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Poniedziałek B, Sikora D, Hallmann E, Brydak L, Rzymski P. Influenza vaccination as a prognostic factor of humoral IgA responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cent Eur J Immunol 2024; 49:11-18. [PMID: 38812601 PMCID: PMC11130984 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2024.135462] [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: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
There is evidence that influenza vaccination may provide additional benefits by inducing training of innate immunity and increasing humoral responses to heterologous challenges. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies dominate the early phase of the adaptive response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, but whether their production may be associated with previous influenza vaccination has not been a subject of any study. This study compared serum SARS-CoV-2-specific IgA responses, measured with Microblot-Array assay, in individuals who experienced COVID-19 (N = 1318) and differed in the status of the seasonal influenza vaccine, age, sex, and disease severity. Influenza-vaccinated individuals had a higher seroprevalence of IgA antibodies against nucleocapsid (anti-NP; by 10.1%), receptor-binding domain of spike protein (anti-RBD; by 11.8%) and the S2 subunit of spike protein (anti-S2; by 6.8%). Multivariate analysis, including age, sex, and COVID-19 severity, confirmed that receiving the influenza vaccine was associated with higher odds of being seropositive for anti-NP (OR, 95% CI = 1.57, 1.2-2.0), anti-RBD (OR, 95% CI = 1.6, 1.3-2.0), and anti-S2 (OR, 95% CI = 1.9, 1.4-2.7), as well as being seropositive for at least one anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA antibody (OR, 95% CI = 1.7, 1.3-2.1) and all three of them (OR, 95% CI = 2.6, 1.7-4.0). Age ≥ 50 years was an additional factor predicting better IgA responses. However, the concentration of particular antibodies in seropositive subjects did not differ in relation to the influenza vaccination status. The study evidenced that influenza vaccination was associated with improved serum IgA levels produced in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further studies are necessary to assess whether trained immunity is involved in the observed phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Poniedziałek
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Dominika Sikora
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Ewelina Hallmann
- Laboratory of Influenza Viruses and Respiratory Infection Viruses, Department of Virology at the National Institute of Public Health NIH – National Research Institute in Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Brydak
- Laboratory of Influenza Viruses and Respiratory Infection Viruses, Department of Virology at the National Institute of Public Health NIH – National Research Institute in Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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2
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Mayor A, Ishengoma DS, Proctor JL, Verity R. Sampling for malaria molecular surveillance. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:954-968. [PMID: 37730525 PMCID: PMC10580323 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Strategic use of Plasmodium falciparum genetic variation has great potential to inform public health actions for malaria control and elimination. Malaria molecular surveillance (MMS) begins with a strategy to identify and collect parasite samples, guided by public-health priorities. In this review we discuss sampling design practices for MMS and point out epidemiological, biological, and statistical factors that need to be considered. We present examples for different use cases, including detecting emergence and spread of rare variants, establishing transmission sources and inferring changes in malaria transmission intensity. This review will potentially guide the collection of samples and data, serve as a starting point for further methodological innovation, and enhance utilization of MMS to support malaria elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Mayor
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique; Department of Physiologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique.
| | - Deus S Ishengoma
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua L Proctor
- Institute for Disease Modeling in Global Health, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Robert Verity
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College, London, UK
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3
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Kowalska M, de Winter P, Godderis L, Boone A, Szemik S. Hospital medical care and the COVID-19 mortality in METEOR partner countries (the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, And Poland). Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2023; 36:417-427. [PMID: 37681429 PMCID: PMC10663996 DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.02187] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Healthcare systems in European countries, including METEOR partner countries, are faced with the aging population, an increase in costs for innovative technologies and medication, a shortage of health professionals, and inequality in access to healthcare. Presented paper aimed to recognize and compare the functioning of healthcare systems between METEOR partner countries and simultaneously check if the current epidemiological situation of COVID-19 has some relationship with the number of medical staff, yearly gross domestic product, or documented percentage of fully vaccinated people. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the model of descriptive epidemiological study, available demographic, socioeconomic, and healthcare organizational data in the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and Poland were compared to the epidemiological situation of the COVID-19 pandemic (percentage of fully vaccinated people, incidence, and mortality) in all mentioned countries. RESULTS Obtained data confirmed that the lowest number of physicians, as well as the life expectancy and gross domestic product per capita, is in Poland. Simultaneously, the lower number of medical staff and lower gross domestic product (GDP) correspond to higher mortality due to COVID-19. The percentage of fully vaccinated with the last dose of the primary series was also the lowest in Poland. CONCLUSIONS Obtained results confirmed that higher mortality due to COVID-19 in METEOR participants' countries is related to a lower number of medical staff and weaker GDP. The worse situation was noted in Poland, a country with problems in the functioning healthcare system, including hospital care and a serious shortage of practicing medical staff. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(3):417-27.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Kowalska
- The Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Department of Epidemiology, School of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Peter de Winter
- Spaarne Gasthuis, Department of Pediatrics, Haarlem and Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
- KU Leuven, Leuven Child and Health Institute, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lode Godderis
- KU Leuven, Centre for Environment and Health, Leuven, Belgium
- IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anke Boone
- KU Leuven, Centre for Environment and Health, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Szymon Szemik
- The Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Department of Epidemiology, School of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
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4
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Yu EA, Jackman RP, Glesby MJ, Narayan KV. Bidirectionality between Cardiometabolic Diseases and COVID-19: Role of Humoral Immunity. Adv Nutr 2023; 14:1145-1158. [PMID: 37302794 PMCID: PMC10256583 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.06.003] [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: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiometabolic diseases and abnormalities have recently emerged as independent risk factors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity, including hospitalizations, invasive mechanical ventilation, and mortality. Determining whether and how this observation translates to more effective long-term pandemic mitigation strategies remains a challenge due to key research gaps. Specific pathways by which cardiometabolic pathophysiology affects humoral immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and vice versa, remain unclear. This review summarizes current evidence of the bidirectional influences between cardiometabolic diseases (diabetes, adiposity, hypertension, CVDs) and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies induced from infection and vaccination based on human studies. Ninety-two studies among >408,000 participants in 37 countries on 5 continents (Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America) were included in this review. Obesity was associated with higher neutralizing antibody titers following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most studies conducted prior to vaccinations found positive or null associations between binding antibodies (levels, seropositivity) and diabetes; after vaccinations, antibody responses did not differ by diabetes. Hypertension and CVDs were not associated with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Findings underscore the importance of elucidating the extent that tailored recommendations for COVID-19 prevention, vaccination effectiveness, screening, and diagnoses among people with obesity could reduce disease burden caused by SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine A Yu
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, CA; University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
| | - Rachael P Jackman
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, CA; University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Marshall J Glesby
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Km Venkat Narayan
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA; Emory Global Diabetes Research Center of Woodruff Health Sciences Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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5
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Metzger C, Leroy T, Bochnakian A, Jeulin H, Gegout-Petit A, Legrand K, Schvoerer E, Guillemin F. Seroprevalence and SARS-CoV-2 invasion in general populations: A scoping review over the first year of the pandemic. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0269104. [PMID: 37075077 PMCID: PMC10118383 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, counting infected people has underestimated asymptomatic cases. This literature scoping review assessed the seroprevalence progression in general populations worldwide over the first year of the pandemic. Seroprevalence studies were searched in PubMed, Web of Science and medRxiv databases up to early April 2021. Inclusion criteria were a general population of all ages or blood donors as a proxy. All articles were screened for the title and abstract by two readers, and data were extracted from selected articles. Discrepancies were resolved with a third reader. From 139 articles (including 6 reviews), the seroprevalence estimated in 41 countries ranged from 0 to 69%, with a heterogenous increase over time and continents, unevenly distributed among countries (differences up to 69%) and sometimes among regions within a country (up to 10%). The seroprevalence of asymptomatic cases ranged from 0% to 31.5%. Seropositivity risk factors included low income, low education, low smoking frequency, deprived area residency, high number of children, densely populated centres, and presence of a case in a household. This review of seroprevalence studies over the first year of the pandemic documented the progression of this virus across the world in time and space and the risk factors that influenced its spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémentine Metzger
- CHRU -Nancy, INSERM, Université de Lorraine, CIC Epidémiologie clinique,
F-54000, Nancy, France
| | - Taylor Leroy
- CHRU -Nancy, INSERM, Université de Lorraine, CIC Epidémiologie clinique,
F-54000, Nancy, France
| | - Agathe Bochnakian
- CHRU -Nancy, INSERM, Université de Lorraine, CIC Epidémiologie clinique,
F-54000, Nancy, France
| | - Hélène Jeulin
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, F‐54000, Nancy,
France
- Laboratoire de Virologie, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, F‐54500, Nancy,
France
| | | | - Karine Legrand
- CHRU -Nancy, INSERM, Université de Lorraine, CIC Epidémiologie clinique,
F-54000, Nancy, France
| | - Evelyne Schvoerer
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, F‐54000, Nancy,
France
- Laboratoire de Virologie, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, F‐54500, Nancy,
France
| | - Francis Guillemin
- CHRU -Nancy, INSERM, Université de Lorraine, CIC Epidémiologie clinique,
F-54000, Nancy, France
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Hannum ME, Koch RJ, Ramirez VA, Marks SS, Toskala AK, Herriman RD, Lin C, Joseph PV, Reed DR. Taste loss as a distinct symptom of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Chem Senses 2023; 48:bjad043. [PMID: 38100383 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjad043] [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: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemosensory scientists have been skeptical that reports of COVID-19 taste loss are genuine, in part because before COVID-19 taste loss was rare and often confused with smell loss. Therefore, to establish the predicted prevalence rate of taste loss in COVID-19 patients, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 376 papers published in 2020-2021, with 235 meeting all inclusion criteria. Drawing on previous studies and guided by early meta-analyses, we explored how methodological differences (direct vs. self-report measures) may affect these estimates. We hypothesized that direct measures of taste are at least as sensitive as those obtained by self-report and that the preponderance of evidence confirms taste loss is a symptom of COVID-19. The meta-analysis showed that, among 138,015 COVID-19-positive patients, 36.62% reported taste dysfunction (95% confidence interval: 33.02%-40.39%), and the prevalence estimates were slightly but not significantly higher from studies using direct (n = 15) versus self-report (n = 220) methodologies (Q = 1.73, df = 1, P = 0.1889). Generally, males reported lower rates of taste loss than did females, and taste loss was highest among middle-aged adults. Thus, taste loss is likely a bona fide symptom of COVID-19, meriting further research into the most appropriate direct methods to measure it and its underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie E Hannum
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Riley J Koch
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Vicente A Ramirez
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
- Department of Public Health, University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95348, USA
| | - Sarah S Marks
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Aurora K Toskala
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Riley D Herriman
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Cailu Lin
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Paule V Joseph
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Danielle R Reed
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
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Sugiyama A, Okada F, Abe K, Imada H, Ouoba S, E B, Hussain MRA, Ohisa M, Ko K, Nagashima S, Akita T, Yamazaki S, Yokozaki M, Kishita E, Tanaka J. A longitudinal study of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence in a random sample of the general population in Hiroshima in 2020. Environ Health Prev Med 2022; 27:30. [PMID: 35793938 PMCID: PMC9283912 DOI: 10.1265/ehpm.22-00016] [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] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This longitudinal study aimed to determine chronological changes in the seroprevalence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, including asymptomatic infections in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. METHODS A stratified random sample of 7,500 residents from five cities of Hiroshima Prefecture was selected to participate in a three-round survey from late 2020 to early 2021, before the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine. The seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was calculated if at least two of four commercially available immunoassays were positive. Then, the ratio between seroprevalence and the prevalence of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Hiroshima was calculated and compared to the results from other prefectures where the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare conducted a survey by using the same reagents at almost the same period. RESULTS The numbers of participants in the first, second, and third rounds of the survey were 3025, 2396, and 2351, respectively and their anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies seroprevalences were 0.03% (95% confidence interval: 0.00-0.10%), 0.08% (0.00-0.20%), and 0.30% (0.08-0.52%), respectively. The ratio between the seroprevalence and the prevalence of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Hiroshima was 1.2, which was smaller than that in similar studies in other prefectures. CONCLUSIONS The seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Hiroshima increased tenfold in a half year. The difference between seroprevalence and the prevalence of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Hiroshima was smaller than that in other prefectures, suggesting that asymptomatic patients were more actively detected in Hiroshima.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Sugiyama
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University
| | - Fumie Okada
- Hiroshima Prefecture Health and Welfare Bureau
| | - Kanon Abe
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University
| | - Hirohito Imada
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University
| | - Serge Ouoba
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University.,Unité de Recherche Clinique de Nanoro (URCN), Institut de Recherche en Science de la Santé (IRSS)
| | - Bunthen E
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University.,Payment Certification Agency, Ministry of Health
| | - Md Razeen Ashraf Hussain
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University
| | - Masayuki Ohisa
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University
| | - Ko Ko
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University
| | - Shintaro Nagashima
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University
| | - Tomoyuki Akita
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University
| | - Shinichi Yamazaki
- Division of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital
| | - Michiya Yokozaki
- Division of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital
| | | | - Junko Tanaka
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University
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Hajissa K, Islam MA, Hassan SA, Zaidah AR, Ismail N, Mohamed Z. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127257. [PMID: 35742506 PMCID: PMC9223681 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A reliable estimate of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies is increasingly important to track the spread of infection and define the true burden of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted with the objective of estimating the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa. A systematic search of the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar electronic databases was conducted. Thirty-five eligible studies were included. Using meta-analysis of proportions, the overall seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was calculated as 16% (95% CI 13.1-18.9%). Based on antibody isotypes, 14.6% (95% CI 12.2-17.1%) and 11.5% (95% CI 8.7-14.2%) were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM, respectively, while 6.6% (95% CI 4.9-8.3%) were tested positive for both IgM and IgG. Healthcare workers (16.3%) had higher seroprevalence than the general population (11.7%), blood donors (7.5%) and pregnant women (5.7%). The finding of this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) may not accurately reflect the true seroprevalence status of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa, hence, further seroprevalence studies across Africa are required to assess and monitor the growing COVID-19 burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Hajissa
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia; (K.H.); (S.A.H.); (A.R.Z.); (N.I.)
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Omdurman Islamic University, P.O. Box 382, Omdurman 14415, Sudan
| | - Md Asiful Islam
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Correspondence: or (M.A.I.); (Z.M.)
| | - Siti Asma Hassan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia; (K.H.); (S.A.H.); (A.R.Z.); (N.I.)
- Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Rahman Zaidah
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia; (K.H.); (S.A.H.); (A.R.Z.); (N.I.)
- Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
| | - Nabilah Ismail
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia; (K.H.); (S.A.H.); (A.R.Z.); (N.I.)
- Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
| | - Zeehaida Mohamed
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia; (K.H.); (S.A.H.); (A.R.Z.); (N.I.)
- Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
- Correspondence: or (M.A.I.); (Z.M.)
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9
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Levin AT, Owusu-Boaitey N, Pugh S, Fosdick BK, Zwi AB, Malani A, Soman S, Besançon L, Kashnitsky I, Ganesh S, McLaughlin A, Song G, Uhm R, Herrera-Esposito D, de Los Campos G, Peçanha Antonio ACP, Tadese EB, Meyerowitz-Katz G. Assessing the burden of COVID-19 in developing countries: systematic review, meta-analysis and public policy implications. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-008477. [PMID: 35618305 PMCID: PMC9136695 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-008477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The infection fatality rate (IFR) of COVID-19 has been carefully measured and analysed in high-income countries, whereas there has been no systematic analysis of age-specific seroprevalence or IFR for developing countries. METHODS We systematically reviewed the literature to identify all COVID-19 serology studies in developing countries that were conducted using representative samples collected by February 2021. For each of the antibody assays used in these serology studies, we identified data on assay characteristics, including the extent of seroreversion over time. We analysed the serology data using a Bayesian model that incorporates conventional sampling uncertainty as well as uncertainties about assay sensitivity and specificity. We then calculated IFRs using individual case reports or aggregated public health updates, including age-specific estimates whenever feasible. RESULTS In most locations in developing countries, seroprevalence among older adults was similar to that of younger age cohorts, underscoring the limited capacity that these nations have to protect older age groups.Age-specific IFRs were roughly 2 times higher than in high-income countries. The median value of the population IFR was about 0.5%, similar to that of high-income countries, because disparities in healthcare access were roughly offset by differences in population age structure. CONCLUSION The burden of COVID-19 is far higher in developing countries than in high-income countries, reflecting a combination of elevated transmission to middle-aged and older adults as well as limited access to adequate healthcare. These results underscore the critical need to ensure medical equity to populations in developing countries through provision of vaccine doses and effective medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Levin
- Economics, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA.,National Bureau for Economic Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nana Owusu-Boaitey
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sierra Pugh
- Statistics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Bailey K Fosdick
- Department of Statistics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Anthony B Zwi
- School of Social Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anup Malani
- Law School, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Satej Soman
- Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lonni Besançon
- Faculty of Information and Technology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ilya Kashnitsky
- Interdisciplinary Centre on Population Dynamics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sachin Ganesh
- Department of Economics, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | | | - Gayeong Song
- Department of Economics, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Rine Uhm
- Department of Economics, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | | | - Gustavo de Los Campos
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | - Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz
- Western Sydney Diabetes, Western Sydney Local Health District, Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia .,School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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10
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Smagul M, Esmagambetova A, Nusupbaeva G, Kirpicheva U, Kasabekova L, Nukenova G, Saliev T, Fakhradiyev I, Tanabayeva S, Zhussupov B. Sero‐prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in certain cities of Kazakhstan. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e562. [PMID: 35317419 PMCID: PMC8921938 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Seroprevalence studies are needed to determine the cumulative prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and to develop pandemic mitigation strategies. Despite the constant monitoring and surveillance, the true level of infection in the population of Kazakhstan remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the sero‐prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the main cities of Kazakhstan. Methods The research was conducted as a cluster‐randomized cross‐sectional national household study in three cities of Kazakhstan. The study covered the period: from October 24, 2020, to January 11, 2021. A total of 5739 people took part in the study. All participants agreed to be tested for antibodies to IgM/IgG. Demographic characteristics were analyzed. The presence of symptoms of respiratory diseases and the results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing were determined. The antibodies to the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus were detected using the method of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results There was significant geographic variability with a higher prevalence of IgG/IgM antibodies to SARS‐CoV‐2 in Almaty 57.0%, in Oskemen 60.7% than in Kostanay 39.4%. There were no significant differences in prevalence between men and women (p ≥ 0.05). In Almaty, only 19% of participants with antibodies reported the presence of respiratory symptoms during a pandemic. At the same time, the percentage of patients with antibodies who had respiratory symptoms was 36% in Oskemen and 27% in Kostanay. Conclusion The findings indicate that despite reasonable level of seroprevalence, the country has not yet reached the baseline minimum of herd immunity scores. The prevalence estimates for asymptomatic or subclinical forms of the disease ranged from 64% to 81%. Thus, given that almost half of the population of Kazakhstan remains vulnerable, the importance of preventive strategies such as social distancing, the use of medical masks, and vaccination to protect the population from the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 is highly critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manar Smagul
- “Scientific and Practical Center for Sanitary and Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring” Branch of the National Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nur‐Sultan Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Aizhan Esmagambetova
- Committee of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nur‐Sultan Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Gauhar Nusupbaeva
- “Scientific and Practical Center for Sanitary and Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring” Branch of the National Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nur‐Sultan Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Ulyana Kirpicheva
- “Scientific and Practical Center for Sanitary and Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring” Branch of the National Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nur‐Sultan Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Lena Kasabekova
- “Scientific and Practical Center for Sanitary and Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring” Branch of the National Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nur‐Sultan Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Gauhar Nukenova
- “Scientific and Practical Center for Sanitary and Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring” Branch of the National Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nur‐Sultan Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Timur Saliev
- S. D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University Almaty Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Ildar Fakhradiyev
- S. D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University Almaty Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Shynar Tanabayeva
- S. D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University Almaty Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Baurzhan Zhussupov
- S. D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University Almaty Republic of Kazakhstan
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11
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Korona-Głowniak I, Mielnik M, Podgajna M, Grywalska E, Hus M, Matuska K, Wojtysiak-Duma B, Duma D, Glowniak A, Malm A. SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Healthcare Workers before the Vaccination in Poland: Evolution from the First to the Second Pandemic Outbreak. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042319. [PMID: 35206504 PMCID: PMC8871845 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are on the frontline, struggling with the pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To describe recent or past infections, the serological assays enabled the assessment of the immune response developed in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the period when testing was hardly available. In this study, we investigated SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in HCWs in a Polish teaching hospital and the Regional Occupational Medicine Center after both the first and the second waves. ELISA-based tests for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgG were used to determine immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in volunteer HCWs who worked in those institutions in May 2020 (208 participants aged 47.1 ± 12.5, 88% women) and in December 2020 (179 participants aged 45.2 ± 12.4, 86% woman). Risk factors for seropositivity were also assessed using a questionnaire filled out by all participants. We reported a significant increase in seroprevalence after the second wave (22.9%) compared with the first outbreak (2.4%) (OR 12.1; 95%CI 4.6–31.3; p < 0.0001). An association between IgG seroprevalence and severity of infections was noted. Furthermore, we demonstrated that amongst medical personnel, nurses exhibited a proportionally higher SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence. Moreover, given the high seroprevalence in non-clinical group of HCWs, we suggest that community transmission can play a superior role to workplace exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Korona-Głowniak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (K.M.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Michał Mielnik
- Department of Hematooncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (M.H.)
| | - Martyna Podgajna
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.P.); (E.G.)
| | - Ewelina Grywalska
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.P.); (E.G.)
| | - Marek Hus
- Department of Hematooncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (M.H.)
| | - Katarzyna Matuska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (K.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Beata Wojtysiak-Duma
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (B.W.-D.); (D.D.)
| | - Dariusz Duma
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (B.W.-D.); (D.D.)
| | - Andrzej Glowniak
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
- Clinical Department of Electrocardiology, SPSK-4 University Hospital, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Malm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (K.M.); (A.M.)
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12
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Richard A, Wisniak A, Perez-Saez J, Garrison-Desany H, Petrovic D, Piumatti G, Baysson H, Picazio A, Pennacchio F, De Ridder D, Chappuis F, Vuilleumier N, Low N, Hurst S, Eckerle I, Flahault A, Kaiser L, Azman AS, Guessous I, Stringhini S. Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, risk factors for infection and associated symptoms in Geneva, Switzerland: a population-based study. Scand J Public Health 2022; 50:124-135. [PMID: 34664529 PMCID: PMC8808008 DOI: 10.1177/14034948211048050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Aims: To assess SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence over the first epidemic wave in the canton of Geneva, Switzerland, as well as risk factors for infection and symptoms associated with IgG seropositivity. Methods: Between April and June 2020, former participants of a representative survey of the 20-74-year-old population of canton Geneva were invited to participate in the study, along with household members aged over 5 years. Blood samples were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G. Questionnaires were self-administered. We estimated seroprevalence with a Bayesian model accounting for test performance and sampling design. Results: We included 8344 participants, with an overall adjusted seroprevalence of 7.8% (95% credible interval 6.8-8.9). Seroprevalence was highest among 18-49 year-olds (9.5%), and lowest in 5-9-year-old children (4.3%) and individuals >65 years (4.7-5.4%). Odds of seropositivity were significantly reduced for female retirees and unemployed men compared to employed individuals, and smokers compared to non-smokers. We found no significant association between occupation, level of education, neighborhood income and the risk of being seropositive. The symptom most strongly associated with seropositivity was anosmia/dysgeusia. Conclusions: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 population seroprevalence remained low after the first wave in Geneva. Socioeconomic factors were not associated with seropositivity in this sample. The elderly, young children and smokers were less frequently seropositive, although it is not clear how biology and behaviours shape these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aude Richard
- Division of Primary Care, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ania Wisniak
- Division of Primary Care, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Javier Perez-Saez
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
| | | | - Dusan Petrovic
- Division of Primary Care, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland
- University Centre for General Medicine and Public Health (UNISANTE), University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Piumatti
- Division of Primary Care, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland
- Faculty of BioMedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Switzerland
| | - Hélène Baysson
- Division of Primary Care, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland
- Department of Health and Community Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Attilio Picazio
- Division of Primary Care, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland
| | | | - David De Ridder
- Division of Primary Care, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland
- Department of Health and Community Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - François Chappuis
- Department of Health and Community Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Vuilleumier
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Low
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Samia Hurst
- Institute for Ethics, History, and the Humanities, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Isabella Eckerle
- Geneva Center for Emerging Viral Diseases and Laboratory of Virology, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Antoine Flahault
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Health and Community Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Kaiser
- Department of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva Center for Emerging Viral Diseases and Laboratory of Virology, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland
| | - Andrew S. Azman
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
| | - Idris Guessous
- Division of Primary Care, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland
- Department of Health and Community Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Stringhini
- Division of Primary Care, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland
- University Centre for General Medicine and Public Health (UNISANTE), University of Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Health and Community Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
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13
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Hannum ME, Koch RJ, Ramirez VA, Marks SS, Toskala AK, Herriman RD, Lin C, Joseph PV, Reed DR. Taste loss as a distinct symptom of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Chem Senses 2022; 47:bjac001. [PMID: 35171979 PMCID: PMC8849313 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemosensory scientists have been skeptical that reports of COVID-19 taste loss are genuine, in part because before COVID-19 taste loss was rare and often confused with smell loss. Therefore, to establish the predicted prevalence rate of taste loss in COVID-19 patients, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 376 papers published in 2020-2021, with 241 meeting all inclusion criteria. Drawing on previous studies and guided by early meta-analyses, we explored how methodological differences (direct vs. self-report measures) may affect these estimates. We hypothesized that direct measures of taste are at least as sensitive as those obtained by self-report and that the preponderance of evidence confirms taste loss is a symptom of COVID-19. The meta-analysis showed that, among 138,897 COVID-19-positive patients, 39.2% reported taste dysfunction (95% confidence interval: 35.34%-43.12%), and the prevalence estimates were slightly but not significantly higher from studies using direct (n = 18) versus self-report (n = 223) methodologies (Q = 0.57, df = 1, P = 0.45). Generally, males reported lower rates of taste loss than did females, and taste loss was highest among middle-aged adults. Thus, taste loss is likely a bona fide symptom of COVID-19, meriting further research into the most appropriate direct methods to measure it and its underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie E Hannum
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Riley J Koch
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Vicente A Ramirez
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
- Department of Public Health, University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95348, USA
| | - Sarah S Marks
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Aurora K Toskala
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Riley D Herriman
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Cailu Lin
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Paule V Joseph
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Danielle R Reed
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
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14
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Martínez PT, García PD, Salas MR, Sánchez RR, Avendaño-Ortíz J, Guerrero-Monjo S, García F, Llamas MÁ, López-Collazo E, Saz-Leal P, Del Fresno C. SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositivity in a cohort of 449 non-hospitalized individuals during Spanish COVID-19 lockdown. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21612. [PMID: 34732800 PMCID: PMC8566591 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00990-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 led the Spanish government to impose a national lockdown in an attempt to control the spread of the infection. Mobility restrictions and the requirement of a medical prescription for serological testing for COVID-19 were included among the control measures. Under this scenario, between April 15th and June 15th, 2020, we performed an observational study including 449 individuals allowed to be tested according to the governmental restrictions, i.e. fulfilling the following prescription requirements: manifestation of COVID-19-compatible symptoms, contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient, or employment as an essential worker, including health care workers, firefighters and public safety personnel such as police. Importantly, a relevant feature of the studied cohort was that none of the participants had been hospitalized. We analyzed SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositivity in this specific cohort, uncovering intrinsic features of great demographic interest. The overall rate of IgG seropositivity was 33.69% (95% CI: 29.27-38.21). This frequency was comparable among the different participant occupations. A RT-PCR positive test, contact with a household member previously tested positive and the presence of COVID-19-compatible symptoms were positively associated with IgG + results. Among these symptoms, ageusia/anosmia was positively and independently associated with SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositivity, while odynophagia was inversely associated. However, fever, ageusia/anosmia and asthenia were the most frequent symptoms described by IgG + subjects. Therefore, our data illustrate how specific cohorts display particular characteristics that should be taken into account when studying population-wide SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and key defining symptoms of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - José Avendaño-Ortíz
- The Innate Immune Response Group, La Paz University Hospital Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Miguel Ángel Llamas
- EMPIREO Diagnóstico Molecular, Madrid, Spain
- LABIANA Pharmaceuticals SLU, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo López-Collazo
- The Innate Immune Response Group, La Paz University Hospital Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Carlos Del Fresno
- The Innate Immune Response Group, La Paz University Hospital Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain.
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15
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Hannum ME, Koch RJ, Ramirez VA, Marks SS, Toskala AK, Herriman RD, Lin C, Joseph PV, Reed DR. Taste loss as a distinct symptom of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2021:2021.10.09.21264771. [PMID: 34671775 PMCID: PMC8528083 DOI: 10.1101/2021.10.09.21264771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Chemosensory scientists have been skeptical that reports of COVID-19 taste loss are genuine, in part because before COVID-19, taste loss was rare and often confused with smell loss. Therefore, to establish the predicted prevalence rate of taste loss in COVID-19 patients, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 376 papers published in 2020-2021, with 241 meeting all inclusion criteria. Additionally, we explored how methodological differences (direct vs. self-report measures) may affect these estimates. We hypothesized that direct prevalence measures of taste loss would be the most valid because they avoid the taste/smell confusion of self-report. The meta-analysis showed that, among 138,897 COVID-19-positive patients, 39.2% reported taste dysfunction (95% CI: 35.34-43.12%), and the prevalence estimates were slightly but not significantly higher from studies using direct (n = 18) versus self-report (n = 223) methodologies (Q = 0.57, df = 1, p = 0.45). Generally, males reported lower rates of taste loss than did females and taste loss was highest in middle-aged groups. Thus, taste loss is a bona fide symptom COVID-19, meriting further research into the most appropriate direct methods to measure it and its underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Riley J Koch
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104
| | - Vicente A Ramirez
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104
- Department of Public Health, University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95348
| | - Sarah S Marks
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104
| | - Aurora K Toskala
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104
| | - Riley D Herriman
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104
| | - Cailu Lin
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104
| | - Paule V Joseph
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Danielle R Reed
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104
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16
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Gajda M, Kowalska M, Zejda JE. Impact of Two Different Recruitment Procedures (Random vs. Volunteer Selection) on the Results of Seroepidemiological Study (SARS-CoV-2). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189928. [PMID: 34574850 PMCID: PMC8466492 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The proper recruitment of subjects for population-based epidemiological studies is critical to the external validity of the studies and, above all, to the sound and correct interpretation of the findings. Since 2020, the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been a new factor that has been, additionally, hindering studies. Therefore, the aim of our study is to compare demographic, socio-economic, health-related characteristics and the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection occurrence among the randomly selected group and the group composed of volunteers. We compare two groups of participants from the cross-sectional study assessing the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which was conducted in autumn 2020, in three cities of the Silesian Voivodeship in Poland. The first group consisted of a randomly selected, nationally representative, age-stratified sample of subjects (1167 participants, “RG” group) and was recruited using personal invitation letters and postal addresses obtained from a national registry. The second group (4321 volunteers, “VG” group) included those who expressed their willingness to participate in response to an advertisement published in the media. Compared with RG subjects, volunteers were more often females, younger and professionally active, more often had a history of contact with a COVID-19 patient, post-contact nasopharyngeal swab, fewer comorbidities, as well as declared the occurrence of symptoms that might suggest infection with SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, in the VG group the percentage of positive IgG results and tuberculosis vaccination were higher. The findings of the study confirm that surveys limited to volunteers are biased. The presence of the bias may seriously affect and distort inference and make the generalizability of the results more than questionable. Although effective control over selection bias in surveys, including volunteers, is virtually impossible, its impact on the survey results is impossible to predict. However, whenever possible, such surveys could include a small component of a random sample to assess the presence and potential effects of selection bias.
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17
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Vilibic-Cavlek T, Stevanovic V, Ilic M, Barbic L, Capak K, Tabain I, Krleza JL, Ferenc T, Hruskar Z, Topic RZ, Kaliterna V, Antolovic-Pozgain A, Kucinar J, Koscak I, Mayer D, Sviben M, Antolasic L, Milasincic L, Bucic L, Ferencak I, Kaic B. SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence and Neutralizing Antibody Response after the First and Second COVID-19 Pandemic Wave in Croatia. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060774. [PMID: 34203060 PMCID: PMC8235035 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus with a pandemic spread. So far, a total of 349,910 SARS-CoV-2 cases and 7687 deaths were reported in Croatia. We analyzed the seroprevalence and neutralizing (NT) antibody response in the Croatian general population after the first (May–July 2020) and second (December 2020–February 2021) pandemic wave. Initial serological testing was performed using a commercial ELISA, with confirmation of reactive samples by a virus neutralization test (VNT). A significant difference in the overall seroprevalence rate was found after the first (ELISA 2.2%, VNT 0.2%) and second waves (ELISA 25.1%, VNT 18.7%). Seropositive individuals were detected in all age groups, with significant differences according to age. The lowest prevalence of NT antibodies was documented in the youngest (<10 years; 16.1%) and the oldest (60–69/70+ years; 16.0% and 12.8%, respectively) age groups. However, these age groups showed the highest median NT titers (32–64). In other groups, seropositivity varied from 19.3% to 21.5%. A significant weak positive correlation between binding antibody level as detected by ELISA and VNT titer (rho = 0.439, p < 0.001) was observed. SARS-CoV-2 NT antibody titers seem to be age-related, with the highest NT activity in children under 10 years and individuals above 50 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.T.); (Z.H.); (L.A.); (L.M.); (I.F.)
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-1-4863-238
| | - Vladimir Stevanovic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (V.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Maja Ilic
- Department of Epidemiology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.I.); (L.B.); (B.K.)
| | - Ljubo Barbic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (V.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Krunoslav Capak
- Environmental Health Department, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Irena Tabain
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.T.); (Z.H.); (L.A.); (L.M.); (I.F.)
| | - Jasna Lenicek Krleza
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Children’s Hospital Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (J.L.K.); (R.Z.T.)
| | - Thomas Ferenc
- Clinical Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Merkur University Hospital, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Zeljka Hruskar
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.T.); (Z.H.); (L.A.); (L.M.); (I.F.)
| | - Renata Zrinski Topic
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Children’s Hospital Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (J.L.K.); (R.Z.T.)
| | - Vanja Kaliterna
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Split-Dalmatia County, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Arlen Antolovic-Pozgain
- Department of Microbiology, Osijek-Baranja County Institute of Public Health, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
| | - Jasmina Kucinar
- Department of Serology, Istria County Institute of Public Health, 52100 Pula, Croatia;
| | - Iva Koscak
- Department of Microbiology, Varazdin County Institute of Public Health, 42000 Varazdin, Croatia;
| | - Dijana Mayer
- Department for Monitoring and Improving of School and Youth Health, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Mario Sviben
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Department of Parasitology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ljiljana Antolasic
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.T.); (Z.H.); (L.A.); (L.M.); (I.F.)
| | - Ljiljana Milasincic
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.T.); (Z.H.); (L.A.); (L.M.); (I.F.)
| | - Lovro Bucic
- Department of Epidemiology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.I.); (L.B.); (B.K.)
| | - Ivana Ferencak
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.T.); (Z.H.); (L.A.); (L.M.); (I.F.)
| | - Bernard Kaic
- Department of Epidemiology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.I.); (L.B.); (B.K.)
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Association between Influenza Vaccination and Positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM Tests in the General Population of Katowice Region, Poland. Vaccines (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9050415
expr 888502299 + 814659637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The explanation of the potential interaction between the influenza vaccine and SARS-CoV-2 infection is urgently needed in the public health. The objective of the study is to compare the occurrence of positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM tests in subjects with and without recent (last year) seasonal influenza vaccinations. In a cross-sectional study located in three large towns of Silesian Voivodeship (Poland), we studied 5479 subjects in which 1253 (22.9%) had a positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG test and 400 (7.3%) had a positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM test. Seasonal influenza vaccination remains an independent factor protecting against positive IgG tests (OR = 0.68; 0.55–0.83). The effect is not apparent with IgM antibodies. The obtained results confirmed that the serological status of SARS-CoV-2 infection depends on vaccination against seasonal influenza.
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Association between Influenza Vaccination and Positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM Tests in the General Population of Katowice Region, Poland. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:415. [PMID: 33919206 PMCID: PMC8143078 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9050415&set/a 843283251+814136669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The explanation of the potential interaction between the influenza vaccine and SARS-CoV-2 infection is urgently needed in the public health. The objective of the study is to compare the occurrence of positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM tests in subjects with and without recent (last year) seasonal influenza vaccinations. In a cross-sectional study located in three large towns of Silesian Voivodeship (Poland), we studied 5479 subjects in which 1253 (22.9%) had a positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG test and 400 (7.3%) had a positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM test. Seasonal influenza vaccination remains an independent factor protecting against positive IgG tests (OR = 0.68; 0.55-0.83). The effect is not apparent with IgM antibodies. The obtained results confirmed that the serological status of SARS-CoV-2 infection depends on vaccination against seasonal influenza.
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Association between Influenza Vaccination and Positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM Tests in the General Population of Katowice Region, Poland. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9050415. [PMID: 33919206 PMCID: PMC8143078 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9050415] [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: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The explanation of the potential interaction between the influenza vaccine and SARS-CoV-2 infection is urgently needed in the public health. The objective of the study is to compare the occurrence of positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM tests in subjects with and without recent (last year) seasonal influenza vaccinations. In a cross-sectional study located in three large towns of Silesian Voivodeship (Poland), we studied 5479 subjects in which 1253 (22.9%) had a positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG test and 400 (7.3%) had a positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM test. Seasonal influenza vaccination remains an independent factor protecting against positive IgG tests (OR = 0.68; 0.55–0.83). The effect is not apparent with IgM antibodies. The obtained results confirmed that the serological status of SARS-CoV-2 infection depends on vaccination against seasonal influenza.
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Barański K, Brożek G, Kowalska M, Kaleta-Pilarska A, Zejda JE. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Total Mortality in Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18084388. [PMID: 33924261 PMCID: PMC8074753 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: According to published data the number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 is underestimated between 30 and 80%. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the impact of COVID-19 on total mortality of Poland and the Silesian voivodship. Methods: Secondary epidemiological data on COVID-19 deaths were obtained from the Ministry of Health registry and data on total mortality were gathered from the National Statistical Office and Registry Office in Poland. Three scenarios were used to estimated COVID-19 deaths: real number + an extra 30%, 60%, and 70% excess total deaths. Results: In 2020, there were 73,254, 64,584, and 67,677 excess deaths in comparison to 2017–2019, respectively. For the Silesian voivodship, it was 8339, 7946, and 8701, respectively. The total mean increase in deaths was 16% for the whole country and the Silesian voivodship. The simulation for 30% extra COVID-19 deaths gave COVID-19 mortality equal to 12.5%; n = 50,708 deaths, for extra 60%; 17.9% n = 72,866 and for extra 70%; 19.7% n = 80,251 for Poland; and 11.9% (n = 6072), 17.2% (n = 8740), 24.2% (n = 12,297), respectively, for the Silesian voivodship. Conclusions: The participation of COVID-19 in total deaths should not exceed 20% for Poland and 24% for the Silesian voivodship in 2020.
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