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Yan Y, Ito K, Fukuda H, Nojiri S, Urasaki W, Yamamoto T, Horiuchi Y, Hori S, Takahashi K, Naito T, Tabe Y. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among healthcare workers in a highly vaccinated Japanese medical center from 2020-2023. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2337984. [PMID: 38622888 PMCID: PMC11027999 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2337984] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Infection-induced SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence has been studied worldwide. At Juntendo University Hospital (JUH) in Tokyo, Japan, we have consistently conducted serological studies using the blood residue of healthcare workers (HCWs) at annual health examinations since 2020. In this 2023 study (n = 3,594), N-specific seroprevalence (infection-induced) was examined while univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to compute ORs of seroprevalence with respect to basic characteristics of participants. We found that the N-specific seroprevalence in 2023 was 54.1%-a jump from 17.7% in 2022, and 1.6% in 2021-with 37.9% as non-PCR-confirmed asymptomatic infection cases. Those younger than 50 (adjusted OR = 1.62; p < .001) and recipients with 4 doses or less of vaccine had a higher risk to be N-positive, ranging from 1.45 times higher for the participants with 4 doses (p < .001) to 4.31 times higher for the participants with 1 dose (p < .001), compared to those with 5 or more doses. Our findings indicate that robust vaccination programs may have helped alleviate symptoms but consequently caused asymptomatic spread in this hospital, especially among younger HCWs. Although having four doses or less was found to be associated with higher risk of infection, the optimal constitution and intervals for effective booster vaccines warrant further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yan
- Department of General Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kanami Ito
- Department of Safety and Health Promotion, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fukuda
- Department of General Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Safety and Health Promotion, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuko Nojiri
- Medical Technology Innovation Center, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wataru Urasaki
- Clinical Research and Trial Center, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takamasa Yamamoto
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Juntendo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Horiuchi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hori
- Infection Control Science, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Takahashi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshio Naito
- Department of General Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Safety and Health Promotion, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoko Tabe
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Juntendo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Tripodi D, Dominici R, Sacco D, Pozzobon C, Spiti S, Falbo R, Brambilla P, Mascagni P, Leoni V. Antibody Response against SARS-CoV-2 after mRNA Vaccine in a Cohort of Hospital Healthy Workers Followed for 17 Months. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:506. [PMID: 38793757 PMCID: PMC11125999 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050506] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The assessment of antibody response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is of critical importance to verify the protective efficacy of available vaccines. Hospital healthcare workers play an essential role in the care and treatment of patients and were particularly at risk of contracting the SARS-CoV-2 infection during the pandemic. The vaccination protocol introduced in our hospital protected the workers and contributed to the containment of the infection' s spread and transmission, although a reduction in vaccine efficacy against symptomatic and breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals was observed over time. Here, we present the results of a longitudinal and prospective analysis of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at multiple time points over a 17-month period to determine how circulating antibody levels change over time following natural infection and vaccination for SARS-CoV-2 before (T0-T4) and after the spread of the omicron variant (T5-T6), analyzing the antibody response of 232 healthy workers at the Pio XI hospital in Desio. A General Estimating Equation model indicated a significant association of the antibody response with time intervals and hospital area, independent of age and sex. Specifically, a similar pattern of antibody response was observed between the surgery and administrative departments, and a different pattern with higher peaks of average antibody response was observed in the emergency and medical departments. Furthermore, using a logistic model, we found no differences in contracting SARS-CoV-2 after the third dose based on the hospital department. Finally, analysis of antibody distribution following the spread of the omicron variant, subdividing the cohort of positive individuals into centiles, highlighted a cut-off of 550 BAU/mL and showed that subjects with antibodies below this are more susceptible to infection than those with a concentration above the established cut-off value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Tripodi
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology and Toxicology, Hospital Pio XI of Desio, ASST-Brianza, 20832 Desio, Italy; (D.T.); (R.D.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Roberto Dominici
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology and Toxicology, Hospital Pio XI of Desio, ASST-Brianza, 20832 Desio, Italy; (D.T.); (R.D.)
| | - Davide Sacco
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, Università degli Studi di Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Centro Diagnostico Italiano, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Pozzobon
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology and Toxicology, Hospital Pio XI of Desio, ASST-Brianza, 20832 Desio, Italy; (D.T.); (R.D.)
| | - Simona Spiti
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology and Toxicology, Hospital Pio XI of Desio, ASST-Brianza, 20832 Desio, Italy; (D.T.); (R.D.)
| | - Rosanna Falbo
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology and Toxicology, Hospital Pio XI of Desio, ASST-Brianza, 20832 Desio, Italy; (D.T.); (R.D.)
| | - Paolo Brambilla
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology and Toxicology, Hospital Pio XI of Desio, ASST-Brianza, 20832 Desio, Italy; (D.T.); (R.D.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Paolo Mascagni
- Clinical Unit of Occupational Health, Desio Hospital, ASST Brianza, 20832 Desio, Italy
| | - Valerio Leoni
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology and Toxicology, Hospital Pio XI of Desio, ASST-Brianza, 20832 Desio, Italy; (D.T.); (R.D.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
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3
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Mori M, Doi T, Murata M, Moriyama Y, Akino K, Moriyama T, Maekawa T, Doi N. Impact of Nutritional Status on Antibody Titer After Booster mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Among Elderly Adults in Japan. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:1035-1040. [PMID: 37962870 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad495] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Published studies on mRNA coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine effects focus on younger individuals, comprising the majority of the workforce. Studies in elderly adults are sparse. METHODS In total, 107 subjects were recruited (median age 78; interquartile range [IQR], 58.5-90.5; range, 35-105 years). Factors associated with antibody titer after the third mRNA COVID-19 vaccination were compared between 49 elderly (age ≥80; median, 94; IQR, 86-97; range, 80-105 years) and 58 younger (age ≤79; median, 61; IQR, 46-71; range, 35-79 years) adults. RESULTS Among body mass index (BMI) categories, the group of underweight elderly adults had a lower antibody titer compared to those with normal weight (P < .01 after 1, 3, and 5 months). Elderly adults were less likely to maintain effective antibody titer (≥4160 AU/mL) compared to younger adults: 76% versus 98%, P < .001 after 1 month, and 45% versus 78%, P < .001 after 3 months. Elderly adults who maintained effective antibody titer for 5 months had a higher BMI (22.9 kg/m2 vs 20.1 kg/m2, P = .02), and were less likely to have underweight BMI (0% vs 31%, P = .02) compared to the subjects who failed to maintain effective antibody titer. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the impact of nutritional status and the deleterious effect of underweight BMI on antibody titer and its maintenance among elderly adults following booster mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiko Mori
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sasebo Memorial Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takashi Doi
- Department of Rehabilitation, Yourouikuseikai, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Miho Murata
- Department of Nursing, Yourouikuseikai, Nagasaki, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Takafumi Maekawa
- Department of Surgery, Sasebo Memorial Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Fukuoka Central Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Nobumasa Doi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yourouikuseikai, Nagasaki, Japan
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4
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Yan Y, Saito K, Naito T, Ito K, Nojiri S, Horiuchi Y, Deshpande GA, Yokokawa H, Tabe Y. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among Japanese healthcare workers from 2020 to 2022 as assayed by two commercial kits. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3102. [PMID: 38326367 PMCID: PMC10850062 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53656-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibody tests are used as surveillance tools for informing health policy making. However, results may vary by type of antibody assay and timing of sample collection following infection. Long-term longitudinal cohort studies on antibody assay seropositivity have remained limited, especially among Asian populations. Using blood samples obtained at health physicals (2020-2022) of healthcare workers (mass vaccinated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) at a Japanese medical center, we measured N-specific antibodies using two commercially available systems. Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 measures total antibodies and Abbott Alinity SARS-CoV-2 IgG measures only IgG. Among 2538 participants, seroprevalence was found to be 16.6% via total antibody assay versus 12.9% by IgG-only (including grayzone) by mid-June 2022. For 219 cases with a previous PCR-confirmed infection, positivity was 97.3% using total antibody assay versus 76.3% using IgG-only assay at the 2022 health physical. Using PCR positive test date as day 0, while the positivity of the total antibody assay was retained for the entire study period (until more than 24-months post-infection), the IgG-only assay's positivity declined after month 4. The Mantel-Haenszel test found a significant difference in the two assays' seropositivity, between stratified groups of "within 3 months" and "4 months or more" from infection (P < 0.001). Our study found significant differences in seropositivity over time of total antibody versus IgG-only assays, suggesting an optimal assay for retaining sensitivity over the entire infection period when designing seroprevalence studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yan
- Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Hongo 2-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Kaori Saito
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshio Naito
- Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Hongo 2-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan.
- Department of Safety and Health Promotion, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kanami Ito
- Department of Safety and Health Promotion, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuko Nojiri
- Medical Technology Innovation Center, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Horiuchi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gautam A Deshpande
- Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Hongo 2-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Hirohide Yokokawa
- Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Hongo 2-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Yoko Tabe
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
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5
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Mori M, Yokoyama A, Shichida A, Sasuga K, Maekawa T, Moriyama T. Impact of sex and age on vaccine-related side effects and their progression after booster mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19328. [PMID: 37935801 PMCID: PMC10630308 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46823-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, side effects after the first and second dose have been well reported. However, studies about side effects after booster vaccine are sparse. 272 healthcare workers who received the third mRNA COVID-19 vaccine were recruited, and impact of sex, age, and symptoms on the side effect progression was statistically analyzed. Females and younger adults had a higher frequencies of general fatigue, headache, joint pain, chills and axillary pain compared to males and elderly adults, respectively. In longitudinal analysis, prolonged time to recovery from side effects was found among females and younger adults. Finally, between the third and second dose vaccinations, 52% of subjects had a longer duration of side effects following the third vaccine compared to the second, and joint pain was the culprit symptom related to the prolonged duration of side effects. Following the second vaccine dose, 25% of subjects had a longer duration of side effects and asthma and ear fullness, which exacerbated the underlying allergic condition, and COVID arm symptom were the culprit symptoms. These highlight the impact of sex, age, and culprit symptoms on the progress of side effects following the booster mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiko Mori
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sasebo Memorial Hospital, Sasebo, Nagasaki, 858-0922, Japan.
| | - Aiko Yokoyama
- Regional medical cooperation office, Sasebo Memorial Hospital, Sasebo, Nagasaki, 858-0922, Japan
| | - Ayami Shichida
- Medical Administration Division, Sasebo Memorial Hospital, Sasebo, Nagasaki, 858-0922, Japan
| | - Kimiko Sasuga
- Department of Medical Information, Sasebo Memorial Hospital, Sasebo, Nagasaki, 858-0922, Japan
| | - Takafumi Maekawa
- Department of Surgery, Sasebo Memorial Hospital, Sasebo, Nagasaki, 858-0922, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Fukuoka Central Hospital, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 810-0022, Japan
| | - Tadayoshi Moriyama
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sasebo Memorial Hospital, Sasebo, Nagasaki, 858-0922, Japan
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6
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Hirotsu Y, Sugiura H, Takatori M, Mochizuki H, Omata M. Antibody Response to the BA.5 Bivalent Vaccine Shot: a Two-Year Follow-Up Study following Initial COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0131623. [PMID: 37191496 PMCID: PMC10269437 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01316-23] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Although many studies have been conducted on the increase in spike antibody levels after vaccination, there is insufficient prospective and longitudinal information on the BA.5-adapted bivalent vaccine up to the fifth vaccination. In this study, we conducted a follow-up study of spike antibody levels and infection history in 46 health care workers who received up to 5 vaccinations. Monovalent vaccines were administered for the first to fourth vaccinations, and a bivalent vaccine was administered for the fifth vaccination. 11 serum samples were collected from each participant, and antibody levels were measured in a total of 506 serum samples. During the observation period, 43 of the 46 health care workers had no infection history, and 3 had a history of infection. Spike antibody levels peaked at 1 week after the second booster vaccination and gradually declined until the 27th week after the second vaccination. After 2 weeks following the fifth BA.5-adapted bivalent vaccine, the spike antibody levels significantly increased (median: 23,756 [IQR: 16,450 to 37,326]), compared to those measured before vaccination (median: 9,354 [IQR: 5,904 to 15,784]) (paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P = 5.7 × 10-14). These changes in antibody kinetics were observed regardless of age or sex. These results suggest that booster vaccination increased the spike antibody levels. Regular vaccination is effective in maintaining long-term antibody levels. IMPORTANCE A COVID-19 bivalent mRNA vaccine was developed and administered to health care workers. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccine induces a robust antibody response. However, little is known about the antibody response to vaccines in serially collected blood samples from the same individuals. Here, we provide two-year follow-up data on the humoral immune response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in health care workers who received up to five vaccinations, including the BA.5-adapted bivalent vaccine. The results suggest that regular vaccination is effective in maintaining long-term antibody levels and have implications for vaccine efficacy and booster dose strategies in health care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Hirotsu
- Genome Analysis Center, Yamanashi Central Hospital, Kofu, Japan
| | - Hiroki Sugiura
- Division of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Yamanashi Central Hospital, Kofu, Japan
| | - Mika Takatori
- Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Yamanashi Central Hospital, Kofu, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Mochizuki
- Genome Analysis Center, Yamanashi Central Hospital, Kofu, Japan
- Central Clinical Laboratory, Yamanashi Central Hospital, Kofu, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamanashi Central Hospital, Kofu, Japan
| | - Masao Omata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamanashi Central Hospital, Kofu, Japan
- The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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7
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Arsuffi S, Sansone E, Focà E, Storti S, Diaferia T, Bonfanti C, Terlenghi L, Caruso A, Sala E, Castelli F, De Palma G, Quiros-Roldan E. Timing and implications for immune response to vaccine in SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections. iScience 2023; 26:106716. [PMID: 37152764 PMCID: PMC10122568 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106716] [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: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccines elicit a strong anti-S antibodies response. We aim to describe antibody titers in peri-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 infections. This is a retrospective longitudinal single-cohort study. Serological tests were performed at the time of the first SARS-CoV-2 vaccine dose (T0) and 60 (T1), 120 (T2), and 240 (T3) days after. The study included 4,682 subjects. Group A had the infection without an anti-S Ig response. Group B and C seroconverted for anti-N Ig between T0 and T1 and between T1 and T2, respectively. Group D was persistently anti-N Ig negative. Group B showed an initial sub-optimal response, reaching the highest titer at T3. Those who received the second dose 120 days after the infection had higher titers compared to those who received it 21 days after the first dose. The immune response depends on the number and the timing of vaccine doses, highlighting the need for a more personalized approach to vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Arsuffi
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Emanuele Sansone
- Department of Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Emanuele Focà
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Samuele Storti
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Teresa Diaferia
- Department of Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Carlo Bonfanti
- Microbiology Department, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Luigina Terlenghi
- Microbiology Department, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Arnaldo Caruso
- Microbiology Department, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Emma Sala
- Department of Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Castelli
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Palma
- Department of Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Eugenia Quiros-Roldan
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
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Kanamori R, Yan Y, Ito K, Fukuda H, Hori S, Yamamoto T, Igawa G, Saito K, Horiuchi Y, Nojiri S, Nishizaki Y, Tabe Y, Takahashi K, Naito T. Increased SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and spread of infection without awareness among healthcare workers through 2020-2022 in a Japanese medical center. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4941. [PMID: 36973531 PMCID: PMC10040914 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32193-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite Japan's high vaccination coverage, daily numbers of new COVID-19 cases have been high. However, studies on the seroprevalence among Japanese people and the causative factors for rapid spread have remained limited. In this study, we aimed to examine the seroprevalence and associated factors in healthcare workers (HCWs) of a medical center in Tokyo using blood samples drawn at annual check-ups from 2020 to 2022. We found that of the 3,788 HCWs in 2022 (by mid-June), 669 were seropositive for N-specific antibodies (tested by Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay); the seroprevalence surged from 0.3% in 2020 and 1.6% in 2021 to 17.7% in 2022. Notably, our study found 325 (48.6%; 325/669) cases were infected without awareness. Among those with a previously PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection during the past three years, 79.0% (282/357) were found after January 2022, after the Omicron variant was first detected in Tokyo at the end of 2021. This study indicates the fast spread of the SARS-CoV-2 among HCWs during the Omicron surge in Japan. The high percentage of infection without awareness may be a key driving factor causing rapid person-to-person transmission, as shown in this medical center with high vaccination coverage and strict infection control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie Kanamori
- Department of General Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Hongo 2-1-2, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of General Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Hongo 2-1-2, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Kanami Ito
- Department of Safety and Health Promotion, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fukuda
- Department of General Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Hongo 2-1-2, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
- Department of Safety and Health Promotion, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hori
- Infection Control Science, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takamasa Yamamoto
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Juntendo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gene Igawa
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Juntendo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaori Saito
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Horiuchi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuko Nojiri
- Medical Technology Innovation Center, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuji Nishizaki
- Department of General Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Hongo 2-1-2, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
- Division of Medical Education, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoko Tabe
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Research Support Utilizing Bioresource Bank, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Takahashi
- Department of Research Support Utilizing Bioresource Bank, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshio Naito
- Department of General Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Hongo 2-1-2, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan.
- Department of Safety and Health Promotion, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Research Support Utilizing Bioresource Bank, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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9
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Antibody response to third and fourth BNT162b2 mRNA booster vaccinations in healthcare workers in Tokyo, Japan. J Infect Chemother 2023; 29:339-346. [PMID: 36584813 PMCID: PMC9793957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2022.12.012] [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: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Booster vaccinations against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are being promoted worldwide to counter the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this study, we analyzed the longitudinal effect of the third BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination on antibody responses in healthcare workers. Additionally, antibody responses induced by the fourth vaccination were analyzed. METHODS The levels of anti-spike (S) IgG and neutralizing antibody against SARS-CoV-2 were measured at 7 months after the second vaccination (n = 1138), and at 4 (n = 701) and 7 (n = 417) months after the third vaccination using an iFlash 3000 chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer. Among the 417 participants surveyed at 7 months after the third vaccination, 40 had received the fourth vaccination. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to clarify which factors were associated with the anti-S IgG and neutralizing antibody. Variables assessed included sex, age, number of days after the second or third vaccination, diagnostic history of COVID-19, and anti-nucleocapsid (N) IgG level. RESULTS At 7 months after the third vaccination, antibody responses were significantly higher than those at the same time after the second vaccination. Unlike the second vaccination, age had no effect on the antibody responses induced by the third vaccination. Furthermore, the fourth vaccination resulted in a further increase in antibody responses. The multiple linear regression analysis identified anti-N IgG level, presumably associated with infection, as a factor associated with antibody responses. CONCLUSIONS Our findings showed that BNT162b2 booster vaccinations increased and sustained the antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2.
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Aijaz J, Kanani F, Naseer F. Utility of Roche Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 S in ascertaining post-vaccine neutralizing antibodies. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY PLUS 2023; 3:100137. [PMID: 36644775 PMCID: PMC9832685 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcvp.2023.100137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
With widespread global COVID-19 vaccine coverage, a scalable, cost-effective, and standardized tool to ascertain post-vaccine immunity is a dire need. Neither clinical evaluations of vaccine efficacy, nor live virus antibody neutralization assays fulfill these criteria. Commercially available anti-S binding immunological assays have the potential to fill this gap, but need to be systematically evaluated for their utility to serve as surrogates for the aforementioned, widely accepted tools of determining vaccine efficacy. In this study, we evaluated an anti-S binding immunological assay (Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S) by utilizing two hundred and fifty-five archived serum specimens, either pre-pandemic, or those exposed to natural infections or vaccines with their neutralizing titers pre-determined through a live virus, pseudotyped antibody neutralization assay. Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S demonstrated good sensitivity (98%) and specificity (99%), just as has been reported in some other previously conducted studies using this assay. Only a mild correlation, however, with the live virus pseudotyped lentivirus antibody neutralization assay (Spearman's r = 0.26) was observed. We conclude that, as such, Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S has a high sensitivity and specificity for detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 S proteins, though the assay does not always correlate well with live virus assays for quantitative outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javeria Aijaz
- Molecular Biology Section, Pathology Department, Indus Hospital and Health Network, Plot C-76, Sector 31/5, Opposite، Crossing، Darussalam Society Sector 39 Korangi, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan,Corresponding author
| | - Fatima Kanani
- Chemical Pathology Section, Pathology Department, Indus Hospital & Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Fouzia Naseer
- Molecular Biology Section, Pathology Department, Indus Hospital and Health Network, Plot C-76, Sector 31/5, Opposite، Crossing، Darussalam Society Sector 39 Korangi, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
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Jeong S, Hong YR, Hwang H. Performance comparison between Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 and Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S and Atellica IM SARS-CoV-2 Total and SARS-CoV-2 IgG assays. KOSIN MEDICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.7180/kmj.22.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although serological severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) tests from several manufacturers have been introduced in South Korea and some are commercially available, the performance of these test kits has not yet been sufficiently validated. Therefore, we compared the performance of Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 (ACOV2) and Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S (ACOV2S) and Atellica IM SARS-CoV-2 Total (COV2T) and SARS-CoV-2 IgG (sCOVG) serological tests in this study.Methods: A total of 186 patient samples were used. For each test, we analyzed the positive rate of serological antibody tests, precision, linearity, and agreement among the four assays.Results: The positive rates of COV2T, sCOVG, and ACOV2S were high (81.7%–89.2%) in total, with those for ACOV2S being the highest, while those of ACOV2 were as low as 44.6%. This may be related to the high completion rate of vaccination in Korea. The repeatability and within-laboratory coefficients of variation were within the claimed allowable imprecision; however, further research is needed to establish an allowable imprecision at low concentrations. COV2T showed a linear fit, whereas sCOVG and ACOV2S were appropriately modeled with a nonlinear fit. Good agreement was found among COV2T, sCOVG, and ACOV2S; however, the agreement between ACOV2 and any one of the other methods was poor.Conclusions: Considering the different antigens used in serological SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays, the performance of the tested assays is thought to show no significant difference for the qualitative detection of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2.
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