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Rader NA, Lee KS, Loes AN, Miller-Stump OA, Cooper M, Wong TY, Boehm DT, Barbier M, Bevere JR, Heath Damron F. Influenza virus strains expressing SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain protein confer immunity in K18-hACE2 mice. Vaccine X 2024; 20:100543. [PMID: 39221180 PMCID: PMC11364132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), rapidly spread across the globe in 2019. With the emergence of the Omicron variant, COVID-19 shifted into an endemic phase. Given the anticipated rise in cases during the fall and winter seasons, the strategy of implementing seasonal booster vaccines for COVID-19 is becoming increasingly valuable to protect public health. This practice already exists for seasonal influenza vaccines to combat annual influenza seasons. Our goal was to investigate an easily modifiable vaccine platform for seasonal use against SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we evaluated the genetically modified influenza virus ΔNA(RBD) as an intranasal vaccine candidate for COVID-19. This modified virus was engineered to replace the coding sequence for the neuraminidase (NA) protein with a membrane-anchored form of the receptor binding domain (RBD) protein of SARS-CoV-2. We designed experiments to assess the protection of ΔNA(RBD) in K18-hACE2 mice using lethal (Delta) and non-lethal (Omicron) challenge models. Controls of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and our lab's previously described intranasal virus like particle vaccine were used as comparisons. Immunization with ΔNA(RBD) expressing ancestral RBD elicited high anti-RBD IgG levels in the serum of mice, high anti-RBD IgA in lung tissue, and improved survival after Delta variant challenge. Modifying ΔNA(RBD) to express Omicron variant RBD shifted variant-specific antibody responses and limited viral burden in the lungs of mice after Omicron variant challenge. Overall, this data suggests that ΔNA(RBD) could be an effective intranasal vaccine platform that generates mucosal and systemic immunity towards SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel A. Rader
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Katherine S. Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Andrea N. Loes
- Division of Basic Sciences and Computational Biology Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Olivia A. Miller-Stump
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Melissa Cooper
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Ting Y. Wong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Dylan T. Boehm
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Mariette Barbier
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Justin R. Bevere
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - F. Heath Damron
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
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Shi C, Zhang Y, Ye S, Zhou J, Zhu F, Gao Y, Wang Y, Cong B, Deng S, Li Y, Lu B, Wang X. Infection Rates and Symptomatic Proportion of SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza in Pediatric Population, China, 2023. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:1809-1818. [PMID: 39106459 PMCID: PMC11347007 DOI: 10.3201/eid3009.240065] [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] [Indexed: 08/09/2024] Open
Abstract
We conducted a longitudinal cohort study of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza rates in childcare centers and schools in Wuxi, China, collecting 1,760 environmental samples and 9,214 throat swabs from 593 students (regardless of symptoms) in weekly collections during February-June 2023. We estimated a cumulative infection rate of 124.8 (74 episodes)/1,000 persons for SARS-CoV-2 and 128.2 (76 episodes)/1,000 persons for influenza. The highest SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was in persons 18 years of age, and for influenza, in children 4 years of age. The asymptomatic proportion of SARS-CoV-2 was 59.6% and 66.7% for influenza; SARS-CoV-2 symptomatic proportion was lower in 16-18-year-olds than in 4-6-year-olds. Only samples from frequently touched surface tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (4/1,052) and influenza (1/1,052). We found asynchronous circulation patterns of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, similar to trends in national sentinel surveillance. The results support vaccination among pediatric populations and other interventions, such as environmental disinfection in educational settings.
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Moon SY, Son M, Kang YW, Koh M, Lee JY, Baek YH. Association between ursodeoxycholic acid use and COVID-19 in individuals with chronic liver disease: a nationwide case-control study in South Korea. Virol J 2024; 21:202. [PMID: 39192342 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02464-1] [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] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conflicting evidence exists regarding the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study investigates the association between UDCA administration and COVID-19 infection and its related outcomes in individuals with chronic liver disease (CLD). METHODS A customized COVID-19 research database (n = 3,485,376) was created by integrating data from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's COVID-19 databases. The study focused on patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in 2021, using the NHIS data from 365 days before diagnosis. To create comparable groups with and without UDCA administration before COVID-19, we used propensity score matching. The primary endpoint was the first confirmed positive result for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. In addition, we identified severe COVID-19-related outcomes. Subgroup analysis were conducted based on the dose of UDCA exposure. RESULTS Data from 74,074 individuals with CLD was analyzed. The participants' average age was 57.5 years, and 52.1% (19,277) of those in each group were male. Those with prior UDCA exposure had a significantly lower risk of COVID-19 infection (adjusted OR: 0.80, 95% CI [0.76-0.85]) compared to the non-UDCA group. Additionally, the UDCA group had a lower risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes (adjusted OR: 0.67, 95% CI [0.46-0.98]). Subgroup analyses indicated that there was a decrease in COVID-19 infection and its related outcomes with increasing UDCA exposure dose. CONCLUSIONS Our large observational study highlights the potential use of readily available UDCA as an adjunctive therapy for COVID-19 in individuals with CLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Yi Moon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, 32 Daesingongwon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan, 49201, South Korea
- Department of Data Sciences Convergence, Dong-A University Interdisciplinary Program, Busan, South Korea
| | - Minkook Son
- Department of Data Sciences Convergence, Dong-A University Interdisciplinary Program, Busan, South Korea
- Department of Physiology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Yeo Wool Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, 32 Daesingongwon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan, 49201, South Korea
| | - Myeongseok Koh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, 32 Daesingongwon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan, 49201, South Korea
| | - Jong Yoon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, 32 Daesingongwon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan, 49201, South Korea
| | - Yang Hyun Baek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, 32 Daesingongwon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan, 49201, South Korea.
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Hapfelmeier A, Donhauser J, Teusen C, Eck S, Schneider A. Frequency, persistence and relation of disease symptoms, psychosomatic comorbidity and daily life impairment after COVID-19: a cohort study in general practice. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2024; 25:295. [PMID: 39127653 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02551-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-lasting symptoms with a possible relation to psychosomatic comorbidity have been described following COVID-19. However, data is sparse in general practice. The trial's objective was to investigate the time-dependent frequency of disease symptoms and relation to psychosomatic comorbidity and daily life impairment (DLI). METHODS Comparative cohort study of patients reporting a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and uninfected controls in general practice. Participants were recruited in 14 general practices in the greater Munich area. Data collection was questionnaire based with a 12 months follow-up. Descriptive statistics, multivariable regression and bivariate correlations were used for analysis. RESULTS A total of n = 204 cases infected up to 42 months ago (n = 141 Omicron, n = 63 earlier variants), and n = 119 controls were included. Disease symptoms were substantially more prevalent in cases (55-79% vs. 43% within one year of infection). This difference also appeared in the multivariable analysis adjusting for socio-demographics and psychosomatic comorbidity with odds ratios (OR) of 4.15 (p < 0.001) and 3.51 (p = 0.054) for the cohorts with Omicron or earlier variants infection (vs. controls), respectively. It was persistent with earlier variants (OR 1.00 per month, p = 0.903), while a decreasing trend was observed for Omicron (OR 0.89 per month, p < 0.001). DLI was especially correlated with fatigue (r = 0.628). CONCLUSION DLI, psychosomatic comorbidity and independently increased disease symptoms require holistic treatment of the patient in general practice according to the bio-psycho-social model. A key role in restoring the daily life capability may be attributed to the symptom fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Hapfelmeier
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Jan Donhauser
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Clara Teusen
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Eck
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Antonius Schneider
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Gray A, Alemohammad SY, Ramírez-Ortiz D, Trepka MJ. A Systematic Review of Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake, Hesitancy, and Acceptability Among Adults with HIV: Implications for Integrating COVID-19 Immunization into HIV Care. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2024. [PMID: 39058653 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2024.0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 virus, once a public health emergency, is now endemic. Immunization remains an important measure for mitigating high levels of disease, morbidity, and mortality related to COVID-19 infection. People with HIV (PWH), in particular, benefit from COVID-19 vaccination because of increased risk for severe COVID-19 infection. However, previous data suggest vaccine hesitancy among this population. Given this context and the evolving epidemiology of COVID-19, this review examines factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, acceptability, and uptake among adults with HIV. Through a systematic search of electronic databases, we identified 56 peer-reviewed articles published between the years 2020 and 2023 that matched the objectives of our review out of a total of 797 screened citations. Among our final sample of articles, nearly all global regions were represented, and 61% of studies recruited only PWH. We identified eight categories of factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination outcomes, including HIV-specific factors (e.g., CD4 count), vaccine attitudes (e.g., vaccine confidence), factors related to the COVID-19 virus (e.g., concern about infection), factors specific to the COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., accessibility), social norms and peer factors (e.g., subjective norms), mental health (e.g., anxiety/depression) and other psychological factors (e.g., substance use), demographic characteristics (e.g., age), and health factors (e.g., vaccination history). Reflecting on these factors, we discuss populations in need of vaccine promotion, modifiable targets for intervention, and integrating immunization into HIV care. Public health efforts to promote COVID-19 immunization among PWH must include educational/informational, peer, and structural interventions and must now consider uptake of COVID-19 booster doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaliyah Gray
- Department of Epidemiology, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Seyedeh Yasaman Alemohammad
- Department of Epidemiology, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Daisy Ramírez-Ortiz
- Department of Epidemiology, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mary Jo Trepka
- Department of Epidemiology, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
- Research Center in Minority Institutions, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
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Ng WR, Hamizah N, Chen X, Yeo ZZ, Soh KC, Chong PH. Burnout Prevalence and Associated Factors Among Palliative and Hospice Care Professionals During the COVID-19 Endemic: An Exploratory Survey. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024:10499091241257958. [PMID: 38897214 DOI: 10.1177/10499091241257958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burnout is a significant issue for palliative and hospice professionals, exacerbated by the impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on healthcare professionals. It is crucial to update our understanding of prevalence data, identify associated factors, and evaluate support resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We aimed to explore the prevalence of burnout among palliative and hospice care workers, 2 years into the COVID-19 pandemic by using the Maslach's Burnout Inventory; anxiety, using General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), workload, risk perception of COVID-19, confidence in protective measures (personal, workplace, and government), and usage and perceived helpfulness of support resources. Univariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyse burnout against these factors. RESULTS Of the 115 respondents encompassing doctors, nurses and social workers (76.5% female; average age 40.9), 48.7% experienced burnout. Burnout correlated with increased anxiety, higher COVID-19 risk perception, heavier workload, and reduced confidence in protective measures. Peer support, COVID information, and psychological programs were rated as the most effective for coping. CONCLUSION The study indicates considerable levels of burnout among palliative and hospice care workers, linked to workload, anxiety, and perceived risk. Traditional mental health interventions had limited efficacy; respondents favoured peer support and organisational changes. The findings stress the need for a holistic approach, including diverse resources, workload management, and regular mental health assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Keng Chuan Soh
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore
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Katte RH, Ao Y, Xu W, Han Y, Zhong G, Ghimire D, Florence J, Tucker TA, Lu M. Differentiating Cell Entry Potentials of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Subvariants on Human Lung Epithelium Cells. Viruses 2024; 16:391. [PMID: 38543757 PMCID: PMC10975267 DOI: 10.3390/v16030391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The surface spike (S) glycoprotein mediates cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the host through fusion at the plasma membrane or endocytosis. Omicron lineages/sublineages have acquired extensive mutations in S to gain transmissibility advantages and altered antigenicity. The fusogenicity, antigenicity, and evasion of Omicron subvariants have been extensively investigated at unprecedented speed to align with the mutation rate of S. Cells that overexpress receptors/cofactors are mostly used as hosts to amplify infection sensitivity to tested variants. However, systematic cell entry comparisons of most prior dominant Omicron subvariants using human lung epithelium cells are yet to be well-studied. Here, with human bronchial epithelium BEAS-2B cells as the host, we compared single-round virus-to-cell entry and cell-to-cell fusion of Omicron BA.1, BA.5, BQ.1.1, CH.1.1, XBB.1.5, and XBB.1.16 based upon split NanoLuc fusion readout assays and the S-pseudotyped lentivirus system. Virus-to-cell entry of tested S variants exhibited cell-type dependence. The parental Omicron BA.1 required more time to develop full entry to HEK293T-ACE2-TMPRSS2 than BEAS-2B cells. Compared to unchanged P681, S-cleavage constructs of P681H/R did not have any noticeable advantages in cell entry. Omicron BA.1 and its descendants entered BEAS-2B cells more efficiently than D614G, and it was slightly less or comparable to that of Delta. Serine protease-pretreated Omicron subvariants enhanced virus-to-cell entry in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting fusion at the plasma membrane persists as a productive cell entry route. Spike-mediated cell-to-cell fusion and total S1/S2 processing of Omicron descendants were similar. Our results indicate no obvious entry or fusion advantages of recent Omicron descendants over preceding variants since Delta, thus supporting immune evasion conferred by antigenicity shifts due to altered S sequences as probably the primary viral fitness driver.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maolin Lu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center, Tyler, TX 75708, USA; (R.H.K.); (Y.H.); (T.A.T.)
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Ulrichs T, Rolland M, Wu J, Nunes MC, El Guerche-Séblain C, Chit A. Changing epidemiology of COVID-19: potential future impact on vaccines and vaccination strategies. Expert Rev Vaccines 2024; 23:510-522. [PMID: 38656834 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2024.2346589] [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] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID-19 was an unprecedented challenge worldwide; however, disease epidemiology has evolved, and COVID-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. Nonetheless, COVID-19 remains a global threat and uncertainties remain, including definition of the end of the pandemic and transition to endemicity, and understanding true rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection/transmission. AREAS COVERED Six international experts convened (April 2023) to interpret changing COVID-19 epidemiology and public health challenges. We report the panel's recommendations and knowledge gaps in COVID-19 epidemiology, SARS-CoV-2 evolution, and future vaccination strategies, informed by peer-reviewed publications, surveillance data, health authority assessments, and clinical experience. EXPERT OPINION High population SARS-CoV-2 immunity indicates the likely end to the pandemic's acute phase. Continued emergence of variants/sublineages that can evade the vaccine-induced antibody response are likely, but widespread immunity reduces the risk of disease severity. Continued surveillance is required to capture transition to endemicity, seasonality, and emergence of novel variants/sublineages, to inform future vaccination strategies. COVID-19 vaccination should be integrated into routine vaccination programs throughout life. Co-circulation with other respiratory viruses should be monitored to avoid a combined peak, which could overrun healthcare systems. Effective, combined vaccines and improved education may help overcome vaccine hesitancy/booster fatigue and increase vaccination uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Ulrichs
- Department of Global Health, Akkon University for Human Sciences, Berlin, Germany
| | - Morgane Rolland
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- Viral Genomics Section & Systems Serology Core Laboratory, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jianhong Wu
- York Emergency Mitigation, Engagement, Response, and Governance Institute, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Marta C Nunes
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon, Lyon, France
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Wachter F, Knieling F, Raming R, Simon D, Woelfle J, Hoerning A, Neubert A, Rauh M, Regensburger AP. Routine Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Serostatus in Pediatrics Allows Monitoring of Humoral Response. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2919. [PMID: 38138063 PMCID: PMC10745477 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infections during the pandemic was mainly based on PCR testing of symptomatic patients. However, with new variants, vaccinations, and the changing of the clinical disease severity, knowledge about general immunity is elusive. For public health systems, timely knowledge of these conditions is essential, but it is particularly scarce for the pediatric population. Therefore, in this study, we wanted to investigate the spike and nucleocapsid seroprevalence in pediatric patients using routine residual blood tests collected during the pandemic. This prospective observational study was conducted over seven one-month periods. Herein, the latest four time periods (November 2021, January 2022, March 2022, and May 2022) are depicted. Each patient of a tertiary-care center in Germany was anonymized after collection of clinical diagnosis (ICD-10) and then routinely tested for the respective spike and nucleocapsid SARS-CoV-2 antibody titer. A total of 3235 blood samples from four time periods were included. Spike seroprevalence rose from 37.6% to 51.9% to 70.5% to 85.1% and nucleocapsid seroprevalence from 11.6% to 17.0% to 36.7% to 58.1% in May 2022. In detail, significant changes in seroprevalence between age groups but not between sex or diagnosis groups were found. Quantitative measures revealed rising spike and constant nucleocapsid antibody levels over the pandemic with a half-life of 102 days for spike and 45 days for nucleocapsid antibodies. Routine laboratory assessment of SARS-CoV-2 in residual blood specimens of pediatric hospitals enables monitoring of the seroprevalence and may allow inferences about general immunity in this cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Wachter
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.W.); (R.R.)
| | - Ferdinand Knieling
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.W.); (R.R.)
| | - Roman Raming
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.W.); (R.R.)
| | - David Simon
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Joachim Woelfle
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.W.); (R.R.)
| | - André Hoerning
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.W.); (R.R.)
| | - Antje Neubert
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.W.); (R.R.)
| | - Manfred Rauh
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.W.); (R.R.)
| | - Adrian P. Regensburger
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.W.); (R.R.)
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