1
|
Boulos L, Curran JA, Gallant A, Wong H, Johnson C, Delahunty-Pike A, Saxinger L, Chu D, Comeau J, Flynn T, Clegg J, Dye C. Effectiveness of face masks for reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2: a rapid systematic review. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2023; 381:20230133. [PMID: 37611625 PMCID: PMC10446908 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2023.0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
This rapid systematic review of evidence asks whether (i) wearing a face mask, (ii) one type of mask over another and (iii) mandatory mask policies can reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection, either in community-based or healthcare settings. A search of studies published 1 January 2020-27 January 2023 yielded 5185 unique records. Due to a paucity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies were included in the analysis. We analysed 35 studies in community settings (three RCTs and 32 observational) and 40 in healthcare settings (one RCT and 39 observational). Ninety-five per cent of studies included were conducted before highly transmissible Omicron variants emerged. Ninety-one per cent of observational studies were at 'critical' risk of bias (ROB) in at least one domain, often failing to separate the effects of masks from concurrent interventions. More studies found that masks (n = 39/47; 83%) and mask mandates (n = 16/18; 89%) reduced infection than found no effect (n = 8/65; 12%) or favoured controls (n = 1/65; 2%). Seven observational studies found that respirators were more protective than surgical masks, while five found no statistically significant difference between the two mask types. Despite the ROB, and allowing for uncertain and variable efficacy, we conclude that wearing masks, wearing higher quality masks (respirators), and mask mandates generally reduced SARS-CoV-2 transmission in these study populations. This article is part of the theme issue 'The effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions on the COVID-19 pandemic: the evidence'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leah Boulos
- Maritime SPOR SUPPORT Unit, Nova Scotia Health, 5790 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 1V7, Canada
- IWK Health Centre, 5980 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 6R8, Canada
| | - Janet A. Curran
- IWK Health Centre, 5980 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 6R8, Canada
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, 6299 South Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Allyson Gallant
- IWK Health Centre, 5980 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 6R8, Canada
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, 6299 South Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Helen Wong
- IWK Health Centre, 5980 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 6R8, Canada
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, 6299 South Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Catherine Johnson
- IWK Health Centre, 5980 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 6R8, Canada
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Services, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | | | - Lynora Saxinger
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Departments of Medicine and Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, 116 Street & 85 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Derek Chu
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
- The Research Institute of St Joe's Hamilton, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario L8N A46, Canada
| | - Jeannette Comeau
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Dalhousie University, 6299 South Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Trudy Flynn
- Patient/Public Partner, University of Oxford, 11A Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Julie Clegg
- Patient/Public Partner, University of Oxford, 11A Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Christopher Dye
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, 11A Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kääriäinen S, Harjunmaa U, Hannila-Handelberg T, Ollgren J, Lyytikäinen O. Risk of COVID-19 in different groups of healthcare professionals between February 2020 and June 2021 in Finland: a register-based cohort study. Infect Prev Pract 2023; 5:100297. [PMID: 37560347 PMCID: PMC10406617 DOI: 10.1016/j.infpip.2023.100297] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) have been a risk group for COVID-19. AIM To assess the cumulative incidence in different groups of HCWs and the risk factors and outcomes of COVID-19 in HCWs between February 2020 and June 2021 in Finland. METHODS We linked two national registers, National Infectious Diseases Register (NIDR) and Register of Social Welfare and Healthcare Professionals (Terhikki), using national identity codes. COVID-19 cases were identified from NIDR notifications made by laboratories and physicians, and their healthcare professions from Terhikki. We categorized healthcare professions into seven groups and calculated cumulative incidences using Kaplan-Meier estimate during three periods (1/2/2020-30/6/2020, 1/7/2020-31/12/2020, 1/1/2021-30/6/2021). We identified risk factors in a multivariable model using Cox's regression. FINDINGS We identified 8,009 COVID-19-cases among HCWs, with cumulative incidence of 1.79%; 83% were female, median age was 40.9 years (interquartile range, 31.2-51.6). Most COVID-19-cases occurred in nursing assistants (53%) and nurses (17%), with the highest cumulative incidences 2.07% (95%CI, 2.01-2.13%) and 1.82% (95%CI, 1.73-1.91%), respectively. Risk factors were male sex (hazard ratio (HR) 1.2; 95%CI, 1.1-1.3), foreign native language (HR 2.5; 95%CI, 2.2-2.9) and foreign country of birth (HR 1.2; 95%CI, 1.1-1.4). Physician notification data was available for 6,113/8,009 cases (76.3%); 244/6,113 (4.0%) were hospitalized and 37/6,113 (0.6%) in intensive care. CONCLUSION Nurses and nursing assistant, especially men and professionals with foreign background, were at higher risk of COVID-19. This should be specifically addressed during training and implementing infection control measures to protect themselves and patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sohvi Kääriäinen
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- ECDC Fellowship Programme, Field Epidemiology Path (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
| | - Ulla Harjunmaa
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Jukka Ollgren
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shimbashi R, Shiino T, Ainai A, Moriyama S, Arai S, Morino S, Takanashi S, Arashiro T, Suzuki M, Matsuzawa Y, Kato K, Hasegawa M, Koshida R, Kitaoka M, Ueno T, Shimizu H, Yuki H, Takeda T, Nakamura-Uchiyama F, Takasugi K, Iida S, Shimada T, Kato H, Fujimoto T, Iwata-Yoshikawa N, Sano K, Yamada S, Kuroda Y, Okuma K, Nojima K, Nagata N, Fukushi S, Maeda K, Takahashi Y, Suzuki T, Ohnishi M, Tanaka-Taya K. Specific COVID-19 risk behaviors and the preventive effect of personal protective equipment among healthcare workers in Japan. Glob Health Med 2023; 5:5-14. [PMID: 36865900 PMCID: PMC9974228 DOI: 10.35772/ghm.2022.01060] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks in healthcare facilities are a serious public health concern, we performed a case-control study to investigate the risk of COVID-19 infection in healthcare workers. We collected data on participants' sociodemographic characteristics, contact behaviors, installation status of personal protective equipment, and polymerase chain reaction testing results. We also collected whole blood and assessed seropositivity using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and microneutralization assay. In total, 161 (8.5%) of 1,899 participants were seropositive between August 3 and November 13, 2020. Physical contact (adjusted odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.1-5.6) and aerosol-generating procedures (1.9, 1.1-3.2) were associated with seropositivity. Using goggles (0.2, 0.1-0.5) and N95 masks (0.3, 0.1-0.8) had a preventive effect. Seroprevalence was higher in the outbreak ward (18.6%) than in the COVID-19 dedicated ward (1.4%). Results showed certain specific risk behaviors of COVID-19; proper infection prevention practices reduced these risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reiko Shimbashi
- Center for Surveillance, Immunization, and Epidemiologic Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Teiichiro Shiino
- Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Ainai
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Saya Moriyama
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoru Arai
- Center for Surveillance, Immunization, and Epidemiologic Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Saeko Morino
- Center for Surveillance, Immunization, and Epidemiologic Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sayaka Takanashi
- Center for Surveillance, Immunization, and Epidemiologic Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Arashiro
- Center for Surveillance, Immunization, and Epidemiologic Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Motoi Suzuki
- Center for Surveillance, Immunization, and Epidemiologic Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukimasa Matsuzawa
- Center for Surveillance, Immunization, and Epidemiologic Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Rie Koshida
- Kanazawa City Health Center, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shun Iida
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoe Shimada
- Center for Field Epidemic Intelligence, Research and Professional Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Kato
- Department of Virology 1, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsuguto Fujimoto
- Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoko Iwata-Yoshikawa
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaori Sano
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Souichi Yamada
- Department of Virology 1, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yudai Kuroda
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazu Okuma
- Department of Safety Research on Blood and Biological Products, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Musashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Microbiology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kiyoko Nojima
- Department of Safety Research on Blood and Biological Products, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Musashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noriyo Nagata
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuetsu Fukushi
- Department of Virology 1, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken Maeda
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Takahashi
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadaki Suzuki
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Ohnishi
- Deputy Director-General, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiko Tanaka-Taya
- Center for Surveillance, Immunization, and Epidemiologic Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- Kanagawa Prefectural Institute of Public Health, Chigasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gubae K, Agegnew Wondm S, Birhane W, Fetene A, Arega Moges T, Kiflu M. Vaccinated Healthcare Workers' Adherence to COVID-19 Prevention Measures and Associated Factors in Northwest Ethiopia: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2022; 15:2389-2398. [PMID: 36561728 PMCID: PMC9767022 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s388668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The initial response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). Long-term protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection does not appear to be possible by either infection or vaccination. Thus, traditional herd immunity seems impossible. In addition to increasing vaccination rates, NPIs may be needed. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among vaccinated healthcare workers. The study took place from July 15 to August 15, 2022. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. In a multivariable logistic regression model, a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Four hundred eleven healthcare workers were included in the study. Sixty percent of participants were fully vaccinated. After vaccination, 10.2% of respondents reported infection with SARS-CoV-2. The study showed that 49.4% of participants had a good knowledge of the efficacy and safety of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. In this study, 36% of individuals adhered well to the COVID-19 prevention strategies. Good knowledge of the efficacy and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.03-2.78) increased the odds of implementing preventive measures. Healthcare workers who perceived a low and medium risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination and who were knowledgeable about SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections were less likely to follow preventive measures. Conclusion The knowledge of healthcare workers regarding the efficacy and safety of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 was comparable. However, a large proportion of healthcare workers poorly adhered to prevention practices. Therefore, to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare professionals, prevention strategies must be continuously evaluated and awareness of the need for preventive measures must be raised even after vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kale Gubae
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia,Correspondence: Kale Gubae, Email
| | - Samuel Agegnew Wondm
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Worku Birhane
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Akalu Fetene
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Tilaye Arega Moges
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Mekdes Kiflu
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dörr T, Haller S, Müller MF, Friedl A, Vuichard D, Kahlert CR, Kohler P. Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Acquisition in Health Care Workers According to Cumulative Patient Exposure and Preferred Mask Type. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2226816. [PMID: 35969403 PMCID: PMC9379739 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.26816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This cohort study compares the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 among health care workers by mask preference and level of patient exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Dörr
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Haller
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | - Andrée Friedl
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital Baden, Baden, Switzerland
| | - Danielle Vuichard
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Thurgau Hospital Group, Muensterlingen, Switzerland
- Swiss National Centre for Infection Prevention (Swissnoso), Berne, Switzerland
| | - Christian R. Kahlert
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Kohler
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
El Moussaoui M, Maes N, Hong SL, Lambert N, Gofflot S, Dellot P, Belhadj Y, Huynen P, Hayette MP, Meex C, Bontems S, Defêche J, Godderis L, Molenberghs G, Meuris C, Artesi M, Durkin K, Rahmouni S, Grégoire C, Beguin Y, Moutschen M, Dellicour S, Darcis G. Evaluation of Screening Program and Phylogenetic Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Infections among Hospital Healthcare Workers in Liège, Belgium. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061302. [PMID: 35746774 PMCID: PMC9227503 DOI: 10.3390/v14061302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are known to be at higher risk of developing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections although whether these risks are equal across all occupational roles is uncertain. Identifying these risk factors and understand SARS-CoV-2 transmission pathways in healthcare settings are of high importance to achieve optimal protection measures. We aimed to investigate the implementation of a voluntary screening program for SARS-CoV-2 infections among hospital HCWs and to elucidate potential transmission pathways though phylogenetic analysis before the vaccination era. HCWs of the University Hospital of Liège, Belgium, were invited to participate in voluntary reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays performed every week from April to December 2020. Phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genomes were performed for a subgroup of 45 HCWs. 5095 samples were collected from 703 HCWs. 212 test results were positive, 15 were indeterminate, and 4868 returned negative. 156 HCWs (22.2%) tested positive at least once during the study period. All SARS-CoV-2 test results returned negative for 547 HCWs (77.8%). Nurses (p < 0.05), paramedics (p < 0.05), and laboratory staff handling respiratory samples (p < 0.01) were at higher risk for being infected compared to the control non-patient facing group. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed that most positive samples corresponded to independent introduction events into the hospital. Our findings add to the growing evidence of differential risks of being infected among HCWs and support the need to implement appropriate protection measures based on each individual’s risk profile to guarantee the protection of both HCWs and patients. Furthermore, our phylogenetic investigations highlight that most positive samples correspond to distinct introduction events into the hospital.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Majdouline El Moussaoui
- Department of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.D.); (Y.B.); (C.M.); (M.M.); (G.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Nathalie Maes
- Department of Biostatistics and Medico-Economic Information, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium;
| | - Samuel L. Hong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.L.H.); (S.D.)
| | - Nicolas Lambert
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium;
| | - Stéphanie Gofflot
- Department of Biothèque Hospitalo-Universitaire de Liège (BHUL), University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium;
| | - Patricia Dellot
- Department of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.D.); (Y.B.); (C.M.); (M.M.); (G.D.)
| | - Yasmine Belhadj
- Department of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.D.); (Y.B.); (C.M.); (M.M.); (G.D.)
| | - Pascale Huynen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.H.); (M.-P.H.); (C.M.); (S.B.); (J.D.)
| | - Marie-Pierre Hayette
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.H.); (M.-P.H.); (C.M.); (S.B.); (J.D.)
| | - Cécile Meex
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.H.); (M.-P.H.); (C.M.); (S.B.); (J.D.)
| | - Sébastien Bontems
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.H.); (M.-P.H.); (C.M.); (S.B.); (J.D.)
| | - Justine Defêche
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.H.); (M.-P.H.); (C.M.); (S.B.); (J.D.)
| | - Lode Godderis
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Geert Molenberghs
- Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Christelle Meuris
- Department of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.D.); (Y.B.); (C.M.); (M.M.); (G.D.)
| | - Maria Artesi
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (M.A.); (K.D.)
| | - Keith Durkin
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (M.A.); (K.D.)
| | - Souad Rahmouni
- Laboratory of Animal Genomics, GIGA-Medical Genomics, GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium;
| | - Céline Grégoire
- Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (C.G.); (Y.B.)
| | - Yves Beguin
- Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (C.G.); (Y.B.)
| | - Michel Moutschen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.D.); (Y.B.); (C.M.); (M.M.); (G.D.)
| | - Simon Dellicour
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.L.H.); (S.D.)
- Spatial Epidemiology Lab, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gilles Darcis
- Department of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.D.); (Y.B.); (C.M.); (M.M.); (G.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kunstler B, Newton S, Hill H, Ferguson J, Hore P, Mitchell BG, Dempsey K, Stewardson AJ, Friedman D, Cole K, Sim MR, Ferguson B, Burns P, King N, McGloughlin S, Dicks M, McCarthy S, Tam B, Hazelton B, McGurgan C, McDonald S, Turner T. P2/N95 respirators & surgical masks to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection: Effectiveness & adverse effects. Infect Dis Health 2022; 27:81-95. [PMID: 35151628 PMCID: PMC8769935 DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Millions of people have acquired and died from SARS-CoV-2 infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including surgical masks and P2/N95 respirators, to prevent infection while treating patients. However, the comparative effectiveness of respirators and masks in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection and the likelihood of experiencing adverse events (AEs) with wear are unclear. METHODS Searches were carried out in PubMed, Europe PMC and the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register to 14 June 2021. A systematic review of comparative epidemiological studies examining SARS-CoV-2 infection or AE incidence in HCWs wearing P2/N95 (or equivalent) respirators and surgical masks was performed. Article screening, risk of bias assessment and data extraction were duplicated. Meta-analysis of extracted data was carried out in RevMan. RESULTS Twenty-one studies were included, with most having high risk of bias. There was no statistically significant difference in respirator or surgical mask effectiveness in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR 0.85, [95%CI 0.72, 1.01]). Healthcare workers experienced significantly more headaches (OR 2.62, [95%CI 1.18, 5.81]), respiratory distress (OR 4.21, [95%CI 1.46, 12.13]), facial irritation (OR 1.80, [95%CI 1.03, 3.14]) and pressure-related injuries (OR 4.39, [95%CI 2.37, 8.15]) when wearing respirators compared to surgical masks. CONCLUSION The existing epidemiological evidence does not enable definitive assessment of the effectiveness of respirators compared to surgical masks in preventing infection. Healthcare workers wearing respirators may be more likely to experience AEs. Effective mitigation strategies are important to ensure the uptake and correct use of respirators by HCWs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Breanne Kunstler
- BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, 8 Scenic Boulevard, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Skye Newton
- Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA), School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Hayley Hill
- Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA), School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - John Ferguson
- Division of Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle Regional Mail Centre, NSW, 2310, Australia
| | - Phillipa Hore
- Department of Anaesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Brett G. Mitchell
- The University of Newcastle, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Level 9, 77a Holden St, Gosford Hospital, Gosford, NSW, Australia, 2250
| | - Kathy Dempsey
- The Clinical Excellence Commission, 1 Reserve Road, St Leonards, NSW, Australia, 2065
| | - Andrew J. Stewardson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Central Clinical School, Monash University, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 3004
| | - Deborah Friedman
- Deputy Chief Health Officer, Victorian Department of Health Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 3004
| | - Kate Cole
- Cole Health Pty Ltd, Balmain, NSW, Australia, 2041
| | - Malcolm R. Sim
- Monash Centre for Occupational & Environmental Health (MonCOEH), School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 3004
| | - Bridget Ferguson
- Central Queensland University, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences; 554-700 Yaamba Rd, Norman Gardens, QLD, 4701, Australia
| | - Penelope Burns
- Academic Unit of General Practice, ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, Building 4, Hospital Road, Garran, ACT, 2605, Australia
| | - Nicole King
- North Shore Private Hospital, 3 Westbourne St, St Leonard's, 2065, Australia
| | - Steven McGloughlin
- Alfred Health and School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 4, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 3004
| | - Melanie Dicks
- Ernst & Young, 121 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra, ACT, Australia, 2601
| | - Sally McCarthy
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Barry Tam
- Health Infrastructure NSW, 60 Day Road, Cheltenham, NSW, 2119, Australia
| | - Briony Hazelton
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine, QEII Medical Centre, Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA, Australia, 6009
| | - Cherylynn McGurgan
- Royal Melbourne Hospital Emergency Department, 300 Grattan Street, Parkville, VIC, Australia, 3050
| | - Steve McDonald
- Cochrane Australia, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 4, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Tari Turner
- Cochrane Australia, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 4, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lenggenhager L, Martischang R, Sauser J, Perez M, Vieux L, Graf C, Cordey S, Laubscher F, Nunes TR, Zingg W, Cori A, Harbarth S, Abbas M. Occupational and community risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among employees of a long-term care facility: an observational study. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2022; 11:51. [PMID: 35303939 PMCID: PMC8931578 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-022-01092-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the contribution of both occupational and community exposure for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among employees of a university-affiliated long-term care facility (LTCF), during the 1st pandemic wave in Switzerland (March-June 2020). METHODS We performed a nested analysis of a seroprevalence study among all volunteering LTCF staff to determine community and nosocomial risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity using modified Poison regression. We also combined epidemiological and genetic sequencing data from a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak investigation in a LTCF ward to infer transmission dynamics and acquisition routes of SARS-CoV-2, and evaluated strain relatedness using a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree. RESULTS Among 285 LTCF employees, 176 participated in the seroprevalence study, of whom 30 (17%) were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2. Most (141/176, 80%) were healthcare workers (HCWs). Risk factors for seropositivity included exposure to a COVID-19 inpatient (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 2.6; 95% CI 0.9-8.1) and community contact with a COVID-19 case (aPR 1.7; 95% CI 0.8-3.5). Among 18 employees included in the outbreak investigation, the outbreak reconstruction suggests 4 likely importation events by HCWs with secondary transmissions to other HCWs and patients. CONCLUSIONS These two complementary epidemiologic and molecular approaches suggest a substantial contribution of both occupational and community exposures to COVID-19 risk among HCWs in LTCFs. These data may help to better assess the importance of occupational health hazards and related legal implications during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauriane Lenggenhager
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Infection Control Programme, Geneva University Hospitals, 4 Rue Gabrielle Perret-Gentil, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland ,grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Romain Martischang
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Infection Control Programme, Geneva University Hospitals, 4 Rue Gabrielle Perret-Gentil, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland
| | - Julien Sauser
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Infection Control Programme, Geneva University Hospitals, 4 Rue Gabrielle Perret-Gentil, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland
| | - Monica Perez
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Infection Control Programme, Geneva University Hospitals, 4 Rue Gabrielle Perret-Gentil, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland
| | - Laure Vieux
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Occupational Health Service, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Graf
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Cordey
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland ,grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Laboratory of Virology, Department of Diagnostics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Florian Laubscher
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Laboratory of Virology, Department of Diagnostics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tomás Robalo Nunes
- grid.435541.20000 0000 9851 304XInfectious Diseases Service of Hospital Garcia de Orta, EPE, Almada, Portugal
| | - Walter Zingg
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Infection Control Programme, Geneva University Hospitals, 4 Rue Gabrielle Perret-Gentil, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland
| | - Anne Cori
- grid.7445.20000 0001 2113 8111MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Stephan Harbarth
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Infection Control Programme, Geneva University Hospitals, 4 Rue Gabrielle Perret-Gentil, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland ,grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Abbas
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Infection Control Programme, Geneva University Hospitals, 4 Rue Gabrielle Perret-Gentil, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland ,grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland ,grid.7445.20000 0001 2113 8111MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Haller S, Güsewell S, Egger T, Scanferla G, Thoma R, Leal-Neto OB, Flury D, Brucher A, Lemmenmeier E, Möller JC, Rieder P, Rütti M, Stocker R, Vuichard-Gysin D, Wiggli B, Besold U, Kuster SP, McGeer A, Risch L, Schlegel M, Friedl A, Vernazza P, Kahlert CR, Kohler P. Impact of respirator versus surgical masks on SARS-CoV-2 acquisition in healthcare workers: a prospective multicentre cohort. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2022; 11:27. [PMID: 35123572 PMCID: PMC8817591 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-022-01070-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is insufficient evidence regarding the role of respirators in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We analysed the impact of filtering facepiece class 2 (FFP2) versus surgical masks on the risk of SARS-CoV-2 acquisition among Swiss healthcare workers (HCW). Methods Our prospective multicentre cohort enrolled HCW from June to August 2020. Participants were asked about COVID-19 risk exposures/behaviours, including preferentially worn mask type when caring for COVID-19 patients outside of aerosol-generating procedures. The impact of FFP2 on (1) self-reported SARS-CoV-2-positive nasopharyngeal PCR/rapid antigen tests captured during weekly surveys, and (2) SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion between baseline and January/February 2021 was assessed. Results We enrolled 3259 participants from nine healthcare institutions, whereof 716 (22%) preferentially used FFP2. Among these, 81/716 (11%) reported a SARS-CoV-2-positive swab, compared to 352/2543 (14%) surgical mask users; seroconversion was documented in 85/656 (13%) FFP2 and 426/2255 (19%) surgical mask users. Adjusted for baseline characteristics, COVID-19 exposure, and risk behaviour, FFP2 use was non-significantly associated with decreased risk for SARS-CoV-2-positive swab (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–1.0) and seroconversion (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.7, 95% CI 0.5–1.0); household exposure was the strongest risk factor (aHR 10.1, 95% CI 7.5–13.5; aOR 5.0, 95% CI 3.9–6.5). In subgroup analysis, FFP2 use was clearly protective among those with frequent (> 20 patients) COVID-19 exposure (aHR 0.7 for positive swab, 95% CI 0.5–0.8; aOR 0.6 for seroconversion, 95% CI 0.4–1.0). Conclusions Respirators compared to surgical masks may convey additional protection from SARS-CoV-2 for HCW with frequent exposure to COVID-19 patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13756-022-01070-6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Haller
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.,Department of Public and Global Health, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Güsewell
- Clinical Trials Unit, Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Egger
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Scanferla
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Reto Thoma
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Onicio B Leal-Neto
- Epitrack, Recife, Brazil.,Department of Economics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Domenica Flury
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Angela Brucher
- Psychiatry Services of the Canton of St. Gallen (South), Pfäfers, Switzerland
| | - Eva Lemmenmeier
- Private Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Clienia Littenheid AG, Littenheid, Switzerland
| | - J Carsten Möller
- Center for Neurological Rehabilitation, Zihlschlacht, Switzerland
| | | | - Markus Rütti
- Hospital Region Fürstenland Toggenburg, Wil, Switzerland
| | | | - Danielle Vuichard-Gysin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Thurgau Hospital Group, Münsterlingen, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre for Infection Prevention (Swissnoso), Bern, Switzerland
| | - Benedikt Wiggli
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital Baden, Baden, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Besold
- Geriatric Clinic St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Stefan P Kuster
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Lorenz Risch
- Labormedizinisches Zentrum Dr Risch Ostschweiz AG, Buchs, Switzerland.,Private Universität Im Fürstentum Liechtenstein, Triesen, Liechtenstein.,Centre of Laboratory Medicine, University Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Schlegel
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Andrée Friedl
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital Baden, Baden, Switzerland
| | - Pietro Vernazza
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Christian R Kahlert
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Kohler
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abbas M, Cori A, Cordey S, Laubscher F, Robalo Nunes T, Myall A, Salamun J, Huber P, Zekry D, Prendki V, Iten A, Vieux L, Sauvan V, Graf CE, Harbarth S. Reconstruction of transmission chains of SARS-CoV-2 amidst multiple outbreaks in a geriatric acute-care hospital: a combined retrospective epidemiological and genomic study. eLife 2022; 11:76854. [PMID: 35850933 PMCID: PMC9328768 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is ongoing uncertainty regarding transmission chains and the respective roles of healthcare workers (HCWs) and elderly patients in nosocomial outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in geriatric settings. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study including patients with nosocomial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in four outbreak-affected wards, and all SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positive HCWs from a Swiss university-affiliated geriatric acute-care hospital that admitted both Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 patients during the first pandemic wave in Spring 2020. We combined epidemiological and genetic sequencing data using a Bayesian modelling framework, and reconstructed transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 involving patients and HCWs, to determine who infected whom. We evaluated general transmission patterns according to case type (HCWs working in dedicated Covid-19 cohorting wards: HCWcovid; HCWs working in non-Covid-19 wards where outbreaks occurred: HCWoutbreak; patients with nosocomial Covid-19: patientnoso) by deriving the proportion of infections attributed to each case type across all posterior trees and comparing them to random expectations. Results During the study period (1 March to 7 May 2020), we included 180 SARS-CoV-2 positive cases: 127 HCWs (91 HCWcovid, 36 HCWoutbreak) and 53 patients. The attack rates ranged from 10% to 19% for patients, and 21% for HCWs. We estimated that 16 importation events occurred with high confidence (4 patients, 12 HCWs) that jointly led to up to 41 secondary cases; in six additional cases (5 HCWs, 1 patient), importation was possible with a posterior probability between 10% and 50%. Most patient-to-patient transmission events involved patients having shared a ward (95.2%, 95% credible interval [CrI] 84.2%-100%), in contrast to those having shared a room (19.7%, 95% CrI 6.7%-33.3%). Transmission events tended to cluster by case type: patientnoso were almost twice as likely to be infected by other patientnoso than expected (observed:expected ratio 2.16, 95% CrI 1.17-4.20, p=0.006); similarly, HCWoutbreak were more than twice as likely to be infected by other HCWoutbreak than expected (2.72, 95% CrI 0.87-9.00, p=0.06). The proportion of infectors being HCWcovid was as expected as random. We found a trend towards a greater proportion of high transmitters (≥2 secondary cases) among HCWoutbreak than patientnoso in the late phases (28.6% vs. 11.8%) of the outbreak, although this was not statistically significant. Conclusions Most importation events were linked to HCW. Unexpectedly, transmission between HCWcovid was more limited than transmission between patients and HCWoutbreak. This finding highlights gaps in infection control and suggests the possible areas of improvements to limit the extent of nosocomial transmission. Funding This study was supported by a grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation under the NRP78 funding scheme (Grant no. 4078P0_198363).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abbas
- Infection Control Programme & WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, Geneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland,MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom,Faculty of Medicine, University of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Anne Cori
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom,Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics (J-IDEA), School of Public Health, Imperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Samuel Cordey
- Faculty of Medicine, University of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland,Laboratory of Virology, Department of Diagnostics, Geneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Florian Laubscher
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Diagnostics, Geneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Tomás Robalo Nunes
- Infection Control Programme & WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, Geneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland,Serviço de Infecciologia, Hospital Garcia de Orta, EPEAlmadaPortugal
| | - Ashleigh Myall
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom,Department of Mathematics, Imperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Julien Salamun
- Department of Primary Care, Geneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Philippe Huber
- Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Dina Zekry
- Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Virginie Prendki
- Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland,Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Anne Iten
- Infection Control Programme & WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, Geneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Laure Vieux
- Occupational Health Service, Geneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Valérie Sauvan
- Infection Control Programme & WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, Geneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Christophe E Graf
- Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Stephan Harbarth
- Infection Control Programme & WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, Geneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland,Faculty of Medicine, University of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland,Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Björkander S, Du L, Zuo F, Ekström S, Wang Y, Wan H, Sherina N, Schoutens L, Andréll J, Andersson N, Georgelis A, Bergström A, Marcotte H, Kull I, Hammarström L, Melén E, Pan-Hammarström Q. SARS-CoV-2-specific B- and T-cell immunity in a population-based study of young Swedish adults. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 149:65-75.e8. [PMID: 34695490 PMCID: PMC8536496 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background Young adults are now considered major spreaders of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease. Although most young individuals experience mild to moderate disease, there are concerns of long-term adverse health effects. The impact of COVID-19 disease and to which extent population-level immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) exists in young adults remain unclear. Objective We conducted a population-based study on humoral and cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and explored COVID-19 disease characteristics in young adults. Methods We invited participants from the Swedish BAMSE (Barn [Children], Allergy Milieu, Stockholm, Epidemiology) birth cohort (age 24-27 years) to take part in a COVID-19 follow-up. From 980 participants (October 2020 to June 2021), we here present data on SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain–specific IgM, IgA, and IgG titers measured by ELISA and on symptoms and epidemiologic factors associated with seropositivity. Further, SARS-CoV-2–specific memory B- and T-cell responses were detected for a subpopulation (n = 108) by ELISpot and FluoroSpot. Results A total of 28.4% of subjects were seropositive, of whom 18.4% were IgM single positive. One in 7 seropositive subjects was asymptomatic. Seropositivity was associated with use of public transport, but not with sex, asthma, rhinitis, IgE sensitization, smoking, or body mass index. In a subset of representative samples, 20.7% and 35.0% had detectable SARS-CoV-2 specific B- and T-cell responses, respectively. B- and T-cell memory responses were clearly associated with seropositivity, but T-cell responses were also detected in 17.2% of seronegative subjects. Conclusions Assessment of IgM and T-cell responses may improve population-based estimations of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The pronounced surge of both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections among young adults indicates that the large-scale vaccination campaign should be continued.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Björkander
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Likun Du
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Fanglei Zuo
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Sandra Ekström
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Center of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yating Wang
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Hui Wan
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Natalia Sherina
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Lisanne Schoutens
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Juni Andréll
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Niklas Andersson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonios Georgelis
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Center of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Bergström
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Center of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Harold Marcotte
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Inger Kull
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lennart Hammarström
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Erik Melén
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence among laboratory staff: Safe handling of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) samples. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021; 43:1738-1740. [PMID: 34287110 PMCID: PMC8326673 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2021.334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
|