR) between privileged (reference) and other profiles occurred after implementation of a mandatory healthpass for many leisure activities in July 2021. Periods of contextual testing near Christmas displayed the largest aTRR, especially during the last periods of 2021 after the end of free convenience testing for unvaccinated individuals. Conclusion We characterized in-depth local heterogeneity and temporal trends in testing rates and identified areas and circumstances associated with low testing rates, which the regional health agency targeted specifically for the deployment of health mediation activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Landier
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, INSERM, SESSTIM, Aix Marseille Institute of Public Health, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Léa Bassez
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, INSERM, SESSTIM, Aix Marseille Institute of Public Health, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Marc-Karim Bendiane
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, INSERM, SESSTIM, Aix Marseille Institute of Public Health, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Chaud
- Santé Publique France Cellule Régionale Paca-Corse, Marseille, France
| | - Florian Franke
- Santé Publique France Cellule Régionale Paca-Corse, Marseille, France
| | - Steve Nauleau
- Agence Régionale de la Santé Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Fabrice Danjou
- Agence Régionale de la Santé Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Malfait
- Santé Publique France Cellule Régionale Paca-Corse, Marseille, France
| | - Stanislas Rebaudet
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, INSERM, SESSTIM, Aix Marseille Institute of Public Health, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
- Hôpital Européen Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Jean Gaudart
- Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, ISSPAM, Hop Timone, BioSTIC, Marseille, France
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7
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Moguem Soubgui AF, Embolo Enyegue EL, Kojom Foko LP, Ndeme Mboussi WS, Deutou Hogoue G, Mbougang SP, Sanda SM, Fotso Chidjou IU, Fotso VF, Nzogang Tchonet SA, Medi Sike C, Koanga Mogtomo ML. Epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Douala, the most populated and highly heterogeneous town of Cameroon: a post-vaccination update. Acta Trop 2023; 241:106864. [PMID: 36849093 PMCID: PMC9968477 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed at providing an update of SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology in Douala, the most populated and highly heterogeneous town of Cameroon. A hospital-based cross sectional study was conducted from January to September 2022. A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, anthropometric, and clinical data. Retrotranscriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal samples. Of the 2354 individuals approached, 420 were included. The mean age of patients was 42.3 ± 14.4 years (range 21 - 82). The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 8.1%. The risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 was increased more than seven times in patients aged ≥ 70 years old (aRR = 7.12, p = 0.001), more than six times in married (aRR = 6.60, p = 0.02), more than seven times in those having completed secondary studies (aRR = 7.85, p = 0.02), HIV-positive patients (aRR = 7.64, p < 0.0001) and asthmatic patients (aRR = 7.60, p = 0.003), and more than nine times in those seeking health care regularly (aRR = 9.24, p = 0.001). In contrast, the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection was reduced by 86% in patients attending Bonassama hospital (aRR = 0.14, p = 0.04), by 93% in patients of blood group B (aRR = 0.07, p = 0.04), and by 95% in COVID-19 vaccinated participants (aRR = 0.05, p = 0.005). There is need for ongoing surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Cameroon, given the position and importance of Douala.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Gildas Deutou Hogoue
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Douala, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | - Valery Fabrice Fotso
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Douala, Cameroon
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Evaluation of Non-Invasive Gargle Lavage Sampling for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Using rRT-PCR or Antigen Assay. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122829. [PMID: 36560833 PMCID: PMC9786102 DOI: 10.3390/v14122829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused considerable disruption worldwide. For efficient SARS-CoV-2 detection, new methods of rapid, non-invasive sampling are needed. This study aimed to investigate the stability of SARS-CoV-2 in a novel medium for gargle-lavage (GL) self-sampling and to compare the performance of SARS-CoV-2 detection in paired self-collected GL and clinician-obtained nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) samples. The stability study for SARS-CoV-2 preservation in a novel medium was performed over 14 days (4 °C, 24-27 °C, and 37 °C). In total, 494 paired GL and NPS samples were obtained at the University Hospital in Olomouc in April 2021. SARS-CoV-2 detection in paired samples was performed with a SARS-CoV-2 Nucleic Acid Detection Kit (Zybio, Chongqing Municipality, Chongqing, China), an Elecsys® SARS-CoV-2 Antigen assay (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany), and a SARS-CoV-2 Antigen ELISA (EUROIMMUN, Lübeck, Germany). The stability study demonstrated excellent SARS-CoV-2 preservation in the novel medium for 14 days. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 55.7% of NPS samples and 55.7% of GL samples using rRT-PCR, with an overall agreement of 91.9%. The positive percent agreement (PPA) of the rRT-PCR in the GL samples was 92.7%, and the negative percent agreement (NPA) was 90.9%, compared with the NPS samples. The PPA of the rRT-PCR in the NPS and GL samples was 93.2% when all positive tests were used as the reference standard. Both antigen detection assays showed poor sensitivity compared to rRT-PCR (33.2% and 36.0%). rRT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 detection in self-collected GL samples had a similar PPA and NPA to that of NPSs. GL self-sampling offers a suitable and more comfortable alternative for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
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Heinsohn T, Lange B, Vanella P, Rodiah I, Glöckner S, Joachim A, Becker D, Brändle T, Dhein S, Ehehalt S, Fries M, Galante-Gottschalk A, Jehnichen S, Kolkmann S, Kossow A, Hellmich M, Dötsch J, Krause G. Infection and transmission risks of COVID-19 in schools and their contribution to population infections in Germany: A retrospective observational study using nationwide and regional health and education agency notification data. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1003913. [PMID: 36538517 PMCID: PMC9767368 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND School-level infection control measures in Germany during the early Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic differed across the 16 federal states and lacked a dependable evidence base, with available evidence limited to regional data restricted to short phases of the pandemic. This study aimed to assess the (a) infection risks in students and staff; (b) transmission risks and routes in schools; (c) effects of school-level infection control measures on school and population infection dynamics; and (d) contribution of contacts in schools to population cases. METHODS AND FINDINGS For this retrospective observational study, we used German federal state (NUTS-2) and county (NUTS-3) data from public health and education agencies from March 2020 to April 2022. We assessed (a) infection risk as cumulative risk and crude risk ratios and (b) secondary attack rates (SARs) with 95% confidence interval (CI). We used (c) multiple regression analysis for the effects of infection control measures such as reduced attendance, mask mandates, and vaccination coverage as absolute reduction in case incidence per 100,000 inhabitants per 14 days and in percentage relative to the population, and (d) infection dynamic modelling to determine the percentage contribution of school contacts to population cases. We included (a) nationwide NUTS-2 data from calendar weeks (W) 46-50/2020 and W08/2021-W15/2022 with 3,521,964 cases in students and 329,283 in teachers; (b) NUTS-3 data from W09-25/2021 with 85,788 student and 9,427 teacher cases; and (c) detailed data from 5 NUTS-3 regions from W09/2020 to W27/2021 with 12,814 cases (39% male, 37% female; median age 14, range 5 to 63), 43,238 contacts and 4,165 secondary cases for students (for teachers, 14,801 [22% male, 50% female; median age 39, range 16 to 75], 5,893 and 472). Infection risk (a) for students and teachers was higher than the population risk in all phases of normal presence class and highest in the early 2022 omicron wave with 30.6% (95% CI 30.5% to 32.6%) of students and 32.7% (95% CI 32.6% to 32.8%) of teachers infected in Germany. SARs (b) for students and staff were below 5% in schools throughout the study period, while SARs in households more than doubled from 13.8% (95% CI 10.6% to 17.6%) W21-39/2020 to 28.7% (95% CI 27% to 30.4%) in W08-23/2021 for students and 10.9% (95% CI 7% to 16.5%) to 32.7% (95% CI 28.2% to 37.6%) for staff. Most contacts were reported for schools, yet most secondary cases originated in households. In schools, staff predominantly infected staff. Mandatory surgical mask wearing during class in all schools was associated with a reduction in the case incidence of students and teachers (c), by 56/100,000 persons per 14 days (students: 95% CI 47.7 to 63.4; teachers: 95% CI 39.6 to 71.6; p < 0.001) and by 29.8% (95% CI 25% to 35%, p < 0.001) and 24.3% (95% CI 13% to 36%, p < 0.001) relative to the population, respectively, as were reduced attendance and higher vaccination coverage. The contribution of contacts in schools to population cases (d) was 2% to 20%, lowest during school closures/vacation and peaked during normal presence class intervals, with the overall peak early during the omicron wave. Limitations include underdetection, misclassification of contacts, interviewer/interviewee dependence of contact-tracing, and lack of individual-level confounding factors in aggregate data regression analysis. CONCLUSION In this study, we observed that open schools under hygiene measures and testing strategies contributed up to 20% of population infections during the omicron wave early 2022, and as little as 2% during vacations/school closures; about a third of students and teachers were infected during the omicron wave in early 2022 in Germany. Mandatory mask wearing during class in all school types and reduced attendance models were associated with a reduced infection risk in schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torben Heinsohn
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Berit Lange
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Patrizio Vanella
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
- Chair of Empirical Methods in Social Science and Demography, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Isti Rodiah
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stephan Glöckner
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Alexander Joachim
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dennis Becker
- Public Health Department Konstanz, Gottmadingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Brändle
- Institute of Educational Monitoring and Quality Development, Agency for Schools and Vocational Training, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Dhein
- Public Health Department Altenburger Land, Altenburg, Germany
| | | | - Mira Fries
- Public Health Department Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | | | - Sarah Kolkmann
- Public Health Department Altenburger Land, Altenburg, Germany
| | - Annelene Kossow
- Public Health Department Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Martin Hellmich
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jörg Dötsch
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gérard Krause
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
- TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
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10
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Tsang NNY, So HC, Cowling BJ, Leung GM, Ip DKM. Performance of saline and water gargling for SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase PCR testing: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Respir Rev 2022; 31:31/165/220014. [PMID: 36130785 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0014-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The performance of gargling for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR testing has not been previously reviewed. This review systematically assessed the performance of saline and water gargling for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing in the settings of diagnosing and monitoring viral shedding.We included original studies comparing the performance of gargling and (oropharyngeal-)nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing. Studies conducted in either suspected individuals or confirmed cases were included and analysed separately. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were examined using random-effects models.Gargles achieved a high overall sensitivity (91%), specificity (97%), PPV (95%) and NPV (91%) for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing. Studies using saline gargle and water gargle have an overall sensitivity of 97% and 86%, respectively. The sensitivity values were largely maintained for saline and water gargling on stratified analysis, for both diagnosis (96% and 92%) and viral shedding monitoring (98% and 78%). A higher sensitivity was also reported by studies using sterile saline (100%), a smaller amount of gargling solution (92% versus 87%) and a longer gargling duration (95% versus 86%).Our results supported the use of gargling as a sampling approach for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing, which achieved a high sensitivity for both diagnosis and viral shedding monitoring purposes. Further investigation on the comparative performance of different gargling mediums is needed to draw a definitive conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Ngai Yung Tsang
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Hau Chi So
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Benjamin J Cowling
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Gabriel M Leung
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Dennis Kai Ming Ip
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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11
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Nenna R, Zeric H, Petrarca L, Mancino E, Midulla F. Weighing policymaking: A narrative review of school closures as COVID-19 pandemic-mitigation strategies. Pediatr Pulmonol 2022; 57:1982-1989. [PMID: 34894111 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the era of data-driven decision-making, unacceptable haziness, and inconsistency surrounds the yearlong scientific and public debate on the school closure policy in the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic mitigation efforts. AIM The present literature review stems out of the need for a clear scaffold collecting in one place all current evidence, as well as helping to organize incoming future evidence, concerning both the role of schools in driving the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) community spread and the cost-effectiveness of school closure in containing such spread. METHODS References for this review were initially identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library for articles published from March 2020 to March 2021 by the use of key terms "Schools," "COVID-19," "pandemic," "clusters," "outbreak," and "seroprevalence," selecting all articles from 2020 to 2021 with full-text availability. A further search was undertaken by screening citations of articles found in the original search and through Google Scholar and ResearchGate. RESULTS Overall, evidence shows that opening schools and keeping them open in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is possible, although behaviorally challenging and unfeasible if educational facilities or testing services are inadequate. Contrary to other respiratory viruses, children are not chief targets of SARS-CoV-2 infection, transmission, and disease. It also appears that the second wave of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spread in the WHO European region has been unrelated to school re-opening. CONCLUSIONS A fact-based understanding of what is currently known on such a consequential policy is required to provide a basis of evidence for advocacy of either school closure or school opening at times of high-intensity community transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Nenna
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Hana Zeric
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Petrarca
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Mancino
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Midulla
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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12
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Dewald F, Suárez I, Johnen R, Grossbach J, Moran-Tovar R, Steger G, Joachim A, Rubio GH, Fries M, Behr F, Kley J, Lingnau A, Kretschmer A, Gude C, Baeza-Flores G, Del Valle DL, Roblero-Hernandez A, Magana-Cerino J, Hernandez AT, Ruiz-Quinones J, Schega K, Linne V, Junker L, Wunsch M, Heger E, Knops E, Di Cristanziano V, Meyer M, Hünseler C, Weber LT, Lüers JC, Quade G, Wisplinghoff H, Tiemann C, Zotz R, Jomaa H, Pranada A, Herzum I, Cullen P, Schmitz FJ, Philipsen P, Kirchner G, Knabbe C, Hellmich M, Buess M, Wolff A, Kossow A, Niessen J, Jeworutzki S, Schräpler JP, Lässig M, Dötsch J, Fätkenheuer G, Kaiser R, Beyer A, Rybniker J, Klein F. Effective high-throughput RT-qPCR screening for SARS-CoV-2 infections in children. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3640. [PMID: 35752615 PMCID: PMC9233713 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30664-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Systematic SARS-CoV-2 testing is a valuable tool for infection control and surveillance. However, broad application of high sensitive RT-qPCR testing in children is often hampered due to unpleasant sample collection, limited RT-qPCR capacities and high costs. Here, we developed a high-throughput approach ('Lolli-Method') for SARS-CoV-2 detection in children, combining non-invasive sample collection with an RT-qPCR-pool testing strategy. SARS-CoV-2 infections were diagnosed with sensitivities of 100% and 93.9% when viral loads were >106 copies/ml and >103 copies/ml in corresponding Naso-/Oropharyngeal-swabs, respectively. For effective application of the Lolli-Method in schools and daycare facilities, SEIR-modeling indicated a preferred frequency of two tests per week. The developed test strategy was implemented in 3,700 schools and 698 daycare facilities in Germany, screening over 800,000 individuals twice per week. In a period of 3 months, 6,364 pool-RT-qPCRs tested positive (0.64%), ranging from 0.05% to 2.61% per week. Notably, infections correlated with local SARS-CoV-2 incidences and with a school social deprivation index. Moreover, in comparison with the alpha variant, statistical modeling revealed a 36.8% increase for multiple (≥2 children) infections per class following infections with the delta variant. We conclude that the Lolli-Method is a powerful tool for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance and can support infection control in schools and daycare facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Dewald
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Isabelle Suárez
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ronja Johnen
- CECAD Research center, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan Grossbach
- CECAD Research center, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Gertrud Steger
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexander Joachim
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gibran Horemheb Rubio
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Infectious Diseases Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mira Fries
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Health department of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Florian Behr
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Health department of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Joao Kley
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas Lingnau
- Ministry of Schools and Education of North Rhine-Westphalia, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alina Kretschmer
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Carina Gude
- CECAD Research center, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Guadelupe Baeza-Flores
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales y Emergentes, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad, Dr. Juan Graham Casasús, Villahermosa, Mexico
| | - David Laveaga Del Valle
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales y Emergentes, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad, Dr. Juan Graham Casasús, Villahermosa, Mexico
| | - Alberto Roblero-Hernandez
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales y Emergentes, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad, Dr. Juan Graham Casasús, Villahermosa, Mexico
| | - Jesus Magana-Cerino
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales y Emergentes, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad, Dr. Juan Graham Casasús, Villahermosa, Mexico
| | | | - Jesus Ruiz-Quinones
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales y Emergentes, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad, Dr. Juan Graham Casasús, Villahermosa, Mexico
| | | | - Viktoria Linne
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lena Junker
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marie Wunsch
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Eva Heger
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Elena Knops
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Veronica Di Cristanziano
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Meike Meyer
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christoph Hünseler
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lutz T Weber
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan-Christoffer Lüers
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gustav Quade
- MVZ Labor Dr. Quade & Kollegen GmbH, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Rainer Zotz
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine ZotzKlimas, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Haemostasis, Haemotherapy and Transfusion Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Medical Centre, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Arthur Pranada
- Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum Dr. Eberhard & Partner, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Ileana Herzum
- Medizinische Laboratorien Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Paul Philipsen
- Labor Mönchengladbach MVZ Dr. Stein und Kollegen, Mönchengladbach, Germany
| | - Georg Kirchner
- Eurofins Laborbetriebsgesellschaft Gelsenkirchen GmbH & Eurofins MVZ Medizinisches Labor Gelsenkirchen GmbH, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
| | - Cornelius Knabbe
- Heart- and Diabetes Center NRW, Medical Faculty, Ruhr-University Bochum, Institute for Laboratory and Transfusion Medicine, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Martin Hellmich
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Anna Wolff
- Health department of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Annelene Kossow
- Health department of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | | | - Jörg-Peter Schräpler
- Faculty of Social Science, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- German Socio Economic Panel Study (SOEP), Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Lässig
- Institute for Biological Physics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jörg Dötsch
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gerd Fätkenheuer
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Rolf Kaiser
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas Beyer
- CECAD Research center, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Genetics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan Rybniker
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Florian Klein
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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Berger U, Fritz C, Kauermann G. [Mandatory Testing in Schools can Significantly Reduce Underreporting of COVID-19 Infections Among Students with in-Class Teaching Compared to Home Schooling]. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2022; 84:495-502. [PMID: 35675830 PMCID: PMC11248797 DOI: 10.1055/a-1813-9778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Aim of the study The aim of this was to study investigate the effectiveness of mandatory Covid-19 tests for in-classroom teaching in reopened schools as a containment measure in the pandemic. In Bavaria, mandatory testing at schools was implemented directly after the Easter vacations in 2021. For the first week after the vacations, this resulted in a natural experiment that allowed us to quantify the impact of the new testing strategy on reported Covid-19 cases.Methods We compared changes in the reported 7-day incidence of new infections between districts with in-classroom teaching at school and districts with closed schools. During the calendar week 15, districts with reported incidences below 100 were allowed to reopen schools and have in-classroom teaching if mandatory COVID-19 testing was performed at school with rapid antigen tests. We do not have data on the rapid test results; however, positive test results in the rapid antigen test were verified by a PCR test, and cases of positive PCR test results were reported at the district level by age groups. In the calendar weeks 13 and 14, all schools in Bavaria were closed due to Easter vacations. Taking into account a latency period of about 3-4 days and a reporting period of 1-2 days, this means that any additional increase in reported incidences for districts with in-class teaching and mandatory testing in the week after the vacation cannot be attributed to transmissions at schools, but reflects the reduction of underreporting due to the newly implemented testing strategy.Results Reported incidence increased by a factor of 6.6 for 5-11 year old and by 1.7 for 12-20 year old pupils in districts with in-classroom teaching and mandatory testing at schools. This increase was accompanied by a reduction in underreporting and was significant compared to districts with school closure. Given the situation of a natural experiment, this increase in the reported incidence among school children can be attributed to the testing strategy. For the same time period, no differences in reported incidences were found for the other age groups.Conclusion In-class teaching with mandatory testing in reopened schools changes the role of schools in the pandemic. Our analyses show that reopening schools with a mandatory testing approach is beneficial from an epidemiologic perspective as it can strongly reduce the dark figure of COVID-19 cases among children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Berger
- IBE – Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry
and Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München,
Munchen, Germany
| | - Cornelius Fritz
- Statistik, LMU München Fakultät für Mathematik
Informatik und Statistik, Munchen, Germany
| | - Göran Kauermann
- Statistik, LMU München Fakultät für Mathematik
Informatik und Statistik, Munchen, Germany
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14
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Vardavas C, Nikitara K, Mathioudakis AG, Hilton Boon M, Phalkey R, Leonardi-Bee J, Pharris A, Deogan C, Suk JE. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in educational settings in 2020: a review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e058308. [PMID: 35383084 PMCID: PMC8983413 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES School closures have been used as a core non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPI) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review aims at identifying SARS-CoV-2 transmission in educational settings during the first waves of the pandemic. METHODS This literature review assessed studies published between December 2019 and 1 April 2021 in Medline and Embase, which included studies that assessed educational settings from approximately January 2020 to January 2021. The inclusion criteria were based on the PCC framework (P-Population, C-Concept, C-Context). The study Population was restricted to people 1-17 years old (excluding neonatal transmission), the Concept was to assess child-to-child and child-to-adult transmission, while the Context was to assess specifically educational setting transmission. RESULTS Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria, ranging from daycare centres to high schools and summer camps, while eight studies assessed the re-opening of schools in the 2020-2021 school year. In principle, although there is sufficient evidence that children can both be infected by and transmit SARS-CoV-2 in school settings, the SAR remain relatively low-when NPI measures are implemented in parallel. Moreover, although the evidence was limited, there was an indication that younger children may have a lower SAR than adolescents. CONCLUSIONS Transmission in educational settings in 2020 was minimal-when NPI measures were implemented in parallel. However, with an upsurge of cases related to variants of concern, continuous surveillance and assessment of the evidence is warranted to ensure the maximum protection of the health of students and the educational workforce, while also minimising the numerous negative impacts that school closures may have on children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantine Vardavas
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Alexander G Mathioudakis
- Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Michele Hilton Boon
- WISE Centre for Economic Justice, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Revati Phalkey
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jo Leonardi-Bee
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anastasia Pharris
- Epidemic Prone Diseases, Coronavirus and Influenza, Disease Programmes Unit, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Solna, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Deogan
- Epidemic Prone Diseases, Coronavirus and Influenza, Disease Programmes Unit, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jonathan E Suk
- Emergency Preparedness and Response Support, Public Health Functions Unit, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Solna, Sweden
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15
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Viner R, Waddington C, Mytton O, Booy R, Cruz J, Ward J, Ladhani S, Panovska-Griffiths J, Bonell C, Melendez-Torres GJ. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by children and young people in households and schools: a meta-analysis of population-based and contact-tracing studies. J Infect 2021; 84:361-382. [PMID: 34953911 PMCID: PMC8694793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2021.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background The role of children and young people (CYP) in transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in household and educational settings remains unclear. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of contact-tracing and population-based studies at low risk of bias. Methods We searched 4 electronic databases on 28 July 2021 for contact-tracing studies and population-based studies informative about transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from 0-19 year olds in household or educational settings. We excluded studies at high risk of bias, including from under-ascertainment of asymptomatic infections. We undertook multilevel random effects meta-analyses of secondary attack rates (SAR: contact-tracing studies) and school infection prevalence, and used meta-regression to examine the impact of community SARS-CoV-2 incidence on school infection prevalence. Findings 4529 abstracts were reviewed, resulting in 37 included studies (16 contact-tracing; 19 population studies; 2 mixed studies). The pooled relative transmissibility of CYP compared with adults was 0.92 (0.68, 1.26) in adjusted household studies. The pooled SAR from CYP was lower (p=0.002) in school studies 0.7% (0.2, 2.7) than household studies (7.6% (3.6, 15.9) . There was no difference in SAR from CYP to child or adult contacts. School population studies showed some evidence of clustering in classes within schools. School infection prevalence was associated with contemporary community 14-day incidence (OR 1.003 (1.001, 1.004), p<0.001). Interpretation We found no difference in transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from CYP compared with adults within household settings. SAR were markedly lower in school compared with household settings, suggesting that household transmission is more important than school transmission in this pandemic. School infection prevalence was associated with community infection incidence, supporting hypotheses that school infections broadly reflect community infections. These findings are important for guiding policy decisions on shielding, vaccination school and operations during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Viner
- Population, Policy and Practice, UCL Great Ormond St. Institute of Child Health, London.
| | | | | | | | - Joana Cruz
- Population, Policy and Practice, UCL Great Ormond St. Institute of Child Health, London
| | - Joseph Ward
- Population, Policy and Practice, UCL Great Ormond St. Institute of Child Health, London
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16
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Sombetzki M, Lücker P, Ehmke M, Bock S, Littmann M, Reisinger EC, Hoffmann W, Kästner A. Impact of Changes in Infection Control Measures on the Dynamics of COVID-19 Infections in Schools and Pre-schools. Front Public Health 2021; 9:780039. [PMID: 34988054 PMCID: PMC8720754 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.780039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: With the increased emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, the impact on schools and preschools remains a matter of debate. To ensure that schools and preschools are kept open safely, the identification of factors influencing the extent of outbreaks is of importance. Aim: To monitor dynamics of COVID-19 infections in schools and preschools and identify factors influencing the extent of outbreaks. Methods: In this prospective observational study we analyzed routine surveillance data of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany, from calendar week (CW) 32, 2020 to CW19, 2021 regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection events in schools and preschools considering changes in infection control measures over time. A multivariate linear regression model was fitted to evaluate factors influencing the number of students, teachers and staff tested positive following index cases in schools and preschools. Due to an existing multicollinearity in the common multivariate regression model between the variables "face mask obligation for children" and "face mask obligation for adults", two further separate regression models were set up (Multivariate Model Adults and Multivariate Model Children). Results: We observed a significant increase in secondary cases in preschools in the first quarter of 2021 (CW8 to CW15, 2021), and simultaneously a decrease in secondary cases in schools. In multivariate regression analysis, the strongest predictor of the extent of the outbreaks was the teacher/ caregiver mask obligation (B = -1.9; 95% CI: -2.9 to -1.0; p < 0.001). Furthermore, adult index cases (adult only or child+adult combinations) increased the likelihood of secondary cases (B = 1.3; 95% CI: 0.9 to 1.8; p < 0.001). The face mask obligation for children also showed a significant reduction in the number of secondary cases (B = -0.6; 95% CI: -0.9 to -0.2; p = 0.004. Conclusion: The present study indicates that outbreak events at schools and preschools are effectively contained by an obligation for adults and children to wear face masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Sombetzki
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Petra Lücker
- Department for Epidemiology of Health Care and Community Health, Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Manja Ehmke
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Sabrina Bock
- Landesamt für Gesundheit und Soziales Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State Office for Health and Social Affairs, Rostock, Germany
| | - Martina Littmann
- Landesamt für Gesundheit und Soziales Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State Office for Health and Social Affairs, Rostock, Germany
| | - Emil C. Reisinger
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hoffmann
- Department for Epidemiology of Health Care and Community Health, Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Anika Kästner
- Department for Epidemiology of Health Care and Community Health, Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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17
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Lordan R, Prior S, Hennessy E, Naik A, Ghosh S, Paschos GK, Skarke C, Barekat K, Hollingsworth T, Juska S, Mazaleuskaya LL, Teegarden S, Glascock AL, Anderson S, Meng H, Tang SY, Weljie A, Bottalico L, Ricciotti E, Cherfane P, Mrcela A, Grant G, Poole K, Mayer N, Waring M, Adang L, Becker J, Fries S, FitzGerald GA, Grosser T. Considerations for the Safe Operation of Schools During the Coronavirus Pandemic. Front Public Health 2021; 9:751451. [PMID: 34976917 PMCID: PMC8716382 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.751451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
During the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, providing safe in-person schooling has been a dynamic process balancing evolving community disease burden, scientific information, and local regulatory requirements with the mandate for education. Considerations include the health risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its post-acute sequelae, the impact of remote learning or periods of quarantine on education and well-being of children, and the contribution of schools to viral circulation in the community. The risk for infections that may occur within schools is related to the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections within the local community. Thus, persistent suppression of viral circulation in the community through effective public health measures including vaccination is critical to in-person schooling. Evidence suggests that the likelihood of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within schools can be minimized if mitigation strategies are rationally combined. This article reviews evidence-based approaches and practices for the continual operation of in-person schooling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronan Lordan
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Samantha Prior
- Faculty of Science & Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Elizabeth Hennessy
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Amruta Naik
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Soumita Ghosh
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Georgios K. Paschos
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Carsten Skarke
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kayla Barekat
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Taylor Hollingsworth
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sydney Juska
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Liudmila L. Mazaleuskaya
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sarah Teegarden
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Abigail L. Glascock
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sean Anderson
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Hu Meng
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Soon-Yew Tang
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Aalim Weljie
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lisa Bottalico
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Emanuela Ricciotti
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Perla Cherfane
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Antonijo Mrcela
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Gregory Grant
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kristen Poole
- Department of English, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Natalie Mayer
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael Waring
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Laura Adang
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Julie Becker
- Division of Public Health, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Susanne Fries
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Garret A. FitzGerald
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Tilo Grosser
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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18
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Winje BA, Ofitserova TS, Brynildsrud OB, Greve-Isdahl M, Bragstad K, Rykkvin R, Hungnes O, Lund HM, Nygård K, Meijerink H, Brandal LT. Comprehensive Contact Tracing, Testing and Sequencing Show Limited Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between Children in Schools in Norway, August 2020 to May 2021. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2587. [PMID: 34946187 PMCID: PMC8705768 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of children in the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in schools has been a topic of controversy. In this study among school contacts of SARS-CoV-2 positive children in 43 contact-investigations, we investigated SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Norway, August 2020-May 2021. All participants were tested twice within seven to ten days, using SARS-CoV-2 PCR on home-sampled saliva. Positive samples were whole genome sequenced. Among the 559 child contacts, eight tested positive (1.4%, 95% CI 0.62-2.80), with no significant difference between primary (1.0%, 95% CI 0.27-2.53) and secondary schools (2.6%, 95% CI 0.70-6.39), p = 0.229, nor by viral strain, non-Alpha (1.4%, 95% CI 0.50-2.94) and Alpha variant (B.1.1.7) (1.7%, 95% CI 0.21-5.99), p = 0.665. One adult contact (1/100) tested positive. In 34 index cases, we detected 13 different SARS-CoV-2 Pango lineage variants, with B.1.1.7 being most frequent. In the eight contact-investigations with SARS-CoV-2 positive contacts, four had the same sequence identity as the index, one had no relation, and three were inconclusive. With mitigation measures in place, the spread of SARS-CoV-2 from children in schools is limited. By excluding contact-investigations with adult cases known at the time of enrolment, our data provide a valid estimate on the role of children in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brita Askeland Winje
- Department of Infection Control and Vaccine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway; (T.S.O.); (M.G.-I.); (H.M.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, 0167 Oslo, Norway
| | - Trine Skogset Ofitserova
- Department of Infection Control and Vaccine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway; (T.S.O.); (M.G.-I.); (H.M.)
| | - Ola Brønstad Brynildsrud
- Department of Method Development and Analytics, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Margrethe Greve-Isdahl
- Department of Infection Control and Vaccine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway; (T.S.O.); (M.G.-I.); (H.M.)
| | - Karoline Bragstad
- Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway; (K.B.); (R.R.); (O.H.)
| | - Rikard Rykkvin
- Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway; (K.B.); (R.R.); (O.H.)
| | - Olav Hungnes
- Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway; (K.B.); (R.R.); (O.H.)
| | - Hilde Marie Lund
- Department of Infection Control and Preparedness, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway; (H.M.L.); (K.N.); (L.T.B.)
| | - Karin Nygård
- Department of Infection Control and Preparedness, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway; (H.M.L.); (K.N.); (L.T.B.)
| | - Hinta Meijerink
- Department of Infection Control and Vaccine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway; (T.S.O.); (M.G.-I.); (H.M.)
| | - Lin Thorstensen Brandal
- Department of Infection Control and Preparedness, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway; (H.M.L.); (K.N.); (L.T.B.)
- European Program for Public Health Microbiology Training (EUPHEM), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, (ECDC), 169 73 Solna, Sweden
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19
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Luxi N, Giovanazzi A, Capuano A, Crisafulli S, Cutroneo PM, Fantini MP, Ferrajolo C, Moretti U, Poluzzi E, Raschi E, Ravaldi C, Reno C, Tuccori M, Vannacci A, Zanoni G, Trifirò G. COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy, Paediatrics, Immunocompromised Patients, and Persons with History of Allergy or Prior SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Overview of Current Recommendations and Pre- and Post-Marketing Evidence for Vaccine Efficacy and Safety. Drug Saf 2021; 44:1247-1269. [PMID: 34739716 PMCID: PMC8569292 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-021-01131-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
To date, four vaccines have been authorised for emergency use and under conditional approval by the European Medicines Agency to prevent COVID-19: Comirnaty, COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen, Spikevax (previously COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna) and Vaxzevria (previously COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca). Although the benefit-risk profile of these vaccines was proven to be largely favourable in the general population, evidence in special cohorts initially excluded from the pivotal trials, such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, children/adolescents, immunocompromised people and persons with a history of allergy or previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, is still limited. In this narrative review, we critically overview pre- and post-marketing evidence on the potential benefits and risks of marketed COVID-19 vaccines in the above-mentioned special cohorts. In addition, we summarise the recommendations of the scientific societies and regulatory agencies about COVID-19 primary prevention in the same vaccinee categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Luxi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Alexia Giovanazzi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Annalisa Capuano
- Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli", Department of Experimental Medicine, Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Crisafulli
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Paola Maria Cutroneo
- Sicilian Regional Pharmacovigilance Centre, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Fantini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carmen Ferrajolo
- Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli", Department of Experimental Medicine, Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Ugo Moretti
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Poluzzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Emanuel Raschi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Ravaldi
- PeaRL-Perinatal Research Laboratory, NEUROFARBA Department, University of Florence and CiaoLapo Foundation for Perinatal Health, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Reno
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Tuccori
- Unit of Adverse Drug Reactions Monitoring, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alfredo Vannacci
- PeaRL-Perinatal Research Laboratory, NEUROFARBA Department, University of Florence and CiaoLapo Foundation for Perinatal Health, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Gianluca Trifirò
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy.
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20
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Chernozhukov V, Kasahara H, Schrimpf P. The association of opening K-12 schools with the spread of COVID-19 in the United States: County-level panel data analysis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2103420118. [PMID: 34642247 PMCID: PMC8545468 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2103420118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper empirically examines how the opening of K-12 schools is associated with the spread of COVID-19 using county-level panel data in the United States. As preliminary evidence, our event-study analysis indicates that cases and deaths in counties with in-person or hybrid opening relative to those with remote opening substantially increased after the school opening date, especially for counties without any mask mandate for staff. Our main analysis uses a dynamic panel data model for case and death growth rates, where we control for dynamically evolving mitigation policies, past infection levels, and additive county-level and state-week "fixed" effects. This analysis shows that an increase in visits to both K-12 schools and colleges is associated with a subsequent increase in case and death growth rates. The estimates indicate that fully opening K-12 schools with in-person learning is associated with a 5 (SE = 2) percentage points increase in the growth rate of cases. We also find that the association of K-12 school visits or in-person school openings with case growth is stronger for counties that do not require staff to wear masks at schools. These findings support policies that promote masking and other precautionary measures at schools and giving vaccine priority to education workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Chernozhukov
- Department of Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142
- Center for Statistics and Data Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Hiroyuki Kasahara
- Vancouver School of Economics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T1L4, Canada
| | - Paul Schrimpf
- Vancouver School of Economics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T1L4, Canada
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21
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Sweeney-Reed CM, Wolff D, Hörnschemeyer S, Faßhauer H, Haase A, Schomburg D, Niggel J, Kabesch M, Apfelbacher C. Feasibility of a surveillance programme based on gargle samples and pool testing to prevent SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in schools. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19521. [PMID: 34593887 PMCID: PMC8484445 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98849-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
School closures have a negative impact on physical and mental well-being, and education, of children and adolescents. A surveillance programme to detect asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection could allow schools to remain open, while protecting the vulnerable. We assessed the feasibility of a programme employing gargle samples and pool testing of individually extracted RNA using rRT-qPCR in a primary and a secondary school in Germany, based on programme logistics and acceptance. Twice a week, five participants per class were selected to provide samples, using an algorithm weighted by a risk-based priority score to increase likelihood of case detection. The positive response rate was 54.8% (550 of 1003 pupils). Logistics evaluation revealed the rate-limiting steps: completing the regular pre-test questionnaire and handing in the samples. Acceptance questionnaire responses indicated strong support for research into developing a surveillance programme and a positive evaluation of gargle tests. Participation was voluntary. As not all pupils participated, individual reminders could lead to participant identification. School-wide implementation of the programme for infection monitoring purposes would enable reminders to be given to all school pupils to address these steps, without compromising participant anonymity. Such a programme would provide a feasible means to monitor asymptomatic respiratory tract infection in schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Sweeney-Reed
- Neurocybernetics and Rehabilitation, Dept. of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Doreen Wolff
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health System Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Hörnschemeyer
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health System Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Henriette Faßhauer
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health System Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Antonia Haase
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health System Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Schomburg
- Institute of Biometry und Medical Informatics (IBMI), Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Niggel
- University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- MaganaMed GmbH, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Kabesch
- University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
- Research and Development Campus Regensburg (WECARE), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christian Apfelbacher
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health System Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Research and Development Campus Regensburg (WECARE), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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22
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Feasibility and Diagnostic Accuracy of Saliva-Based SARS-CoV-2 Screening in Educational Settings and Children Aged <12 Years. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11101797. [PMID: 34679495 PMCID: PMC8534592 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11101797] [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: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Children have been disproportionately affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to assess a saliva-based algorithm for SARS-CoV-2 testing to be used in schools and childcare institutions under pandemic conditions. A weekly SARS-CoV-2 sentinel study in primary schools, kindergartens, and childcare facilities was conducted over a 12-week-period. In a sub-study covering 7 weeks, 1895 paired oropharyngeal and saliva samples were processed for SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR testing in both asymptomatic children (n = 1243) and staff (n = 652). Forty-nine additional concurrent swab and saliva samples were collected from SARS-CoV-2 infected patients (patient cohort). The Salivette® system was used for saliva collection and assessed for feasibility and diagnostic performance. For children, a mean of 1.18 mL saliva could be obtained. Based on results from both cohorts, the Salivette® testing algorithm demonstrated the specificity of 100% (95% CI 99.7–100) and sensitivity of 94.9% (95% CI 81.4–99.1) with oropharyngeal swabs as reference. Agreement between sampling systems was 100% for moderate to high viral load situations (defined as Ct-values <33 from oropharyngeal swabs). Comparative analysis of Ct-values derived from saliva vs. oropharyngeal swabs demonstrated a significant difference (mean 4.23; 95% CI 2.48–6.00). In conclusion, the Salivette® system proved to be an easy-to-use, safe and feasible saliva collection method and a more pleasant alternative to oropharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 testing in children aged 3 years and above.
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23
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Matera L, Nenna R, Ardenti Morini F, Banderali G, Calvani M, Calvi M, Cozzi G, Falsaperla R, Guidi R, Kantar A, Lanari M, Lubrano R, Messini B, Niccoli AA, Tipo V, Midulla F. Effects of Relaxed Lockdown on Pediatric ER Visits during SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9547. [PMID: 34574469 PMCID: PMC8467762 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we demonstrated an 81% reduction in pediatric Emergency Room (ER) visits in Italy during the strict lockdown due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Since May 2020, lockdown measures were relaxed until 6 November 2020, when a strict lockdown was patchily reintroduced. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of the relaxed lockdown on pediatric ER visits in Italy. We performed a retrospective multicenter study involving 14 Italian pediatric ERs. We compared total ER visits from 24 September 2020 to 6 November 2020 with those during the corresponding timeframe in 2019. We evaluated 17 ER specific diagnoses grouped in air communicable and non-air communicable diseases. We recognized four different triage categories: white, green, yellow and red. In 2020 total ER visits were reduced by 51% compared to 2019 (16,088 vs. 32,568, respectively). The decrease in air communicable diseases was significantly higher if compared to non-air communicable diseases (-64% vs. -42%, respectively). ER visits in each triage category decreased in 2020 compared to 2019, but in percentage, white and red codes remained stable, while yellow codes slightly increased and green codes slightly decreased. Our results suggest that preventive measures drastically reduced the circulation of air communicable diseases even during the reopening of social activities but to a lesser extent with regard to the strict lockdown period (March-May 2020).
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Matera
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (R.N.)
| | - Raffaella Nenna
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (R.N.)
| | | | - Giuseppe Banderali
- Department of Clinical Paediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy;
| | - Mauro Calvani
- Operative Unit of Pediatrics, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, 00151 Rome, Italy;
| | - Matteo Calvi
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, 24127 Bergamo, Italy;
| | - Giorgio Cozzi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health Burlo Garofalo, 34137 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Raffaele Falsaperla
- General Pediatrics and Pediatric Acute and Emergency Unit, Vittorio Emanuele University Hospital, 95121 Catania, Italy;
| | - Roberto Guidi
- Department of Pediatric Emergency, G. Salesi Hospital, 60123 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Ahmad Kantar
- Pediatric Unit, Istituti Ospedalieri Bergamaschi, Gruppo Ospedaliero San Donato, 24059 Ponte San Pietro, Italy;
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare, Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Lubrano
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Maternal and Child Health, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy;
| | - Beatrice Messini
- Pediatric Unit, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, 06034 Foligno, Italy;
| | | | - Vincenzo Tipo
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Santobono-Pausilipon Hospital, 06049 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Fabio Midulla
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (R.N.)
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24
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Blankenberger J, Haile SR, Puhan MA, Berger C, Radtke T, Kriemler S, Ulyte A. Prediction of Past SARS-CoV-2 Infections: A Prospective Cohort Study Among Swiss Schoolchildren. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:710785. [PMID: 34485200 PMCID: PMC8415623 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.710785] [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: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To assess the predictive value of symptoms, sociodemographic characteristics, and SARS-CoV-2 exposure in household, school, and community setting for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in Swiss schoolchildren at two time points in 2020. Design: Serological testing of children in primary and secondary schools (aged 6-13 and 12-16 years, respectively) took place in June-July (T1) and October-November (T2) 2020, as part of the longitudinal, school-based study Ciao Corona in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. Information on sociodemographic characteristics and clinical history was collected with questionnaires to parents; information on school-level SARS-CoV-2 infections was collected with questionnaires to school principals. Community-level cumulative incidence was obtained from official statistics. We used logistic regression to identify individual predictors of seropositivity and assessed the predictive performance of symptom- and exposure-based prediction models. Results: A total of 2,496 children (74 seropositive) at T1 and 2,152 children (109 seropositive) at T2 were included. Except for anosmia (odds ratio 15.4, 95% confidence interval [3.4-70.7]) and headache (2.0 [1.03-3.9]) at T2, none of the individual symptoms were significantly predictive of seropositivity at either time point. Of all the exposure variables, a reported SARS-CoV-2 case in the household was the strongest predictor for seropositivity at T1 (12.4 [5.8-26.7]) and T2 (10.8 [4.5-25.8]). At both time points, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was greater for exposure-based (T1, 0.69; T2, 0.64) than symptom-based prediction models (T1, 0.59; T2, 0.57). Conclusions: In children, retrospective identification of past SARS-CoV-2 infections based on symptoms is imprecise. SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity is better predicted by factors of SARS-CoV-2 exposure, especially reported SARS-CoV-2 cases in the household. Predicting SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in children in general is challenging, as few reliable predictors could be identified. For an accurate retrospective identification of SARS-CoV-2 infections in children, serological tests are likely indispensable. Trial registration number: NCT04448717.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Blankenberger
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah R. Haile
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Milo A. Puhan
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Berger
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Children Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Radtke
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susi Kriemler
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Agne Ulyte
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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25
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Willeit P, Bernar B, Zurl C, Al-Rawi M, Berghold A, Bernhard D, Borena W, Doppler C, Kerbl R, Köhler A, Krause R, Lamprecht B, Pröll J, Schmidt H, Steinmetz I, Stelzl E, Stoiber H, von Laer D, Zuber J, Müller T, Strenger V, Wagner M. Sensitivity and specificity of the antigen-based anterior nasal self-testing programme for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection in schools, Austria, March 2021. Euro Surveill 2021; 26:2100797. [PMID: 34448449 PMCID: PMC8393891 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2021.26.34.2100797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluates the performance of the antigen-based anterior nasal screening programme implemented in all Austrian schools to detect SARS-CoV-2 infections. We combined nationwide antigen-based screening data obtained in March 2021 from 5,370 schools (Grade 1-8) with an RT-qPCR-based prospective cohort study comprising a representative sample of 244 schools. Considering a range of assumptions, only a subset of infected individuals are detected with the programme (low to moderate sensitivity) and non-infected individuals mainly tested negative (very high specificity).
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Willeit
- Clinical Epidemiology Team, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Benoît Bernar
- Department of Pediatrics I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christoph Zurl
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of General Paediatrics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Mariam Al-Rawi
- Vienna Covid-19 Detection Initiative, Vienna, Austria
- Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Berghold
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - David Bernhard
- Center for Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
- Division of Pathophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Wegene Borena
- Institute of Virology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Doppler
- Center for Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
- Division of Pathophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Reinhold Kerbl
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, LKH Hochsteiermark, Leoben, Austria
| | - Alwin Köhler
- Vienna Covid-19 Detection Initiative, Vienna, Austria
- Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Krause
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Bernd Lamprecht
- Department of Pulmonology, Kepler-University-Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Johannes Pröll
- Center for Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Hannes Schmidt
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Covid-19 Detection Initiative, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ivo Steinmetz
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Evelyn Stelzl
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Heribert Stoiber
- Institute of Virology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dorothee von Laer
- Institute of Virology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johannes Zuber
- IMP - Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Covid-19 Detection Initiative, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Müller
- Department of Pediatrics I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Volker Strenger
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Wagner
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Microbial Communities, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Vienna Covid-19 Detection Initiative, Vienna, Austria
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26
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Kheiroddin P, Schöberl P, Althammer M, Cibali E, Würfel T, Wein H, Kulawik B, Buntrock-Döpke H, Weigl E, Gran S, Gründl M, Langguth J, Lampl B, Judex G, Niggel J, Pagel P, Schratzenstaller T, Schneider-Brachert W, Gastiger S, Bodenschatz M, Konrad M, Levchuk A, Roth C, Schöner D, Schneebauer F, Rohrmanstorfer R, Dekens MP, Brandstetter S, Zuber J, Wallerstorfer D, Burkovski A, Ambrosch A, Wagner T, Kabesch M. Results of WICOVIR Gargle Pool PCR Testing in German Schools Based on the First 100,000 Tests. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:721518. [PMID: 34778127 PMCID: PMC8581236 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.721518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Opening schools and keeping children safe from SARS-CoV-2 infections at the same time is urgently needed to protect children from direct and indirect consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve this goal, a safe, efficient, and cost-effective SARS-CoV-2 testing system for schools in addition to standard hygiene measures is necessary. Methods: We implemented the screening WICOVIR concept for schools in the southeast of Germany, which is based on gargling at home, pooling of samples in schools, and assessment of SARS-CoV-2 by pool rRT-PCR, performed decentralized in numerous participating laboratories. Depooling was performed if pools were positive, and results were transmitted with software specifically developed for the project within a day. Here, we report the results after the first 13 weeks in the project. Findings: We developed and implemented the proof-of-concept test system within a pilot phase of 7 weeks based on almost 17,000 participants. After 6 weeks in the main phase of the project, we performed >100,000 tests in total, analyzed in 7,896 pools, identifying 19 cases in >100 participating schools. On average, positive children showed an individual CT value of 31 when identified in the pools. Up to 30 samples were pooled (mean 13) in general, based on school classes and attached school staff. All three participating laboratories detected positive samples reliably with their previously established rRT-PCR standard protocols. When self-administered antigen tests were performed concomitantly in positive cases, only one of these eight tests was positive, and when antigen tests performed after positive pool rRT-PCR results were already known were included, 3 out of 11 truly positive tests were also identified by antigen testing. After 3 weeks of repetitive WICOVIR testing twice weekly, the detection rate of positive children in that cohort decreased significantly from 0.042 to 0.012 (p = 0.008). Interpretation: Repeated gargle pool rRT-PCR testing can be implemented quickly in schools. It is an effective, valid, and well-received test system for schools, superior to antigen tests in sensitivity, acceptance, and costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parastoo Kheiroddin
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and the University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Patricia Schöberl
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and the University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,Science and Innovation Campus Regensburg (WECARE) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Althammer
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and the University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ezgi Cibali
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and the University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology and Hygiene, Hospital of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thea Würfel
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and the University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hannah Wein
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and the University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Birgit Kulawik
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and the University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,Science and Innovation Campus Regensburg (WECARE) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Heike Buntrock-Döpke
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and the University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,Science and Innovation Campus Regensburg (WECARE) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Eva Weigl
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and the University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,Science and Innovation Campus Regensburg (WECARE) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Silvia Gran
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and the University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,Science and Innovation Campus Regensburg (WECARE) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Jana Langguth
- Public Health Department Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Lampl
- Public Health Department Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Schratzenstaller
- Medical Device Lab, Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,Regensburg Center for Biomedical Engineering, University and OTH Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Wulf Schneider-Brachert
- Department of Infection Prevention and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Gastiger
- Microbiology Division, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mona Bodenschatz
- Microbiology Division, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maike Konrad
- Microbiology Division, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Artem Levchuk
- Microbiology Division, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Cornelius Roth
- Microbiology Division, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.,DATEV eG, Nürnberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Marcus P Dekens
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Brandstetter
- Science and Innovation Campus Regensburg (WECARE) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany.,University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and the University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Zuber
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria.,Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Andreas Burkovski
- Microbiology Division, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Ambrosch
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology and Hygiene, Hospital of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Michael Kabesch
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and the University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,Science and Innovation Campus Regensburg (WECARE) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
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