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Bassanello M, Geppini R, Bonsembiante E, Coli U, Farencena A, D’Aquino M, Gambaro A, Buja A, Baldovin T. Risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the close contacts in a small rural area in the Veneto Region (NE-Italy): past evidence for future scenarios. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1223109. [PMID: 37732097 PMCID: PMC10507707 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1223109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background During the first pandemic phase of COVID-19, an epidemiological study, named First survey, was conducted on the population of a small rural area in northern Italy. In spring 2020, the results showed how a prolonged lockdown slowed down the spread of the virus. Methods After contacting positive First Survey subjects and their families, those who decided to join voluntarily underwent a blood test to assess the presence of qualitative lgG about 2 months after the previous one. This was to determine if IgG persisted in individuals who tested positive in the First Survey as well as to assess the antibody status of their close family members, to determine if they were unintentionally infected. Results Based on serological analysis, 35.1% of the samples contained blood IgG. In subjects who tested positive during the First Survey, 62.5% remained IgG positive more than 2 months later. Among family members who were exposed to a positive relative, 23.7% were infected. Linear regression analysis showed that the presence of an infected person within a household resulted in the infection spreading to the others, but not excessively. Induced isolation extinguished the infection regardless of the extent of the contagion (intra-family or extra-family). Micro-outbreaks of SARS-Cov-2 infection which arose in the same household from extra-familial infections played a decisive role on the statistical significance of IgG-positive subjects (p < 0.001). Discussion The study reveal 52.6% of the IgG-positive subjects in the Second Survey came from the First Survey and 47.4% were family members previously in contact with positive subjects. Data suggest that there have been undiagnosed patients feeding the spread of the virus since the beginning of the pandemic. In conclusion, for future pandemics, it will be necessary: i) to ensure the rapid isolation of symptomatic patients and the early identification of their close contacts, ii) to carry out the maximum number of tests in the shortest possible time, both on symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects, and iii) to implement information campaigns to make people aware of their risks, and implement clear, non-conflicting communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bassanello
- Emergency and Health Department, Monastier di Treviso Hospital, Treviso, Italy
- Hygiene and Public Health Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Ruggero Geppini
- Hygiene and Public Health Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Ugo Coli
- Health Department, Monastier di Treviso Hospital, Treviso, Italy
| | - Aldo Farencena
- Laboratory and Microbiology Monastier di Treviso Hospital, Treviso, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Gambaro
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics (DAIS), Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy
| | - Alessandra Buja
- Hygiene and Public Health Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Tatjana Baldovin
- Hygiene and Public Health Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Zizza A, Sedile R, Bagordo F, Panico A, Guido M, Grassi T, Banchelli F, Grima P. Factors Associated with Pneumonia in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19 and the Role of Vaccination. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1342. [PMID: 37631910 PMCID: PMC10458032 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11081342] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with COVID-19 can develop different forms of the illness with more or less severe symptoms. A 2-year retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the factors associated with the development of pneumonia in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 from March 2020 to February 2022. A total of 385 patients (59.0% males) with a mean age of 69.0 ± 16.0 years were included. At hospital admission, 318 patients (82.6%) reported one or more comorbidities, namely 201 (52.2%) subjects were affected by hypertension, 98 (25.5%) type 2 diabetes, 84 (21.8%) obesity, 36 (9.4%) cancer, and 14 (3.6%) suffered from kidney disease and were being treated with dialysis, and 76 (19.7%) resulted in being vaccinated with a higher prevalence of BNT162b2 vaccine (15.0%). Pneumonia was diagnosed in 276 (71.7%) patients. Multivariate regression analysis showed that pneumonia in COVID-19 patients was positively associated with type 2 diabetes (OR 1.81; 95% CI 1.00-3.27), obesity (OR 2.52; 95% CI 1.27-4.98), and negatively with hypertension (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.35-0.96). Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 resulted in a strongly protective factor against the development of pneumonia in COVID-19 patients (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.28-0.85).
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Zizza
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Raffaella Sedile
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Francesco Bagordo
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Panico
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.P.); (M.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Marcello Guido
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.P.); (M.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Tiziana Grassi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.P.); (M.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Federico Banchelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy;
- Unit of Statistical and Methodological Support to Clinical Research, University Hospital of Modena, 41121 Modena, Italy
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Comparative Performance of Serological (IgM/IgG) and Molecular Testing (RT-PCR) of COVID-19 in Three Private Universities in Cameroon during the Pandemic. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020407. [PMID: 36851621 PMCID: PMC9966400 DOI: 10.3390/v15020407] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 remains a rapidly evolving and deadly pandemic worldwide. This necessitates the continuous assessment of existing diagnostic tools for a robust, up-to-date, and cost-effective pandemic response strategy. We sought to determine the infection rate (PCR-positivity) and degree of spread (IgM/IgG) of SARS-CoV-2 in three university settings in Cameroon Method: Study volunteers were recruited from November 2020 to July 2021 among COVID-19 non-vaccinated students in three Universities from two regions of Cameroon (West and Centre). Molecular testing was performed by RT-qPCR on nasopharyngeal swabs, and IgM/IgG antibodies in plasma were detected using the Abbott Panbio IgM/IgG rapid diagnostic test (RDT) at the Virology Laboratory of CREMER/IMPM/MINRESI. The molecular and serological profiles were compared, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Amongst the 291 participants enrolled (mean age 22.59 ± 10.43 years), 19.59% (57/291) were symptomatic and 80.41% (234/291) were asymptomatic. The overall COVID-19 PCR-positivity rate was 21.31% (62/291), distributed as follows: 25.25% from UdM-Bangangte, 27.27% from ISSBA-Yaounde, and 5% from IUEs/INSAM-Yaounde. Women were more affected than men (28.76% [44/153] vs. 13.04% [18/138], p < 0.0007), and had higher seropositivity rates to IgM+/IgG+ (15.69% [24/153] vs. 7.25% [10/138], p < 0.01). Participants from Bangangté, the nomadic, and the "non-contact cases" primarily presented an active infection compared to those from Yaoundé (p= 0.05, p = 0.05, and p = 0.01, respectively). Overall IgG seropositivity (IgM-/IgG+ and IgM+/IgG+) was 24.4% (71/291). A proportion of 26.92% (7/26) presenting COVID-19 IgM+/IgG- had negative PCR vs. 73.08% (19/26) with positive PCR, p < 0.0001. Furthermore, 17.65% (6/34) with COVID-19 IgM+/IgG+ had a negative PCR as compared to 82.35% with a positive PCR (28/34), p < 0.0001. Lastly, 7.22% (14/194) with IgM-/IgG- had a positive PCR. CONCLUSION This study calls for a rapid preparedness and response strategy in higher institutes in the case of any future pathogen with pandemic or epidemic potential. The observed disparity between IgG/IgM and the viral profile supports prioritizing assays targeting the virus (nucleic acid or antigen) for diagnosis and antibody screening for sero-surveys.
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Ghasemi D, Araeynejad F, Maghsoud O, Gerami N, Keihan AH, Rezaie E, Mehdizadeh S, Hosseinzadeh R, Mohammadi R, Bahardoust M, Heiat M. The Trend of IgG and IgM Antibodies During 6-Month Period After the Disease Episode in COVID-19 Patients. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, TRANSACTIONS A: SCIENCE 2022; 46:1555-1562. [PMCID: PMC9702912 DOI: 10.1007/s40995-022-01382-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Grassi T, Lobreglio G, Panico A, Rosato C, Zizza A, Lazzari R, Chicone M, Indino F, Bagordo F. Kinetics of Humoral Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in Healthcare Workers after the Third Dose of BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10111948. [PMID: 36423043 PMCID: PMC9696835 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10111948] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Protection provided by COVID-19 vaccines is compromised due to waning immunity over time. This study aimed to assess the level of antibodies anti-S-RBD of SARS-CoV-2 in a cohort of healthcare workers before and, on average, one and four months after the third dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine. The determination of antibodies was carried out in serum samples using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). All 34 participants (10 males, 24 females, 19 participants <50 years old, 15 participants ≥50 years old) showed a significant antibody level increase after the booster dose. Subsequently, a significant decrease in the antibody concentration was observed, with a reduction of about 60% after 150 days from the booster. Six subjects were infected by SARS-CoV-2 after the booster and showed a significantly higher antibody concentration on average four months after the third dose compared to naïve ones. Male and female participants had a similar trend in the antibody decline, while older subjects, compared to the younger ones, had a slightly slower decrease, even if they developed a lower level of antibodies after the third dose. These findings support the importance of the booster dose and underline the need for surveillance programs to better understand the antibody kinetics and optimize vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Grassi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Giambattista Lobreglio
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Unit, Vito Fazzi General Hospital, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Alessandra Panico
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (A.Z.)
| | - Chiara Rosato
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Unit, Vito Fazzi General Hospital, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Antonella Zizza
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (A.Z.)
| | - Roberta Lazzari
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Unit, Vito Fazzi General Hospital, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Michele Chicone
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Unit, Vito Fazzi General Hospital, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Floriano Indino
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Unit, Vito Fazzi General Hospital, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Francesco Bagordo
- Department of Pharmacy—Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy
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Muslim Dawood S, Khudhur Al Joofy I. Evaluation of IgM and IgG in COVID-19 Recovered Patients in Iraq. ARCHIVES OF RAZI INSTITUTE 2022; 77:1191-1197. [PMID: 36618307 PMCID: PMC9759244 DOI: 10.22092/ari.2022.357515.2054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is a major threat to health care worldwide with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, understanding the role of immune mechanisms and humoral response is vital in this disease. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between Immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG) in COVID-19 recovered patients with age, gender, and severity of the disease. The duration of effect of antibody levels and protection against re-infection has also been evaluated in the patients. Three groups participated in this study; group 1: 0-14 days after recovery, group 2: 2 months after recovery, group 3: 3 months after recovery, group 4: 4-6 months after recovery, group 5: more than 6 months. The nasopharyngeal swab was used to confirm recovery by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) technique. IgM and IgG antibody levels were evaluated using Enzyme-Linked Immuno Fluorescent Assay (ELIFA) technique. The results indicated that the IgM levels increased for one month during the seven days after infection and then decreased in most patients (P≤0.05). The mean of IgG in group 1 increased compared to those of other studied groups. A significant decrease was observed in group 2 compared to group 1, as well as in group 3 compared to groups 1, and 2. Also, a significant difference existed between group 4 compared to groups 1, 2, and 3. Finally, significant differences were noticed between group 5 compared to groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 (P≤0.05). No significant differences were observed in antibodies level between male, and female COVID-19 recovered patients in groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 (P≤0.05). Finally, highly significant differences in IgG levels between mild, moderate, and severe subgroups in groups 1 and 2. The present study demonstrated that IgM and IgG against SARS-CoV-2 appeared in the early stages of the disease and decreased after 1 month and failed to maintain high levels during the 6-month observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Muslim Dawood
- Educational Laboratories, Unit of Clinical Immunology, Baghdad Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - I Khudhur Al Joofy
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
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Thapa D, Samadi N, Baker A, dos Santos C, Trahtemberg U, Tabatabaei N. Rapid and Low-Cost Detection and Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Titers of ICU Patients with Respiratory Deterioration Using a Handheld Thermo-Photonic Device. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061424. [PMID: 35740446 PMCID: PMC9220023 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
While research suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are effective in producing anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies that reduce the risk of COVID-19 and its potentially severe complications, how long these antibodies persist after the infection/vaccination is unknown. Longitudinal studies and rapid and scalable platforms are needed for large-scale sero-diagnosis and vaccine evaluation. In this study, we examine the efficacy of our recently-developed handheld thermo-photonic device for rapid and low-cost assessment of the adaptive immune response of COVID+ and COVID− patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at a local hospital due to respiratory deterioration. Antibody testing included detection and quantification of IgG and IgM via thermo-photonic sensing of a commercially available COVID-19 IgG/IgM rapid test as well as standard measurements with quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (qELISA). The results demonstrate that the thermo-photonic reader in conjunction with COVID-19 IgG/IgM test cassettes can detect and quantify IgG levels in COVID-19 antibody assays within the clinically relevant range and with a high correlation to those obtained from qELISA. We also found that the IgG antibody is more reliable for detecting individuals with an adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2 compared to the IgM antibody. The developed reader offers a low-cost, portable, and scalable solution for accessing the antibody titer of individuals against SARS-CoV-2 and can be used in local hospital settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damber Thapa
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada; (D.T.); (N.S.)
| | - Nakisa Samadi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada; (D.T.); (N.S.)
| | - Andrew Baker
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (A.B.); (C.d.S.)
| | - Claudia dos Santos
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (A.B.); (C.d.S.)
| | - Uriel Trahtemberg
- Critical Care Department, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 2210001, Israel;
- Keenan Research Centre of Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Nima Tabatabaei
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada; (D.T.); (N.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Panico A, Lobreglio G, Bagordo F, Zizza A, De Donno A, Rosato C, Lazzari R, Chicone M, Indino F, Recchia V, Alifano P, Grassi T. Antibody Response in Healthcare Workers before and after the Third Dose of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine: A Pilot Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:862. [PMID: 35746470 PMCID: PMC9229040 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10060862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to the development of various vaccines. The BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine was the first approved due to its efficacy in eliciting a humoral immunity response after the second dose. However, a decrease in the antibody concentration was observed over time. Therefore, the administration of a third dose was scheduled, primarily for frail people and workers of essential public activities. The aim of this study was to assess the level of antibodies against the spike (S) RBD of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers before and after the third dose of BNT162b2 vaccine, according to sex, age, and the time interval between vaccine doses and tests. All 37 (12 males, 25 females, 19 < 50 years old, 18 ≥ 50 years old) healthcare workers recruited showed a consistent antibody titer increase after the third dose. Data analysis showed that the antibody concentration before the third dose significantly decreased as the time interval up to the test increased, and a significantly higher level was shown in young than older people. Cluster analysis revealed that young females had a higher antibody level than older females before the third dose (p < 0.05). This study indicated the benefit of the third dose of BNT162b2 vaccine and its effect on leveling up the humoral immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Panico
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.P.); (A.D.D.); (P.A.); (T.G.)
| | - Giambattista Lobreglio
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Unit, Vito Fazzi General Hospital, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (G.L.); (C.R.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (F.I.)
| | - Francesco Bagordo
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Antonella Zizza
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Antonella De Donno
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.P.); (A.D.D.); (P.A.); (T.G.)
| | - Chiara Rosato
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Unit, Vito Fazzi General Hospital, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (G.L.); (C.R.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (F.I.)
| | - Roberta Lazzari
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Unit, Vito Fazzi General Hospital, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (G.L.); (C.R.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (F.I.)
| | - Michele Chicone
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Unit, Vito Fazzi General Hospital, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (G.L.); (C.R.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (F.I.)
| | - Floriano Indino
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Unit, Vito Fazzi General Hospital, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (G.L.); (C.R.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (F.I.)
| | - Virginia Recchia
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Pietro Alifano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.P.); (A.D.D.); (P.A.); (T.G.)
| | - Tiziana Grassi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.P.); (A.D.D.); (P.A.); (T.G.)
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Kurano M, Ohmiya H, Kishi Y, Okada J, Nakano Y, Yokoyama R, Qian C, Xia F, He F, Zheng L, Yu Y, Jubishi D, Okamoto K, Moriya K, Kodama T, Yatomi Y. Measurement of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Titers Improves the Prediction Accuracy of COVID-19 Maximum Severity by Machine Learning in Non-Vaccinated Patients. Front Immunol 2022; 13:811952. [PMID: 35126396 PMCID: PMC8814445 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.811952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have suggested that the titers of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 are associated with the COVID-19 severity, however, the types of antibodies associated with the disease maximum severity and the timing at which the associations are best observed, especially within one week after symptom onset, remain controversial. We attempted to elucidate the antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 that are associated with the maximum severity of COVID-19 in the early phase of the disease, and to investigate whether antibody testing might contribute to prediction of the disease maximum severity in COVID-19 patients. We classified the patients into four groups according to the disease maximum severity (severity group 1 (did not require oxygen supplementation), severity group 2a (required oxygen supplementation at low flow rates), severity group 2b (required oxygen supplementation at relatively high flow rates), and severity group 3 (required mechanical ventilatory support)), and serially measured the titers of IgM, IgG, and IgA against the nucleocapsid protein, spike protein, and receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 until day 12 after symptom onset. The titers of all the measured antibody responses were higher in severity group 2b and 3, especially severity group 2b, as early as at one week after symptom onset. Addition of data obtained from antibody testing improved the ability of analysis models constructed using a machine learning technique to distinguish severity group 2b and 3 from severity group 1 and 2a. These models constructed with non-vaccinated COVID-19 patients could not be applied to the cases of breakthrough infections. These results suggest that antibody testing might help physicians identify non-vaccinated COVID-19 patients who are likely to require admission to an intensive care unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Kurano
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Makoto Kurano,
| | - Hiroko Ohmiya
- Business Planning Department, Sales & Marketing Division, Medical & Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiro Kishi
- Business Planning Department, Sales & Marketing Division, Medical & Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Okada
- Business Planning Department, Sales & Marketing Division, Medical & Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Nakano
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rin Yokoyama
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chungen Qian
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of Ministry of Education at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fuzhen Xia
- Reagent R&D Center, Shenzhen YHLO Biotech Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fan He
- Reagent R&D Center, Shenzhen YHLO Biotech Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liang Zheng
- Reagent R&D Center, Shenzhen YHLO Biotech Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Yu
- Reagent R&D Center, Shenzhen YHLO Biotech Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China
| | - Daisuke Jubishi
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koh Okamoto
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyoji Moriya
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Kodama
- Laboratory for Systems Biology and Medicine, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Yatomi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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10
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Yokoyama R, Kurano M, Nakano Y, Morita Y, Ohmiya H, Kishi Y, Okada J, Qian C, Xia F, He F, Zheng L, Yu Y, Mizoguchi M, Higurashi Y, Harada S, Jubishi D, Okamoto K, Moriya K, Kodama T, Yatomi Y. Association of the Serum Levels of the Nucleocapsid Antigen of SARS-CoV-2 With the Diagnosis, Disease Severity, and Antibody Titers in Patients With COVID-19: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:791489. [PMID: 34956158 PMCID: PMC8696188 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.791489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Several types of laboratory tests for COVID-19 have been established to date; however, the clinical significance of the serum SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) antigen levels remains to be fully elucidated. In the present study, we attempted to elucidate the usefulness and clinical significance of the serum N antigen levels. Methods: We measured the serum N antigen levels in 391 serum samples collected from symptomatic patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and 96 serum samples collected from patients with non-COVID-19, using a fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer. Results: Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified the optimal cutoff value of the serum N antigen level (cutoff index, based on Youden’s index) as 0.255, which yielded a sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of COVID-19 of 91.0 and 81.3%, respectively. The serum N antigen levels were significantly higher in the patient groups with moderate and severe COVID-19 than with mild disease. Moreover, a significant negative correlation was observed between the serum N antigen levels and the SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody titers, especially in patients with severe COVID-19. Conclusion: Serum N antigen testing might be useful both for the diagnosis of COVID-19 and for obtaining a better understanding of the clinical features of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rin Yokoyama
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Kurano
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Nakano
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Morita
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroko Ohmiya
- Sales and Marketing Division, Business Planning Department, Medical and Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiro Kishi
- Sales and Marketing Division, Business Planning Department, Medical and Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Okada
- Sales and Marketing Division, Business Planning Department, Medical and Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chungen Qian
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fuzhen Xia
- Reagent R and D Center, Shenzhen YHLO Biotech Co., Ltd., Guangdong, China
| | - Fan He
- Reagent R and D Center, Shenzhen YHLO Biotech Co., Ltd., Guangdong, China
| | - Liang Zheng
- Reagent R and D Center, Shenzhen YHLO Biotech Co., Ltd., Guangdong, China
| | - Yi Yu
- Reagent R and D Center, Shenzhen YHLO Biotech Co., Ltd., Guangdong, China
| | - Miyuki Mizoguchi
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Higurashi
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sohei Harada
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Jubishi
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koh Okamoto
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyoji Moriya
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Kodama
- Laboratory for Systems Biology and Medicine, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Yatomi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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11
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Larribère L, Gordejeva J, Kuhnhenn L, Kurscheidt M, Pobiruchin M, Vladimirova D, Martin M, Roser M, Schramm W, Martens UM, Eigenbrod T. Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Healthcare Workers of a German COVID-19 Treatment Center. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7057. [PMID: 34281000 PMCID: PMC8297119 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
To date, more than 160 million people have been infected with COVID-19 worldwide. In the present study, we investigated the history of SARS-CoV-2 infection among 3067 healthcare workers (HCW) in a German COVID-19 treatment center during the early phase of the pandemic (July 2020) based on the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and self-reported previous PCR results. The results demonstrate a low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 107 [3.5%]) with no increased risk for employees with a high level of patient exposure in general or working in COVID-19-confined areas in particular. This suggests that the local hygiene standards implemented in our hospital during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic were effective in preventing patient-to-HCW transmission. No evidence for highly mobile staff serving as a vector for SARS-CoV-2 transmission could be found. In addition, impairment of smell and/or taste was strongly associated with SARS-CoV-2 history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Larribère
- Cancer Center Heilbronn-Franken, SLK Clinics Heilbronn GmbH, 74078 Heilbronn, Germany; (D.V.); (U.M.M.)
| | - Jelizaveta Gordejeva
- GECKO Institute for Medicine, Informatics and Economics, Hochschule Heilbronn, 74081 Heilbronn, Germany; (J.G.); (M.K.); (M.P.); (W.S.)
| | - Lisa Kuhnhenn
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, SLK Clinics Heilbronn GmbH, 74078 Heilbronn, Germany; (L.K.); (M.R.); (T.E.)
| | - Maximilian Kurscheidt
- GECKO Institute for Medicine, Informatics and Economics, Hochschule Heilbronn, 74081 Heilbronn, Germany; (J.G.); (M.K.); (M.P.); (W.S.)
| | - Monika Pobiruchin
- GECKO Institute for Medicine, Informatics and Economics, Hochschule Heilbronn, 74081 Heilbronn, Germany; (J.G.); (M.K.); (M.P.); (W.S.)
| | - Dilyana Vladimirova
- Cancer Center Heilbronn-Franken, SLK Clinics Heilbronn GmbH, 74078 Heilbronn, Germany; (D.V.); (U.M.M.)
| | - Maria Martin
- Institute for Infection Prevention and Clinical Hygiene, SLK Clinics Heilbronn GmbH, 74078 Heilbronn, Germany;
| | - Markus Roser
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, SLK Clinics Heilbronn GmbH, 74078 Heilbronn, Germany; (L.K.); (M.R.); (T.E.)
| | - Wendelin Schramm
- GECKO Institute for Medicine, Informatics and Economics, Hochschule Heilbronn, 74081 Heilbronn, Germany; (J.G.); (M.K.); (M.P.); (W.S.)
| | - Uwe M. Martens
- Cancer Center Heilbronn-Franken, SLK Clinics Heilbronn GmbH, 74078 Heilbronn, Germany; (D.V.); (U.M.M.)
| | - Tatjana Eigenbrod
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, SLK Clinics Heilbronn GmbH, 74078 Heilbronn, Germany; (L.K.); (M.R.); (T.E.)
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12
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Knies A, Ladage D, Braun RJ, Kimpel J, Schneider M. Persistence of humoral response upon SARS-CoV-2 infection. Rev Med Virol 2021; 32:e2272. [PMID: 34191369 PMCID: PMC8420449 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
SARS‐CoV‐2 continues to leave its toll on global health and the economy. Management of the pandemic will rely heavily on the degree of adaptive immunity persistence following natural SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Along with the progression of the pandemic, more literature on the persistence of the SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibody response is becoming available. Here, we summarize findings on the persistence of the humoral, including neutralizing antibody, response at three to eight months post SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in non‐pregnant adults. While the comparability of the literature is limited, findings on the detectability of immunoglobulin G class of antibodies (IgG) were most consistent and were reported in most studies to last for six to eight months. Studies investigating the response of immunoglobins M and A (IgM, IgA) were limited and reported mixed results, in particular, for IgM. The majority of studies observed neutralizing antibodies at all time points tested, which in some studies lasted up to eight months. The presence of neutralizing antibodies has been linked to protection from re‐infection, suggesting long‐term immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2. These neutralizing capacities may be challenged by emerging virus variants, but mucosal antibodies as well as memory B and T cells may optimize future immune responses. Thus, further longitudinal investigation of PCR‐confirmed seropositive individuals using sensitive assays is warranted to elucidate the nature and duration of a more long‐term humoral response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Knies
- Department of Scientific Coordination and Management, Danube Private University, Krems/Donau, Austria
| | - Dennis Ladage
- Department of Internal Medicine, Danube Private University, Krems/Donau, Austria
| | - Ralf J Braun
- Research Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Danube Private University, Krems/Donau, Austria
| | - Janine Kimpel
- Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Miriam Schneider
- Department of Scientific Coordination and Management, Danube Private University, Krems/Donau, Austria
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13
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Cimolai N. Passive Immunity Should and Will Work for COVID-19 for Some Patients. Clin Hematol Int 2021; 3:47-68. [PMID: 34595467 PMCID: PMC8432400 DOI: 10.2991/chi.k.210328.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the absence of effective antiviral chemotherapy and still in the context of emerging vaccines for severe acute respiratory syndrome-CoV-2 infections, passive immunotherapy remains a key treatment and possible prevention strategy. What might initially be conceived as a simplified donor-recipient process, the intricacies of donor plasma, IV immunoglobulins, and monoclonal antibody modality applications are becoming more apparent. Key targets of such treatment have largely focused on virus neutralization and the specific viral components of the attachment Spike protein and its constituents (e.g., receptor binding domain, N-terminal domain). The cumulative laboratory and clinical experience suggests that beneficial protective and treatment outcomes are possible. Both a dose- and a time-dependency emerge. Lesser understood are the concepts of bioavailability and distribution. Apart from direct antigen binding from protective immunoglobulins, antibody effector functions have potential roles in outcome. In attempting to mimic the natural but variable response to infection or vaccination, a strong functional polyclonal approach attracts the potential benefits of attacking antigen diversity, high antibody avidity, antibody persistence, and protection against escape viral mutation. The availability and ease of administration for any passive immunotherapy product must be considered in the current climate of need. There is never a perfect product, but yet there is considerable room for improving patient outcomes. Given the variability of human genetics, immunity, and disease, and given the nuances of the virus and its potential for change, passive immunotherapy can be developed that will be effective for some but not all patients. An understanding of such patient variability and limitations is just as important as the understanding of the direct interactions between immunotherapy and virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevio Cimolai
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s and Women’s Health Centre of British Columbia, 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6H 3V4
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14
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AL-Ibraheemi JSS, AL-Saeedi AS. The relationship between IgG and IgM levels and severity of symptoms in COVID-19 patients confirmed by rapid antigen test. J Med Life 2021; 14:790-796. [PMID: 35126749 PMCID: PMC8811674 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2021-0194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to measure immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) response after detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS CoV-2) antigens in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients concerning the severity of symptoms. SARS CoV-2 antigen was confirmed by rapid antigen test, and IgG and IgM were confirmed by VIDAS® SARS-COV-2 IgM and VIDAS® SARS-CoV-2 IgG automated qualitative assays used to rapidly detect antibodies 20–30 days after detection. The serological assay for detecting SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies shows a positive correlation for all patients detected with SARS-CoV-2 antigen with sensitivity 100% with differences in antibodies levels between patients regarding age and significantly related clinical symptoms with p-value 0.013 <0.05. The appearance of clinical symptoms was not significantly related to IgG levels at a p-value of 0.4 >0.05. However, the appearance of clinical symptoms was significantly related to IgM levels at a p-value of 0.002 <0.05. Antigen-dependent rapid tests can be used to detect SARS-CoV-2 in an early stage of infection with high sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, this study shows the age groups 21–30 and 31–40 have a better response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasim Saeed Salman AL-Ibraheemi
- College of Medicine, University of Al-Ameed, Karbala, Iraq,Corresponding Author: Jasim Saeed Salman AL-Ibraheemi, College of Medicine, University of Al-Ameed, Karbala, Iraq. Phone: 009647801010887; E-mail: ;
| | - Abdul-Sattar AL-Saeedi
- Basic and Medical Sciences Branch, College of Nursing, University of Al-Ameed, Karbala, Iraq
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