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Ramírez JEA, Maliga A, Stewart A, Lino A, Oliva JE, Sandoval X, Zielinski-Gutierrez E, Chacon-Fuentes R, Suchdev PS, Zelaya S, Sánchez M, Recinos DL, López B, Hawes E, Liu J, Ronca SE, Gunter SM, Murray KO, Domínguez R. Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies in Healthcare Personnel in El Salvador Prior to Vaccination Campaigns. Infect Dis Rep 2024; 16:531-542. [PMID: 38920896 PMCID: PMC11203478 DOI: 10.3390/idr16030040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a highly pathogenic emerging infectious disease. Healthcare personnel (HCP) are presumably at higher risk of acquiring emerging infections because of occupational exposure. The prevalence of COVID-19 in HCP is unknown, particularly in low- to middle-income countries like El Salvador. The goal of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCP in El Salvador just prior to vaccine rollout in March 2021. We evaluated 2176 participants from a nationally representative sample of national healthcare institutions. We found 40.4% (n = 880) of the study participants were seropositive for anti-spike protein antibodies. Significant factors associated with infection included younger age; living within the central, more populated zone of the country; living in a larger household (≥7 members); household members with COVID-19 or compatible symptoms; and those who worked in auxiliary services (i.e., housekeeping and food services). These findings provide insight into opportunities to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 risk and other emerging respiratory pathogens in HCP in El Salvador.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Elías Aguilar Ramírez
- El Salvador National Institute of Health, San Salvador 1101, El Salvador; (J.E.A.R.); (J.E.O.); (S.Z.); (M.S.); (D.L.R.); (R.D.)
| | - Adrianna Maliga
- Division of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.M.); (A.L.); (E.H.); (J.L.); (S.E.R.); (S.M.G.)
- William T. Shearer Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Allison Stewart
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Central America Office, Guatemala City 01015, Guatemala; (A.S.); (E.Z.-G.); (R.C.-F.); (P.S.S.); (B.L.)
| | - Allison Lino
- Division of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.M.); (A.L.); (E.H.); (J.L.); (S.E.R.); (S.M.G.)
- William T. Shearer Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - José Eduardo Oliva
- El Salvador National Institute of Health, San Salvador 1101, El Salvador; (J.E.A.R.); (J.E.O.); (S.Z.); (M.S.); (D.L.R.); (R.D.)
| | - Xochitl Sandoval
- El Salvador National Institute of Health, San Salvador 1101, El Salvador; (J.E.A.R.); (J.E.O.); (S.Z.); (M.S.); (D.L.R.); (R.D.)
| | - Emily Zielinski-Gutierrez
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Central America Office, Guatemala City 01015, Guatemala; (A.S.); (E.Z.-G.); (R.C.-F.); (P.S.S.); (B.L.)
| | - Rafael Chacon-Fuentes
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Central America Office, Guatemala City 01015, Guatemala; (A.S.); (E.Z.-G.); (R.C.-F.); (P.S.S.); (B.L.)
| | - Parminder S. Suchdev
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Central America Office, Guatemala City 01015, Guatemala; (A.S.); (E.Z.-G.); (R.C.-F.); (P.S.S.); (B.L.)
- Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30033, USA
| | - Susana Zelaya
- El Salvador National Institute of Health, San Salvador 1101, El Salvador; (J.E.A.R.); (J.E.O.); (S.Z.); (M.S.); (D.L.R.); (R.D.)
| | - Mario Sánchez
- El Salvador National Institute of Health, San Salvador 1101, El Salvador; (J.E.A.R.); (J.E.O.); (S.Z.); (M.S.); (D.L.R.); (R.D.)
| | - Delmy Lisseth Recinos
- El Salvador National Institute of Health, San Salvador 1101, El Salvador; (J.E.A.R.); (J.E.O.); (S.Z.); (M.S.); (D.L.R.); (R.D.)
| | - Beatriz López
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Central America Office, Guatemala City 01015, Guatemala; (A.S.); (E.Z.-G.); (R.C.-F.); (P.S.S.); (B.L.)
| | - Ella Hawes
- Division of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.M.); (A.L.); (E.H.); (J.L.); (S.E.R.); (S.M.G.)
- William T. Shearer Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Julie Liu
- Division of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.M.); (A.L.); (E.H.); (J.L.); (S.E.R.); (S.M.G.)
- William T. Shearer Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shannon E. Ronca
- Division of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.M.); (A.L.); (E.H.); (J.L.); (S.E.R.); (S.M.G.)
- William T. Shearer Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sarah M. Gunter
- Division of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.M.); (A.L.); (E.H.); (J.L.); (S.E.R.); (S.M.G.)
- William T. Shearer Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kristy O. Murray
- Division of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.M.); (A.L.); (E.H.); (J.L.); (S.E.R.); (S.M.G.)
- William T. Shearer Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30033, USA
| | - Rhina Domínguez
- El Salvador National Institute of Health, San Salvador 1101, El Salvador; (J.E.A.R.); (J.E.O.); (S.Z.); (M.S.); (D.L.R.); (R.D.)
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Barabona G, Ngare I, Kamori D, Nkinda L, Kosugi Y, Mawazo A, Ekwabi R, Kinasa G, Chuwa H, Sato K, Sunguya B, Ueno T. Neutralizing immunity against coronaviruses in Tanzanian health care workers. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5508. [PMID: 38448564 PMCID: PMC10917759 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55989-4] [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: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The ongoing vaccination efforts and exposure to endemic and emerging coronaviruses can shape the population's immunity against this group of viruses. In this study, we investigated neutralizing immunity against endemic and emerging coronaviruses in 200 Tanzanian frontline healthcare workers (HCWs). Despite low vaccination rates (19.5%), we found a high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence (94.0%), indicating high exposure in these HCWs. Next, we determined the neutralization capacity of antisera against human coronavirus NL63, and 229E, SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 (including Omicron subvariants: BA.1, BQ.1.1 and XBB.1.5) using pseudovirus neutralization assay. We observed a broad range of neutralizing activity in HCWs, but no neutralization activity detected against MERS-CoV. We also observed a strong correlation between neutralizing antibody titers for SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-1, but not between other coronaviruses. Cross-neutralization titers against the newer Omicron subvariants, BQ.1.1 and XBB.1.5, was significantly reduced compared to BA.1 and BA.2 subvariants. On the other hand, the exposed vaccinated HCWs showed relatively higher median cross-neutralization titers against both the newer Omicron subvariants and SARS-CoV-1, but did not reach statistical significance. In summary, our findings suggest a broad range of neutralizing potency against coronaviruses in Tanzanian HCWs with detectable neutralizing immunity against SARS-CoV-1 resulting from SARS-CoV-2 exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godfrey Barabona
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Isaac Ngare
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Doreen Kamori
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Collaboration Unit for Infection, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Lilian Nkinda
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Yusuke Kosugi
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ambele Mawazo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rayi Ekwabi
- Amana Regional Referral Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Kei Sato
- Collaboration Unit for Infection, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
- International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- International Vaccine Design Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Japan
| | - Bruno Sunguya
- Collaboration Unit for Infection, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Community Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Takamasa Ueno
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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de Aguirre PM, Carlos S, Pina-Sánchez M, Mbikayi S, Burgueño E, Tendobi C, Chiva L, Holguín Á, Reina G. High pre-Delta and early-Omicron SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence detected in dried blood samples from Kinshasa (D.R. Congo). J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29529. [PMID: 38516764 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29529] [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: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Studies on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa have yielded varying results, although authors universally agree the real burden surpasses reported cases. The primary objective of this study was to determine SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among patients attending Monkole Hospital in Kinshasa (D.R. Congo). The secondary objective was to evaluate the analytic performance of two chemiluminescence platforms: Elecsys® (Roche) and VirClia® (Vircell) on dried blood spot samples (DBS). The study population (N = 373) was recruited in two stages: a mid-2021 blood donor cohort (15.5% women) and a mid-2022 women cohort. Crude global seroprevalence was 61% (53.9%-67.8%) pre-Delta in 2021 and 90.2% (84.7%-94.2%) post-Omicron in 2022. Anti-spike (S) antibody levels significantly increased from 53.1 (31.8-131.3) U/mL in 2021 to 436.5 (219.3-950.5) U/mL in 2022 and were significantly higher above 45 years old in the 2022 population. Both platforms showed good analytic performance on DBS samples: sensitivity was 96.8% for IgG (antiN/S) (93.9%-98.5%) and 96.0% (93.0%-98.0%) for anti-S quantification. These results provide additional support for the notion that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 is more widespread than indicated by case-based surveillance and will be able to guide the pandemic response and strategy moving forward. Likewise, this study contributes evidence to the reliability of DBS as a tool for serological testing and diagnosis in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Carlos
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA) Irunlarrea, 3, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Samclide Mbikayi
- Centre Hospitalier Monkole, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Eduardo Burgueño
- Centre Hospitalier Monkole, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Céline Tendobi
- Centre Hospitalier Monkole, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Luis Chiva
- Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - África Holguín
- Laboratorio Epidemiología Molecular VIH-1, Hospital Ramón y Cajal -IRYCIS y CIBERESP-RITIP, Madrid, Spain
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Tejiokem MC, Abessolo HA, Nkodo JM, Ouethy M, Mayaka GB, Touha Y, Dikoume UA, Tchatchueng‐Mbougua JB, Noumbissi DC, Ndjeukam WT, Mbarga HOO, Ngoupo PAT, Moussi C, Garoua BH, Njouom R, Richard V. High seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 among healthcare workers in Yaoundé, Cameroon after the first wave of Covid-19 pandemic and associated factors. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2024; 18:e13239. [PMID: 38342486 PMCID: PMC10859237 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13239] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare workers (HWs) are at a high risk of exposure to emerging health threats. Following the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Cameroon, we explored the presence and persistence of naturally acquired antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the factors associated with seropositivity in HWs. METHODS Staff at two referral hospitals in Yaoundé or two Health District Hospitals in Obala and Mbalmayo were included in a 6-month prospective cohort analysis or cross-sectional survey, respectively. Seroprevalence and associated factors were determined, and Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess antibody persistence or positive seroconversion over time. RESULTS From August 2020 to March 2021, 426 HWs (median age: 31 years, interquartile range: 27-37 years; 66.4% female) were enrolled. The overall seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 54.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 49.1-58.8) and was significantly different between study sites (p = 0.04). Of the 216 HWs included in the 6-month cohort, 109 (50.5%) HWs were seropositive at inclusion; the probability of persistent antibodies or of becoming seropositive was 93.8% (95% CI: 84.2-100) and 78.9% (95% CI: 61.7-88.4), respectively. Seroconversion was associated with study site and occupation but not with infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. CONCLUSIONS We observed high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody and seroconversion among HWs associated with occupational risk. This suggests low compliance to the COVID-19 control measures. Continued training and implementation of IPC measures and accelerated preparedness are needed to better tackle future threats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hermine Abessolo Abessolo
- Centre Spécialisé de Prise en Charge des Patients Covid‐19annexe 2 Hôpital Central de YaoundéYaoundéCameroon
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Charlotte Moussi
- Délégation Régionale de la Santé Publique du CentreYaoundéCameroon
| | - Bonaventure Hollong Garoua
- Centre Spécialisé de Prise en Charge des Patients Covid‐19annexe 2 Hôpital Central de YaoundéYaoundéCameroon
| | - Richard Njouom
- Service de virologieCentre Pasteur du CamerounYaoundéCameroon
| | - Vincent Richard
- Direction Internationale, Institut Pasteur, Réseau International des Instituts PasteurParisFrance
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Chasinga TB, Cikwanine JPB, Kribi S, Yoyu JT, Hofmann N, Grossegesse M, Nitsche A, Tomczyk S, Vietor AC, Leendertz FH, Eckmanns T, Kusinza AB, Munguakonkwa E, Kalk A, Raha M, Kambale NS, Ayagirwe RB, Schubert G, Mukwege D. Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and risk of viral exposure among healthcare workers in the South Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e072212. [PMID: 38176860 PMCID: PMC10773362 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Healthcare workers (HCWs) are on the frontline of combating COVID-19, hence are at elevated risk of contracting an infection with SARS-CoV-2. The present study aims to measure the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on HCWs in central sub-Saharan Africa. SETTING A cross-sectional serological study was conducted at six urban and five rural hospitals during the first pandemic wave in the South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). PARTICIPANTS Serum specimens from 1029 HCWs employed during the first pandemic wave were collected between August and October 2020, and data on demographics and work-related factors were recorded during structured interviews. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The presence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was examined by ELISA. Positive specimens were further tested using a micro-neutralisation assay. Factors driving SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity were assessed by multivariable analysis. RESULTS Overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was high among HCWs (33.1%), and significantly higher in urban (41.5%) compared with rural (19.8%) hospitals. Having had presented with COVID-19-like symptoms before was a strong predictor of seropositivity (31.5%). Personal protective equipment (PPE, 88.1% and 11.9%) and alcohol-based hand sanitizer (71.1% and 28.9%) were more often available, and hand hygiene was more often reported after patient contact (63.0% and 37.0%) in urban compared with rural hospitals, respectively. This may suggest that higher exposure during non-work times in high incidence urban areas counteracts higher work protection levels of HCWs. CONCLUSIONS High SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity indicates widespread transmission of the virus in this region of DRC. Given the absence of publicly reported cases during the same time period at the rural sites, serological studies are very relevant in revealing infection dynamics especially in regions with low diagnostic capacities. This, and discrepancies in the application of PPE between urban and rural sites, should be considered in future pandemic response programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tshass B Chasinga
- Université Evangélique en Afrique, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
- Panzi General Referral Hospital, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | - Jean-Paul Buhendwa Cikwanine
- Université Evangélique en Afrique, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
- Panzi General Referral Hospital, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | | | - Jonathan Tunangoya Yoyu
- Université Evangélique en Afrique, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
- Département des Œuvres et Recherches Médicales, ECC-NK, Goma, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Fabian H Leendertz
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for One Health, Greifswald, Germany
| | | | - Aline B Kusinza
- Université Evangélique en Afrique, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
- Panzi General Referral Hospital, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | - Eric Munguakonkwa
- Panzi General Referral Hospital, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | - Andreas Kalk
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Kinshasa, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | - Maroyi Raha
- Université Evangélique en Afrique, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
- Panzi General Referral Hospital, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | - Nelson S Kambale
- Université Evangélique en Afrique, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
- Département des Œuvres et Recherches Médicales, ECC-NK, Goma, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | - Rodrigue B Ayagirwe
- Université Evangélique en Afrique, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | | | - Denis Mukwege
- Université Evangélique en Afrique, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
- Panzi General Referral Hospital, Bukavu, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
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Garchitorena A, Rasoloharimanana LT, Rakotonanahary RJ, Evans MV, Miller AC, Finnegan KE, Cordier LF, Cowley G, Razafinjato B, Randriamanambintsoa M, Andrianambinina S, Popper SJ, Hotahiene R, Bonds MH, Schoenhals M. Morbidity and mortality burden of COVID-19 in rural Madagascar: results from a longitudinal cohort and nested seroprevalence study. Int J Epidemiol 2023; 52:1745-1755. [PMID: 37793001 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyad135] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Three years into the pandemic, there remains significant uncertainty about the true infection and mortality burden of COVID-19 in the World Health Organization Africa region. High quality, population-representative studies in Africa are rare and tend to be conducted in national capitals or large cities, leaving a substantial gap in our understanding of the impact of COVID-19 in rural, low-resource settings. Here, we estimated the spatio-temporal morbidity and mortality burden associated with COVID-19 in a rural health district of Madagascar until the first half of 2021. METHODS We integrated a nested seroprevalence study within a pre-existing longitudinal cohort conducted in a representative sample of 1600 households in Ifanadiana District, Madagascar. Socio-demographic and health information was collected in combination with dried blood spots for about 6500 individuals of all ages, which were analysed to detect IgG and IgM antibodies against four specific proteins of SARS-CoV-2 in a bead-based multiplex immunoassay. We evaluated spatio-temporal patterns in COVID-19 infection history and its associations with several geographic, socio-economic and demographic factors via logistic regressions. RESULTS Eighteen percent of people had been infected by April-June 2021, with seroprevalence increasing with individuals' age. COVID-19 primarily spread along the only paved road and in major towns during the first epidemic wave, subsequently spreading along secondary roads during the second wave to more remote areas. Wealthier individuals and those with occupations such as commerce and formal employment were at higher risk of being infected in the first wave. Adult mortality increased in 2020, particularly for older men for whom it nearly doubled up to nearly 40 deaths per 1000. Less than 10% of mortality in this period would be directly attributed to COVID-19 deaths if known infection fatality ratios are applied to observed seroprevalence in the district. CONCLUSION Our study provides a very granular understanding on COVID-19 transmission and mortality in a rural population of sub-Saharan Africa and suggests that the disease burden in these areas may have been substantially underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Garchitorena
- MIVEGEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
- Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- NGO Pivot, Ifanadiana, Madagascar
| | | | - Rado Jl Rakotonanahary
- NGO Pivot, Ifanadiana, Madagascar
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michelle V Evans
- MIVEGEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Ann C Miller
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karen E Finnegan
- NGO Pivot, Ifanadiana, Madagascar
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Marius Randriamanambintsoa
- Direction de la Démographie et des Statistiques Sociales, Institut National de la Statistique, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Samuel Andrianambinina
- Direction de la Démographie et des Statistiques Sociales, Institut National de la Statistique, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Stephen J Popper
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Raphaël Hotahiene
- Direction de lutte contre les maladies transmissibles, Ministère de la Santé Publique, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Matthew H Bonds
- NGO Pivot, Ifanadiana, Madagascar
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Müller SA, Isaaka L, Mumm R, Scheidt-Nave C, Heldt K, Schuster A, Abdulaziz M, El Bcheraoui C, Hanefeld J, Agweyu A. Prevalence and risk factors for long COVID and post-COVID-19 condition in Africa: a systematic review. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e1713-e1724. [PMID: 37858583 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00384-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An improved estimation of the clinical sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection is crucial in African countries, where the subject has received little attention despite more than 12 million reported cases and evidence that many more people were infected. We reviewed the evidence on prevalence, associated risk factors for long COVID, and systemic or sociocultural determinants of reporting long COVID. METHODS We conducted a systematic review, searching PubMed, the Living OVerview of Evidence platform, and grey literature sources for publications from Dec 1, 2019, to Nov 23, 2022. We included articles published in English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese that reported on any study type in Africa with participants of any age who had symptoms for 4 weeks or more after an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. We excluded secondary research, comments, and correspondence. Screening and data extraction were performed by two reviewers. Summary estimates were extracted, including sociodemographic factors, medical history, prevalence of persistent symptoms, and symptoms and associated factors. Results were analysed descriptively. The study was registered on the Open Science Framework platform. FINDINGS Our search yielded 294 articles, of which 24 peer-reviewed manuscripts were included, reporting on 9712 patients from eight African countries. Only one study exclusively recruited children, and one other study included children as part of their study population. Studies indicated moderate to low risk of bias. Prevalence of long COVID varied widely, from 2% in Ghana to 86% in Egypt. Long COVID was positively associated with female sex, older age, non-Black ethnicity, low level of education, and the severity of acute infection and underlying comorbidity. HIV and tuberculosis were not identified as risk factors. Factors influencing reporting included absence of awareness, inadequate clinical data and diagnostics, and little access to health-care services. INTERPRETATION In Africa, research on long COVID is scarce, particularly among children, who represent the majority of the population. However, existing studies show a substantial prevalence across settings, emphasising the importance of vaccination and other prevention strategies to avert the effects of long COVID on individual wellbeing, the increased strain on health systems, and the potential negative effects on economically vulnerable populations. At a global level, including African countries, tools for research on long COVID need to be harmonised to maximise the usefulness of the data collected. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Alice Müller
- Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Lynda Isaaka
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rebekka Mumm
- Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Katharina Heldt
- Methods Development, Research Infrastructure and Information Technology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angela Schuster
- Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany; Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mohammed Abdulaziz
- Division of Disease Control and Prevention, Africa CDC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Charbel El Bcheraoui
- Evidence-based Public Health, Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johanna Hanefeld
- Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ambrose Agweyu
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Okoeguale J, Okobi OE, Ojukwu EC, Nwachukwu OB, Okoroafor CC. Maternal Seroprevalence and Placental Transfer of COVID-19 Antibodies in Pregnancy: A Hospital-Based Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e49730. [PMID: 38164412 PMCID: PMC10758018 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49730] [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] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a relatively new disease with high morbidity and mortality. Information about the prevalence of infections in pregnancy could help identify herd immunity, project epidemics, and decide policy guidelines. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the infection susceptibility risk of COVID-19 in pregnancy, to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies (IgG & IgM), and to evaluate the determinants of COVID-19 antibody positivity in pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was an analytical cross-sectional study involving 258 consenting pregnant women recruited at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State, Nigeria. Of these, 179 participants were recruited from the antenatal clinic, and 79 from the gynecology emergency unit. A structured questionnaire was administered at baseline. Venous blood was obtained at enrolment to test for total antibodies using ELISA. A nasopharyngeal swab was simultaneously obtained for COVID-19 PCR for all participants. Umbilical cord blood was taken after delivery in those who had positive serology. Socio-demographic variables and clinical presentation of respondents were considered as exposure variables, and this was cross-tabulated with outcome variables in bivariate analysis using chi-square with a level of significance at a P-value less than 0.05. Variables in bivariate analysis of chi-square that have a P-value less than 0.2 were entered into a logistic regression using multivariate logistic models. RESULTS The study detected active COVID-19 infections among 7.4% (19/258) of the study participants. The study demonstrated a seroprevalence of COVID-19 antibodies in 62.4% (161/258) of the participants at recruitment and showed a strong correlation between working in the healthcare setting and living in an urban environment. Our study also reported 5.3% (8/152) of cord blood antibody positivity among study participants. The concentration of maternal immunoglobulin strongly and positively correlated with cord blood seropositivity. CONCLUSION Prevalence estimates are an underestimate of the actual proportion of pregnant women with prior COVID-19 exposure as observed in the study discrepancy of confirmed PCR infection and evidence of previous infection from serology. The study also highlighted a low efficiency of placental transfer of COVID-19 antibodies at birth among those who were seropositive at baseline and showed that maternal antibody levels play an important role in determining the efficiency of placenta transfer of COVID-19 antibodies in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Okoeguale
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, NGA
| | - Okelue E Okobi
- Family Medicine, Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs Campus, Miami, USA
- Family Medicine, Medficient Health Systems, Laurel, USA
- Family Medicine, Lakeside Medical Center, Belle Glade, USA
| | - Emmanuella C Ojukwu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. George's University School of Medicine, Brooklyn, USA
| | - Onyinyechukwu B Nwachukwu
- Neurosciences and Psychology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Farfield, USA
- Family Medicine, American International School of Medicine, Georgetown, USA
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Non-patient-related SARS-CoV-2 exposure from colleagues and household members poses the highest infection risk for hospital employees in a German university hospital: follow-up of the prospective Co-HCW seroprevalence study. Infection 2023:10.1007/s15010-023-01995-z. [PMID: 36788173 PMCID: PMC9928590 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-01995-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Co-HCW study is a prospective, longitudinal, single-center observational study that aims to assess the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and infection status in staff members of Jena University Hospital (JUH) in Jena, Germany. METHODS This follow-up study covers the observation period from 19th May 2020 to 22nd June 2021. At each of the three voluntary study visits, participants filled out a questionnaire regarding their SARS-CoV-2 exposure and provided serum samples to detect specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Participants who were tested positive for antibodies against nucleocapsid and/or spike protein without previous vaccination and/or reported a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test were regarded to have been infected with SARS-CoV-2. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was applied to identify potential risk factors for infected compared to non-infected participants. RESULTS Out of 660 participants that were included during the first study visit, 406 participants (61.5%) were eligible for the final analysis as their COVID-19 risk area (high-risk n = 76; intermediate-risk n = 198; low-risk n = 132) did not change during the study. Forty-four participants [10.8%, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 8.0-14.3%] had evidence of a current or past SARS-CoV-2 infection detected by serology (n = 40) and/or PCR (n = 28). No association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the COVID-19 risk group according to working place was detected. However, exposure to a SARS-CoV-2 positive household member [adjusted OR (AOR) 4.46, 95% CI 2.06-9.65] or colleague (AOR 2.30, 95%CI 1.10-4.79) was found to significantly increase the risk of a SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that non-patient-related SARS-CoV-2 exposure posed the highest infection risk for hospital staff members of JUH.
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10
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Seroprevalence, correlates and kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid IgG antibody in healthcare workers and nonclinical staff at a tertiary hospital: A prevaccine census study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267619. [PMID: 36301926 PMCID: PMC9612503 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare workers and nonclinical staff in medical facilities are perceived to be a high-risk group for acquiring SAR-CoV-2 infection, and more so in countries where COVID-19 vaccination uptake is low. Serosurveillance may best determine the true extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection since most infected HCWs and other staff may be asymptomatic or present with only mild symptoms. Over time, determining the true extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection could inform hospital management and staff whether the preventive measures instituted are effective and valuable in developing targeted solutions. METHODS This was a census survey study conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, between November 2020 and February 2021 before the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination. The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid IgG test was performed using a chemiluminescent assay. RESULTS One thousand six hundred thirty-one (1631) staff enrolled, totalling 60% of the workforce. The overall crude seroprevalence was 18.4% and the adjusted value (for assay sensitivity of 86%) was 21.4% (95% CI; 19.2-23.7). The staff categories with higher prevalence included pharmacy (25.6%), outreach (24%), hospital- based nursing (22.2%) and catering staff (22.6%). Independent predictors of a positive IgG result after adjusting for age, sex and comorbidities included prior COVID-19 like symptoms, odds ratio (OR) 2.0 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-3.0, p = 0.001], a prior positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR result OR 12.0 (CI: 7.7-18.7, p<0.001) and working in a clinical COVID-19 designated area, OR 1.9 (CI 1.1-3.3, p = 0.021). The odds of testing positive for IgG after a positive PCR test were lowest if the antibody test was performed more than 2 months later; OR 0.7 (CI: 0.48-0.95, p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of anti- SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid IgG among HCWs and nonclinical staff was lower than in the general population. Staff working in clinical areas were not at increased risk when compared to staff working in non-clinical areas.
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Birungi C, Haacker M, Taramusi I, Mpofu A, Madzima B, Apollo T, Mugurungi O, Odiit M, Obst MA. Economic implications of COVID-19 for the HIV epidemic and the response in Zimbabwe. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2022; 21:330-344. [DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2022.2154231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Birungi
- Equitable Financing Practice, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Geneva, Switzerland
- The UCL Centre for Global Health Economics, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Markus Haacker
- The UCL Centre for Global Health Economics, University College London, United Kingdom
- Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Global Development, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Martin Odiit
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Harare, Zimbabwe
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Kribi S, Touré F, Mendes A, Sanou S, Some A, Aminou AM, Belarbi E, Griessel R, Hema A, Kabore F, Pitzinger P, Strydom A, Vietor AC, Traoré K, Zongo A, Anoh EA, Grossegesse M, Hofmann N, Ouangraoua S, Poda A, Kagone T, Schubert G, Eckmanns T, Venter M, Leendertz F, Akoua-Koffi C, Tomczyk S. Multicountry study of SARS-CoV-2 and associated risk factors among healthcare workers in Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso and South Africa. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2022; 117:179-188. [PMID: 36153637 PMCID: PMC9619424 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac089] [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: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread across Africa have varied, including among healthcare workers (HCWs). This study assessed the comparative SARS-CoV-2 burden and associated risk factors among HCWs in three African countries. METHODS A multicentre study was conducted at regional healthcare facilities in Côte d'Ivoire (CIV), Burkina Faso (BF) and South Africa (SA) from February to May 2021. HCWs provided blood samples for SARS-CoV-2 serology and nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs for testing of acute infection by polymerase chain reaction and completed a questionnaire. Factors associated with seropositivity were assessed with logistic regression. RESULTS Among 719 HCWs, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 34.6% (95% confidence interval 31.2 to 38.2), ranging from 19.2% in CIV to 45.7% in BF. A total of 20 of 523 (3.8%) were positive for acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Female HCWs had higher odds of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity compared with males, and nursing staff, allied health professionals, non-caregiver personnel and administration had higher odds compared with physicians. HCWs also reported infection prevention and control (IPC) gaps, including 38.7% and 29% having access to respirators and IPC training, respectively, in the last year. CONCLUSIONS This study was a unique comparative HCW SARS-CoV-2 investigation in Africa. Seroprevalence estimates varied, highlighting distinctive population/facility-level factors affecting COVID-19 burden and the importance of established IPC programmes to protect HCWs and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kribi
- Corresponding author: Tel: +4915203088440; E-mail: ; Present address: Seestraße 10, Berlin 13353, Germany
| | | | - Adriano Mendes
- Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x 20 Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Soufiane Sanou
- Le Centre Muraz, Ave Mamadou Konate, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Arsène Some
- Le Centre Muraz, Ave Mamadou Konate, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Abdoul M Aminou
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Bouaké, Laboratoire de Bactériologie et Virologie 01, 01 BP 1174 Bouaké, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Essia Belarbi
- Robert Koch Institut P3 Seestraße 10, Berlin 13353, Germany
| | - Rosemary Griessel
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x 20 Hatfield 0028, South Africa,Department of Medical Microbiology, Tshwane Academic Division, National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Arsène Hema
- Centre Hospitalier Sourô Sanou, Service d'épidemiologie, Ave Ponty, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Firmin Kabore
- Le Centre Muraz, Ave Mamadou Konate, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Paul Pitzinger
- Robert Koch Institut P3 Seestraße 10, Berlin 13353, Germany
| | - Amy Strydom
- Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x 20 Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | | | - Korotimi Traoré
- Le Centre Muraz, Ave Mamadou Konate, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Arsène Zongo
- Le Centre Muraz, Ave Mamadou Konate, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Etilé A Anoh
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Bouaké, Laboratoire de Bactériologie et Virologie 01, 01 BP 1174 Bouaké, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | | | | | - Armel Poda
- Centre Hospitalier Sourô Sanou, Service d'épidemiologie, Ave Ponty, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Thérèse Kagone
- Le Centre Muraz, Ave Mamadou Konate, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Grit Schubert
- Robert Koch Institut P3 Seestraße 10, Berlin 13353, Germany
| | - Tim Eckmanns
- Robert Koch Institut P3 Seestraße 10, Berlin 13353, Germany
| | - Marietjie Venter
- Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x 20 Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | | | - Chantal Akoua-Koffi
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Bouaké, Laboratoire de Bactériologie et Virologie 01, 01 BP 1174 Bouaké, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Sara Tomczyk
- Robert Koch Institut P3 Seestraße 10, Berlin 13353, Germany
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Low Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among Healthcare Workers in Malaysia during the Third COVID-19 Wave: Prospective Study with Literature Survey on Infection Prevention and Control Measures. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10101810. [PMID: 36292257 PMCID: PMC9601718 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10101810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at greater risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. This serology surveillance study aimed to investigate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among the HCWs who were asymptomatic during the third wave of COVID-19 in Malaysia. HCWs from the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Health Campus were prospectively recruited between August 2020 and March 2021 on a voluntary basis. Data on socio-demographics, possible risk factors and travel history were recorded. Serological diagnoses from serum samples were examined for total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using an immunoassay kit. A literature survey was performed on the compliance with infection and prevention control (IPC) practices for COVID-19 among HCWs. The majority of the total 617 HCWs participating in this study were nurses (64.3%, n = 397), followed by health attendants (20.9%, n = 129), medical doctors (9.6%, n = 59) and others (6.3%, n = 39). Of those, 28.2% (n = 174) claimed to have exposure to COVID-19 cases, including history of close contact and casual contact with infected patients. Most importantly, all serum samples were found to be non-reactive to SARS-CoV-2, although nearly half (40.0%, n = 246) of the HCWs had been involved directly in the management of acute respiratory illness cases. A proportion of 12.7% (n = 78) of the HCWs reported having underlying health problems, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Despite the presence of medical and sociological risks associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections, the current study found zero prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among the HCWs of USM. Based on the literature survey, the vast majority of Malaysian HCWs demonstrated good IPC practices during the pandemic (average percentage ranged between 92.2% and 99.8%). High compliance with IPC measures may have led to the low seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among the HCWs.
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Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Screening in Healthcare Workers and Its Correlation with Clinical Presentation in Tertiary Care Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal, from November 2020 to January 2021. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2022; 2022:8515051. [PMID: 35116064 PMCID: PMC8805447 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8515051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antibody titer and the life span of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 have been found to be associated with the clinical presentation in individuals. The extent of exposure of healthcare workers and the general public to SARS-CoV-2 needs to be assessed to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, this study is an attempt in assessing the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody in health care workers. Methods This laboratory-based cross-sectional study was performed in Manmohan Memorial Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu from November 2020 to January 2021. A total of 185 HCWs were enrolled in this study. Their serum samples were screened for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, and a structured questionnaire was administered to collect further information. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody screening was performed using lateral flow immunoassay. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results Among 185 HCWs that participated in the study, 41 (22.2%) tested positive for the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody. Of these 41 HCWs, 37 tested positive for IgG only and 4 of them tested positive for both IgM and IgG antibodies. The presence of the previous history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (p < 0.001), the presence of flu-like symptoms within the last 6 months (p < 0.001), and the presence of positive contact history (p=0.002) were statistically significant with the presence of the antibody among HCWs. Conclusion Healthcare workers carry a high burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection and are at risk of acquiring infection from their workplace. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody screening among healthcare workers is highly recommended in multiple healthcare settings as it can help in monitoring transmission dynamics and evaluation of infection control policies.
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Gededzha MP, Jugwanth S, Mampeule N, Zwane N, David A, Scott L, Stevens W, Mayne ES. Evaluation Protocol for SARS-CoV-2 Serological Assays. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2511:307-319. [PMID: 35838970 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2395-4_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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been identified as the causative agent of COVID-19. Accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection is not only important for management of infected individuals but also to break the chain of transmission. Although the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the gold standard for diagnosis of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, there are a number of limitations of these assays, which include the inability to detect past infection and decline in sensitivity 14 days post-symptom onset. There are several serology tests developed for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies including high-throughput serology platforms and lateral flow immunoassays. These tests should be evaluated for their performance to meet local regulations acceptance criteria. To optimize the diagnostic algorithm for SARS-CoV-2, this protocol describes the evaluation of serological antibody testing using various automated serology platforms and lateral flow immunoassays. This protocol was evaluated in both serum and plasma samples. The sample preparation, procedure, and data analysis are described. The protocol can be adapted for any serological testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maemu P Gededzha
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Sarika Jugwanth
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nakampe Mampeule
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nontobeko Zwane
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Anura David
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lesley Scott
- National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Wendy Stevens
- National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth S Mayne
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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