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de Jesus Á, Ernesto R, Massinga A, Nhacolo F, Munguambe K, Timana A, Nhacolo A, Messa A, Massora S, Escola V, Enosse S, Gunjamo R, Funzamo C, Mwenda J, Okeibunor J, Garcia‐Basteiro A, Guinovart C, Mayor A, Mandomando I. High SARS-CoV-2 Exposure in Rural Southern Mozambique After Four Waves of COVID-19: Community-Based Seroepidemiological Surveys. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2024; 18:e13332. [PMID: 38838093 PMCID: PMC11150860 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mozambique was one of many African countries with limited testing capacity for SARS-CoV-2. Serosurveys, an alternative to estimate the real exposure to understand the epidemiology and transmission dynamics, have been scarce in Mozambique. Herein, we aimed to estimate the age-specific seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the general population of the Manhiça District, at four time points, for evaluating dynamics of exposure and the impact of vaccination. METHODS We conducted four community-based seroepidemiological surveys separated by 3 months between May 2021 and June 2022 to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. An age-stratified (0-19, 20-39, 40-59, and ≥ 60 years) sample of 4810 individuals was randomly selected from demographic surveillance database, and their blood samples were analyzed using WANTAI SARS-CoV-2 IgG + IgM ELISA. Nasopharyngeal swabs from a subsample of 2209 participants were also assessed for active infection by RT-qPCR. RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence increased from 27.6% in the first survey (May 2021) to 63.6%, 91.2%, and 91.1% in the second (October 2021), third (January 2022), and fourth (May 2022) surveys, respectively. Seroprevalence in individuals < 18 years, who were not eligible for vaccination, increased from 23.1% in the first survey to 87.1% in the fourth. The prevalence of active infection was below 10.1% in all surveys. CONCLUSIONS A high seroprevalence to SARS-CoV-2 was observed in the study population, including individuals not eligible for vaccination at that time, particularly after circulation of the highly transmissible Delta variant. These data are important to inform decision making on the vaccination strategies in the context of pandemic slowdown in Mozambique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Áuria de Jesus
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
| | - Rita Ernesto
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
| | | | | | - Khátia Munguambe
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
- Faculdade de MedicinaUniversidade Eduardo Mondlane (UEM)MaputoMozambique
| | - Alcido Timana
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
| | - Arsénio Nhacolo
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
| | - Augusto Messa
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
| | - Sérgio Massora
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
| | - Valdemiro Escola
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
| | - Sónia Enosse
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS)Ministério da SaúdeMarracuene‐MaputoMozambique
| | - Rufino Gunjamo
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS)Ministério da SaúdeMarracuene‐MaputoMozambique
| | - Carlos Funzamo
- Mozambique Country OfficeWorld Health OrganizationMaputoMozambique
| | - Jason M. Mwenda
- Regional Office for Africa (AFRO)World Health OrganizationBrazzavilleRepublic of Congo
| | - Joseph Okeibunor
- Regional Office for Africa (AFRO)World Health OrganizationBrazzavilleRepublic of Congo
| | - Alberto Garcia‐Basteiro
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic–Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and DevelopmentAcademic Medical CentreAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Alfredo Mayor
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic–Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Department of Physiologic Sciences, Faculty of MedicineUniversidade Eduardo MondlaneMaputoMozambique
| | - Inácio Mandomando
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS)Ministério da SaúdeMarracuene‐MaputoMozambique
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic–Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
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Patil RA, Das NK, Gandham NR, Vyawahare C, Ajagunde J, Khan S, Ratnakar PJ, Ingle Y. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG in blood donors in a teaching institute from Western part of Maharashtra. J Family Med Prim Care 2024; 13:1701-1707. [PMID: 38948624 PMCID: PMC11213452 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_780_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction COVID-19 is a disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 that has appeared as a global pandemic in recent times. Currently, the transmission rate has slowed down significantly, but the definite pathological reason behind this is still unknown. Therefore, the prevalence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody must be studied to establish the relation between the rate of transmission and antibody presence. Materials and Methods A clinical assessment was performed to evaluate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies among 299 healthy volunteers in the period of February to May 2021. Serum samples were analyzed using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) technology to detect the presence of IgG antibodies. Result It was observed that 21% of the participants were seropositive, and 78% of the population was seronegative across the different genders. This confirmed that the generation of antibodies is independent of gender. Simultaneously, a t-test was performed that further suggested no statistical correlation between gender and seroprevalence. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis was performed to establish the relation between age and blood group with the seroprevalence. However, there was no statistical relationship found among these parameters. Conclusion This study assisted in examining the underlying causes of high or low seroprevalence among healthy volunteers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajashri A. Patil
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nikunja K. Das
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nageswari R. Gandham
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Chanda Vyawahare
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Jyoti Ajagunde
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sameena Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Parag J. Ratnakar
- HoD, Central Clinical Laboratory, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Yamini Ingle
- Department of Pathology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Simanavičius M, Kučinskaitė-Kodzė I, Kaselienė S, Sauliūnė S, Gudas D, Jančorienė L, Jasinskienė R, Vitkauskienė A, Žūtautienė R, Žvirblienė A, Stankūnas M. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies in a sample of the Lithuanian population-based study in Spring 2023. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29343. [PMID: 38681561 PMCID: PMC11053182 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29343] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Despite positive trends in SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology, seroprevalence surveys remain an important tool for estimating the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) and spike (S) proteins in a sample of the Lithuanian population (N = 517) and evaluate how the pattern of seropositivity correlates with the levels of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. Methods Study participants (aged 18-88 years) filled in the questionnaire self-reporting their demographic-social variables, health status, and SARS-CoV-2-related status. The anti-S and anti-N IgG levels were estimated using a microarray ELISA test. Results After several pandemic waves and vaccination campaign, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG in the analyzed sample was 97.87 % by March-May 2023. We determined the 96.91 % prevalence of anti-S and 58.03 % prevalence of anti-N IgG. The majority of study participants (71.18 %) had hybrid immunity induced by vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection. 20.3 % of study participants were anti-N IgG positive without reporting any previous symptoms or a positive SARS-CoV-2 test. A decline of anti-N IgG positivity within 9 months after infection was observed. Conclusions This study demonstrates high total seroprevalence in March-May 2023 in all age groups indicating a widely established humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in Lithuania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martynas Simanavičius
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio al. 7, LT-10257, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Indrė Kučinskaitė-Kodzė
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio al. 7, LT-10257, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Snieguolė Kaselienė
- Department of Health Management, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės g. 18, LT-47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Skirmantė Sauliūnė
- Department of Health Management, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės g. 18, LT-47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Dainius Gudas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio al. 7, LT-10257, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ligita Jančorienė
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Dermatovenerology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio g. 21, LT-03101, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Rūta Jasinskienė
- Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės g. 18, LT-47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Astra Vitkauskienė
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių g. 2, LT-50161, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Rasa Žūtautienė
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės g. 18, LT-47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Aurelija Žvirblienė
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio al. 7, LT-10257, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Mindaugas Stankūnas
- Department of Health Management, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės g. 18, LT-47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
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Thandrayen J, Baffour B. Gaining further insights into the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia: Evidence using capture-recapture methods. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23408. [PMID: 38173529 PMCID: PMC10761577 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective We re-examined the reported number of COVID-19 cases in Australia and across its states during the first wave of the pandemic. We provided estimates of the total number of cases, adjusted for under-reporting. Methods Publicly available data sourced from Australian governments at federal, state and territory levels included records on cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases and cumulative deaths occurring in Australia and across its states on a daily basis. Lower bound and upper bound estimates of the total number of COVID-19 cases in Australia and across its states, that included the undetected cases that have not been recorded, were estimated. Results On January 25, 2020, Australia recorded its first 4 cases of COVID-19 and the first death occurred on March 3, 2020. On April 1, 2020, 4864 cases had been reported with 21 deaths. Our estimation showed that on April 1, 2020, the minimum and maximum number of COVID-19 cases in Australia were in fact 10,160 (95 % CI: 9781-10,538) and 21,748 (95 % CI: 21,607-22,014) respectively. We estimated that the total number of cases were at least twice and at most four times the observed cases recorded. These differences were also found at the state level where in New South Wales there was a minimum and maximum of 207 and 447 cases in total for every 100 reported cases, while in Victoria these figures were much lower at 157 and 265 respectively for every 100 reported cases. Conclusion Case ascertainment during the pandemic is known to have been underestimated due to difficulties in testing and contact tracing, amongst others. Capture-recapture methods provided a measure of the gap between the official number of cases recorded and the actual number during the first wave of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Thandrayen
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, 54 Mills Road, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Bernard Baffour
- School of Demography, College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University, 146 Ellery Cres, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
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Canut-Blasco A, Gómez-González C, Barbero-Herranz R, Barbero-Martínez I, Abasolo-Osinaga E. The importance of prevalence and pre-test probability on the microbiological diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2: the case of Spain in 2020. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA : PUBLICACION OFICIAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA 2023; 36:498-506. [PMID: 37476842 PMCID: PMC10586731 DOI: 10.37201/req/033.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this work was to estimate the conditioned probability for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), viral antigen rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDT), and antibody detection tests depending on the prevalence in the specific healthcare settings in Spain in 2020, and on the pre-test probability (PTP) according to the clinical situation, age and unknown or close contacts of the patient. METHODS Performance parameters of tests were obtained from literature. Prevalence data and PTP were obtained from Spanish sources and a survey, respectively. The post-test probability is the positive predictive value (PPV) when test is positive. For negative result, we also calculated the probability of having the infection (false negatives). RESULTS For both RT-PCR and viral Ag-RDT, the lowest PPV values were for the population screenings. This strategy proved to be useful in ruling out infection but generates a high number of false positives. At individual level, both tools provided high PPV (≥ 97%) when the PTP values are over 35%. In seroprevalence studies, though the specificity of IgG alone tests is high, under low seroprevalence, false positives cannot be avoided. Total antibodies tests are useful for diagnosis of COVID-19 in those doubtful cases with RT-PCR or Ag-RDT tests being repeatedly negative. CONCLUSIONS The interpretating of results depends not only on the accuracy of the test, but also on the prevalence of the infection in different settings, and the PTP associated to the patient before performing the test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Canut-Blasco
- Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Araba University Hospital, Microbiology Service, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Carmen Gómez-González
- Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Araba University Hospital, Microbiology Service, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Raquel Barbero-Herranz
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ismael Barbero-Martínez
- Department of Medicine Preventive, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Eider Abasolo-Osinaga
- Department of Medicine Preventive, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
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Fan Y, Liu M, Sun G. An interpretable machine learning framework for diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291961. [PMID: 37733828 PMCID: PMC10513274 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291961] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses have affected the lives of people around the world. Increasingly, studies have indicated that the virus is mutating and becoming more contagious. Hence, the pressing priority is to swiftly and accurately predict patient outcomes. In addition, physicians and patients increasingly need interpretability when building machine models in healthcare. We propose an interpretable machine framework(KISM) that can diagnose and prognose patients based on blood test datasets. First, we use k-nearest neighbors, isolated forests, and SMOTE to pre-process the original blood test datasets. Seven machine learning tools Support Vector Machine, Extra Tree, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting Decision Tree, eXtreme Gradient Boosting, Logistic Regression, and ensemble learning were then used to diagnose and predict COVID-19. In addition, we used SHAP and scikit-learn post-hoc interpretability to report feature importance, allowing healthcare professionals and artificial intelligence models to interact to suggest biomarkers that some doctors may have missed. The 10-fold cross-validation of two public datasets shows that the performance of KISM is better than that of the current state-of-the-art methods. In the diagnostic COVID-19 task, an AUC value of 0.9869 and an accuracy of 0.9787 were obtained, and ultimately Leukocytes, platelets, and Proteina C reativa mg/dL were found to be the most indicative biomarkers for the diagnosis of COVID-19. An AUC value of 0.9949 and an accuracy of 0.9677 were obtained in the prognostic COVID-19 task and Age, LYMPH, and WBC were found to be the most indicative biomarkers for identifying the severity of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxian Fan
- School of Computer Science and Information Security, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Meng Liu
- School of Computer Science and Information Security, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Guicong Sun
- School of Computer Science and Information Security, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
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Tapela K, Opurum PC, Nuokpem FY, Tetteh B, Siaw GK, Humbert MV, Tawiah-Eshun S, Barakisu AI, Asiedu K, Arhin SK, Manu AA, Appiedu-Addo SNA, Obbeng L, Quansah D, Languon S, Anyigba C, Dosoo D, Edu NKO, Oduro-Mensah D, Ampofo W, Tagoe E, Quaye O, Donkor IO, Akorli J, Aniweh Y, Christodoulides M, Mutungi J, Bediako Y, Rayner JC, Awandare GA, McCormick CJ, Quashie PK. Development of an Affordable ELISA Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid and Its Application to Samples from the Ongoing COVID-19 Epidemic in Ghana. Mol Diagn Ther 2023; 27:583-592. [PMID: 37462793 PMCID: PMC10435612 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-023-00655-0] [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] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The true nature of the population spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in populations is often not fully known as most cases, particularly in Africa, are asymptomatic. Finding the true magnitude of SARS-CoV-2 spread is crucial to provide actionable data about the epidemiological progress of the disease for researchers and policymakers. This study developed and optimized an antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using recombinant nucleocapsid antigen expressed in-house using a simple bacterial expression system. METHODS Nucleocapsid protein from SARS-CoV-2 was expressed and purified from Escherichia coli. Plasma samples used for the assay development were obtained from Ghanaian SARS-CoV-2 seropositive individuals during the pandemic, while seronegative controls were plasma samples collected from blood donors before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Another set of seronegative controls was collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Antibody detection and levels within the samples were validated using commercial kits and Luminex. Analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism, and the sensitivity, specificity and background cut-off were calculated. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION This low-cost ELISA (£0.96/test) assay has a high prediction of 98.9%, and sensitivity and specificity of 97% and 99%, respectively. The assay was subsequently used to screen plasma from SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR-positive Ghanaians. The assay showed no significant difference in nucleocapsid antibody levels between symptomatic and asymptomatic, with an increase of the levels over time. This is in line with our previous publication. CONCLUSION This study developed a low-cost and transferable assay that enables highly sensitive and specific detection of human anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. This assay can be modified to include additional antigens and used for continuous monitoring of sero-exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kesego Tapela
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Precious C Opurum
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Franklin Y Nuokpem
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Becky Tetteh
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Godfred K Siaw
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Maria V Humbert
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Sylvia Tawiah-Eshun
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Anna Ibrahim Barakisu
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwame Asiedu
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Kojo Arhin
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Aaron A Manu
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sekyibea N A Appiedu-Addo
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Louisa Obbeng
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Darius Quansah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sylvester Languon
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Claudia Anyigba
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Daniel Dosoo
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nelson K O Edu
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Daniel Oduro-Mensah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - William Ampofo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Tagoe
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical and Allied Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Osbourne Quaye
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Irene Owusu Donkor
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jewelna Akorli
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yaw Aniweh
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Myron Christodoulides
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Joe Mutungi
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yaw Bediako
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Yemaachi Biotech Inc., 222 Swaniker St, Accra, Ghana
| | - Julian C Rayner
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gordon A Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Christopher J McCormick
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Peter Kojo Quashie
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
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8
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Domen J, Verbakel JYJ, Adriaenssens N, Scholtes B, Peeters B, Bruyndonckx R, De Sutter A, Heytens S, Van den Bruel A, Desombere I, Van Damme P, Goossens H, Buret L, Duysburgh E, Coenen S. Validation of a rapid SARS-CoV-2 antibody test in general practice. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069997. [PMID: 37130685 PMCID: PMC10163333 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To validate a rapid serological test (RST) for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies used in seroprevalence studies in healthcare providers, including primary healthcare providers (PHCPs) in Belgium. DESIGN A phase III validation study of the RST (OrientGene) within a prospective cohort study. SETTING Primary care in Belgium. PARTICIPANTS Any general practitioner (GP) working in primary care in Belgium and any other PHCP from the same GP practice who physically manages patients were eligible in the seroprevalence study. For the validation study, all participants who tested positive (376) on the RST at the first testing timepoint (T1) and a random sample of those who tested negative (790) and unclear (24) were included. INTERVENTION At T2, 4 weeks later, PHCPs performed the RST with fingerprick blood (index test) immediately after providing a serum sample to be analysed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G antibodies using a two-out-of-three assay (reference test). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The RST accuracy was estimated using inverse probability weighting to correct for missing reference test data, and considering unclear RST results as negative for the sensitivity and positive for the specificity. Using these conservative estimates, the true seroprevalence was estimated both for T2 and RST-based prevalence values found in a cohort study with PHCPs in Belgium. RESULTS 1073 paired tests (403 positive on the reference test) were included. A sensitivity of 73% (a specificity of 92%) was found considering unclear RST results as negative (positive). For an RST-based prevalence at T1 (13.9), T2 (24.9) and T7 (70.21), the true prevalence was estimated to be 9.1%, 25.9% and 95.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION The RST sensitivity (73%) and specificity (92%) make an RST-based seroprevalence below (above) 23% overestimate (underestimate) the true seroprevalence. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04779424.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Domen
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Centre for General Practice, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Jan Yvan Jos Verbakel
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, EPI-Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Niels Adriaenssens
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Centre for General Practice, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Beatrice Scholtes
- General Practice Department-Primary Care and Health Research Unit, Liege University, Liege, Belgium
| | - Bart Peeters
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Robin Bruyndonckx
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Centre for General Practice, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics (I-BioStat), Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Epidemiology & Pharmavigilance, P95, Leuven, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Ghent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Heytens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Ghent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van den Bruel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, EPI-Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Desombere
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Van Damme
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerpen (Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Herman Goossens
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Laetitia Buret
- General Practice Department-Primary Care and Health Research Unit, Liege University, Liege, Belgium
| | - Els Duysburgh
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Centre for General Practice, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
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Liu J, Wang S, Shao F. Quantitative bias analysis of prevalence under misclassification: evaluation indicators, calculation method and case analysis. Int J Epidemiol 2023:6982613. [PMID: 36625552 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyac239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Prevalence estimates are fundamental to epidemiological studies. Although they are highly vulnerable to misclassification bias, the risk of bias assessment of prevalence estimates is often neglected. Quantitative bias analysis (QBA) can effectively estimate misclassification bias in epidemiological studies; however, relatively few applications are identified. One reason for its low usage is the lack of knowledge and tools for these methods among researchers. To expand existing evaluation methods, based on the QBA principles, three indicators are proposed. One is the relative bias that quantifies the bias direction through its signs and the bias magnitude through its quantity. The second is the critical point of positive test proportion in case of a misclassification bias that is equal to zero. The third is the bound of positive test proportion equal to adjusted prevalence at misclassification bias level α. These indicators express the magnitude, direction and uncertainty of the misclassification bias of prevalence estimates, respectively. Using these indicators, it was found that slight oscillations of the positive test proportion within a certain range can lead to substantial increases in the misclassification bias. Hence, researchers should account for misclassification error analytically when interpreting the significance of adjusted prevalence for epidemiological decision making. This highlights the importance of applying QBA to these analyses. In this article, we have used three real-world cases to illustrate the characteristics and calculation methods of presented indicators. To facilitate application, an Excel-based calculation tool is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Liu
- Clinical Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiyuan Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fang Shao
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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10
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Rickards CG, Kilpatrick AM. Age-specific SARS-CoV-2 infection fatality rates derived from serological data vary with income and income inequality. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285612. [PMID: 37196049 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has killed at least 1.1 million people in the United States and over 6.7 million globally. Accurately estimating the age-specific infection fatality rate (IFR) of SARS-CoV-2 for different populations is crucial for assessing and understanding the impact of COVID-19 and for appropriately allocating vaccines and treatments to at-risk groups. We estimated age-specific IFRs of wild-type SARS-CoV-2 using published seroprevalence, case, and death data from New York City (NYC) from March to May 2020, using a Bayesian framework that accounted for delays between key epidemiological events. IFRs increased 3-4-fold with every 20 years of age, from 0.06% in individuals between 18-45 years old to 4.7% in individuals over 75. We then compared IFRs in NYC to several city- and country-wide estimates including England, Switzerland (Geneva), Sweden (Stockholm), Belgium, Mexico, and Brazil, as well as a global estimate. IFRs in NYC were higher for individuals younger than 65 years old than most other populations, but similar for older individuals. IFRs for age groups less than 65 decreased with income and increased with income inequality measured using the Gini index. These results demonstrate that the age-specific fatality of COVID-19 differs among developed countries and raises questions about factors underlying these differences, including underlying health conditions and healthcare access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe G Rickards
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - A Marm Kilpatrick
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
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11
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Gholami M, Fawad I, Shadan S, Rowaiee R, Ghanem H, Khamis AH, Ho SB. The COVID-19 Pandemic and Health and Care Workers: Findings From a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2020-2021). Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1605421. [PMID: 36938301 PMCID: PMC10020210 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1605421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted health and care workers (HCW) globally, whom are considered at greater risk of infection and death. This study aims to document emerging evidence on disease prevalence, clinical outcomes, and vaccination rates of HCWs. Methods: Three databases were surveyed resulting on 108 final articles between July-December 2020 (period 1) and January-June 2021 (period 2). Results: Amongst the overall 980,000 HCWs identified, in period 1, the estimates were 6.1% (95% CI, 4.1-8.8) for the PCR positivity rate. Regarding outcomes, the hospitalization prevalence was 1.6% (95% CI, 0.7-3.9), and mortality rate of 0.3% (95% CI, 0.1-0.8). In period 2, the PCR positivity rate was 8.1% (95% CI, 4.6-13.8). Analysis of outcomes revealed a hospitalization rate of 0.7% (95% CI 0.3-1.8), and average mortality rate of 0.3% (95% CI 0.1-0.9). Our analysis indicated a HCW vaccination rate of 59.0% (95% CI, 39.4-76.1). Conclusion: Studies from the latter half of 2020 to the first half of 2021 showed a slight increasing trend in PCR positivity among HCW, along with improved clinical outcomes in the 1-year period of exposure. These results correlate well with the improving uptake of COVID-19 vaccination globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandana Gholami
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Iman Fawad
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sidra Shadan
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rashed Rowaiee
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - HedaietAllah Ghanem
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amar Hassan Khamis
- Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samuel B. Ho
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Medicine, Mediclinic City Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Samuel B. Ho,
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12
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Konu YR, Condé S, Gbeasor-Komlanvi F, Sadio AJ, Tchankoni MK, Anani J, Bitty-Anderson A, Mirindi BR, Diallo FBT, MIjiyawa M, Dagnra AC, Ekouevi DK. SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence in Togo: a national cross-sectional household survey, May-June, 2021. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2294. [PMID: 36476149 PMCID: PMC9730644 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14794-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The extent of SARS-CoV-2 circulation in African countries is still unclear. Seroprevalence studies are a common approach to epidemiological surveillance, allowing estimation of the proportion of people who have had contact with the virus. We aimed at estimating the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and associated factors in Togo at the national level in 2021 according to age groups, gender, and place of residence (rural or urban). METHODS From 15 May to 31 June 2021, we conducted a nationally representative cross-sectional serological survey in 12 health districts (two districts per health region) in the > 5 years old population in Togo. The Wantai SARS-CoV-2 total antibody assay S protein receptor-binding domain-based ELISA (Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise Co.; Beijing, China) was used to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies in plasma. Crude and weighted seroprevalences (weighted by age, sex and place of residence) were calculated and then weighted seroprevalences were adjusted according to sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA test. Finally, logistic regression models were performed in order to describe factors associated. RESULTS Of the 7593 participants, the overall weighted and adjusted seroprevalence of total anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 65.5% (CI95%: 18.9-21.1). Urban dwellers, young adults (30-49 years) and vaccinated individuals were significantly more likely to be seropositive. CONCLUSION The high seroprevalence we observed is consistent with observations across West Africa. Quantification of the level of immunity in the population is needed to know how close we are to herd immunity. In the meantime, vaccination against the COVID-19 remains necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Rodion Konu
- grid.412041.20000 0001 2106 639XBordeaux Population Health Centre, UMR 1219, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux, France ,grid.12364.320000 0004 0647 9497Département de Santé Publique, Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo ,grid.12364.320000 0004 0647 9497Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Santé Publique (CFRSP), Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo ,grid.512663.5Centre Africain de Recherche en Epidémiologie et en Santé Publique (CARESP), Lomé, Togo
| | - Siaka Condé
- Togo Office, World Health Organization (WHO), Lomé, Togo
| | - Fifonsi Gbeasor-Komlanvi
- grid.12364.320000 0004 0647 9497Département de Santé Publique, Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo ,grid.12364.320000 0004 0647 9497Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Santé Publique (CFRSP), Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo ,grid.512663.5Centre Africain de Recherche en Epidémiologie et en Santé Publique (CARESP), Lomé, Togo
| | - Arnold Junior Sadio
- grid.12364.320000 0004 0647 9497Département de Santé Publique, Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo ,grid.12364.320000 0004 0647 9497Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Santé Publique (CFRSP), Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo ,grid.512663.5Centre Africain de Recherche en Epidémiologie et en Santé Publique (CARESP), Lomé, Togo
| | - Martin Kouame Tchankoni
- grid.12364.320000 0004 0647 9497Département de Santé Publique, Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo ,grid.12364.320000 0004 0647 9497Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Santé Publique (CFRSP), Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo ,grid.512663.5Centre Africain de Recherche en Epidémiologie et en Santé Publique (CARESP), Lomé, Togo
| | - Joel Anani
- Togo Office, World Health Organization (WHO), Lomé, Togo
| | - Alexandra Bitty-Anderson
- grid.412041.20000 0001 2106 639XBordeaux Population Health Centre, UMR 1219, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux, France ,grid.512663.5Centre Africain de Recherche en Epidémiologie et en Santé Publique (CARESP), Lomé, Togo
| | | | | | - Moustapha MIjiyawa
- Ministère de la Santé, de l’Hygiène Publique et de l’accès universel aux soins, Lomé, Togo
| | - Anoumou Claver Dagnra
- grid.12364.320000 0004 0647 9497Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et d’Immunologie (BIOLIM), Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo
| | - Didier Koumavi Ekouevi
- Bordeaux Population Health Centre, UMR 1219, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux, France. .,Département de Santé Publique, Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo. .,Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Santé Publique (CFRSP), Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo. .,Centre Africain de Recherche en Epidémiologie et en Santé Publique (CARESP), Lomé, Togo.
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13
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Carty PG, Teljeur C, De Gascun CF, Gillespie P, Harrington P, McCormick A, O'Neill M, Smith SM, Ryan M. Another Step Toward Hepatitis C Elimination: An Economic Evaluation of an Irish National Birth Cohort Testing Program. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2022; 25:1947-1957. [PMID: 35778325 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2022.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of offering once-off birth cohort testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) to people in Ireland born between 1965 and 1985, the cohort with the highest reported prevalence of undiagnosed chronic HCV infection. METHODS Systematic and opportunistic HCV birth cohort testing programs, implemented over a 4-year timeframe, were compared with the current practice of population risk-based testing only in a closed-cohort decision tree and Markov model hybrid over a lifetime time horizon. Outcomes were expressed in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Costs were presented from the health system's perspective in 2020 euro (€). Uncertainty was assessed via deterministic, probabilistic, scenario, and threshold analyses. RESULTS In the base case, systematic testing yielded the largest cost and health benefits, followed by opportunistic testing and risk-based testing. Compared with risk-based testing, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for opportunistic testing was €14 586 (95% confidence interval €4185-€33 527) per QALY gained. Compared with opportunistic testing, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for systematic testing was €16 827 (95% confidence interval €5106-€38 843) per QALY gained. These findings were robust across a range of sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS Both systematic and opportunistic birth cohort testing would be considered an efficient use of resources, but systematic testing was the optimal strategy at willingness-to-pay threshold values typically used in Ireland. Although cost-effective, any decision to introduce birth cohort testing for HCV (in Ireland or elsewhere) must be balanced with considerations regarding the feasibility and budget impact of implementing a national testing program given high initial costs and resource use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul G Carty
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; Health Information and Quality Authority, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Conor Teljeur
- Health Information and Quality Authority, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cillian F De Gascun
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paddy Gillespie
- Health Economics & Policy Analysis Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland; CÚRAM, The SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices (12/RC/2073_2), National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Susan M Smith
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mairin Ryan
- Health Information and Quality Authority, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Health Sciences, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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High Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Children in Vietnam: An Observational, Hospital-Based Study. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121442. [PMID: 36558776 PMCID: PMC9784013 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The robustness of sero-surveillance has delineated the high burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children; however, these existing data showed wide variation. This study aimed to identify the serostatus of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and associated factors among children following the fourth pandemic wave in Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Vietnam National Children’s Hospital (VNCH) between March 13 and April 3, 2022. Thus, 4032 eligible children seeking medical care for any medical condition not related to acute COVID-19 infection were tested for IgG SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by ADVIA Centaur® SARS-CoV-2 IgG (sCOVG) assay using the residuals of routine blood samples. Results: The median age of enrolled children was 39 (IQR = 14−82) months. The overall seropositive prevalence was 59.2% (95%CI = 57.6−60.7) and the median antibody titer was 4.78 (IQR 2.38−9.57) UI/mL. The risk of seropositivity and the median antibody titer were not related to gender (58.6% versus 60.1%, 4.9 versus 4.6 UI/mL, all p > 0.05). Children aged ≤12 months were likely to be seropositive compared to children aged 36 to <60 months (59.2% versus 57.5%, p = 0.49) and those aged ≥144 months (59.2% versus 65.5%, p = 0.16). Children aged ≥144 months exhibited a significantly higher titer of protective COVID-19 antibodies than other age groups (p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression, we observed independent factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity, including the age 13 to <36 months (OR = 1.29, 95%CI = 1.06−1.56, p = 0.01), 60 to <144 months (OR = 0.79, 95%CI = 0.67−0.95, p = 0.01), ≥144 months (OR = 1.84, 95%CI = 1.21−2.8, p = 0.005), the presence of infected household members (OR = 2.36, 95%CI = 2.06−2.70, p < 0.001), participants from Hanoi (OR = 1.54, 95%CI = 1.34−1.77, p < 0.001), underlying conditions (OR = 0.71, 95%CI = 0.60−0.85, p ≤ 0.001), and using corticosteroids or immunosuppressants (OR = 0.64, 95%CI = 0.48−0.86, p = 0.003). Conclusions: This study highlights a high seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among children seeking medical care for non-acute COVID-19-related conditions in a tertiary children’s hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam. In the context of reopening in-person schools and future emerging COVID-19 variants, this point will also be a key message about the necessity of “rush-out” immunization coverage for children, especially those under the age of five years.
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Tunheim G, Rø GØI, Chopra A, Aase A, Kran AMB, Vaage JT, Lund-Johansen F, Hungnes O. Prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the Norwegian population, August 2021. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2022; 16:1004-1013. [PMID: 35770841 PMCID: PMC9349429 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One year into the COVID‐19 pandemic, the cumulative number of confirmed COVID‐19 cases in Norway was still low. In January 2021, when the Norwegian COVID‐19 vaccination campaign started, the national seroprevalence estimate of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies was 3.2%. We have conducted a nationwide cross‐sectional study in August 2021 to investigate the overall prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in Norway after 8 months of COVID‐19 mass vaccination and a third wave of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Methods Residual sera were collected from laboratories across Norway in August 2021. In IgG antibodies against the spike protein, the spike receptor binding domain (RBD) and the nucleocapsid protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 were measured by a bead‐based flow cytometric assay. Results In total, 1926 residual sera were collected from individuals aged 0–98 years; 55.1% were from women. The overall national estimated seroprevalence from vaccination and/or infection was 62.6% (credible interval [CrI] 60.1%–65.2%) based on having antibodies against both spike and RBD. Estimated seroprevalence increased with age. Among all samples, 11.7% had antibodies against nucleocapsid. For unvaccinated children <12 years, the seroprevalence estimate due to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was 12.5% (95% CrI 9.3%–16.1%). Of seropositive samples from the unvaccinated children, 31.9% lacked anti‐nucleocapsid antibodies. Conclusions The high overall SARS‐CoV‐2 seroprevalence estimates are in line with Norwegian registry data. Vaccination, not infection, contributed the most to the high seroprevalence in August 2021. Lack of antibodies against nucleocapsid should not automatically be interpreted as absence of previous infection as this could lead to underestimation of COVID‐19 cases in seroprevalence studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gro Tunheim
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Adity Chopra
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Audun Aase
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne-Marte Bakken Kran
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | - John Torgils Vaage
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Olav Hungnes
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
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Rutherford C, Kafle P, Soos C, Epp T, Bradford L, Jenkins E. Investigating SARS-CoV-2 Susceptibility in Animal Species: A Scoping Review. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2022; 16:11786302221107786. [PMID: 35782319 PMCID: PMC9247998 DOI: 10.1177/11786302221107786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the early stages of response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it was imperative for researchers to rapidly determine what animal species may be susceptible to the virus, under low knowledge and high uncertainty conditions. In this scoping review, the animal species being evaluated for SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility, the methods used to evaluate susceptibility, and comparing the evaluations between different studies were conducted. Using the PRISMA-ScR methodology, publications and reports from peer-reviewed and gray literature sources were collected from databases, Google Scholar, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), snowballing, and recommendations from experts. Inclusion and relevance criteria were applied, and information was subsequently extracted, categorized, summarized, and analyzed. Ninety seven sources (publications and reports) were identified which investigated 649 animal species from eight different classes: Mammalia, Aves, Actinopterygii, Reptilia, Amphibia, Insecta, Chondrichthyes, and Coelacanthimorpha. Sources used four different methods to evaluate susceptibility, in silico, in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological analysis. Along with the different methods, how each source described "susceptibility" and evaluated the susceptibility of different animal species to SARS-CoV-2 varied, with conflicting susceptibility evaluations evident between different sources. Early in the pandemic, in silico methods were used the most to predict animal species susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and helped guide more costly and intensive studies using in vivo or epidemiological analyses. However, the limitations of all methods must be recognized, and evaluations made by in silico and in vitro should be re-evaluated when more information becomes available, such as demonstrated susceptibility through in vivo and epidemiological analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Rutherford
- School of Public Health, University of
Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Pratap Kafle
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology,
Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK,
Canada
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical
Sciences, Long Island University Post Campus, Brookville, NY, USA
| | - Catherine Soos
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health
Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada,
Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Department of Veterinary Pathology,
Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK,
Canada
| | - Tasha Epp
- Department of Large Animal Clinical
Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan,
Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Lori Bradford
- Ron and Jane Graham School of
Professional Development, College of Engineering, and School of Environment and
Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology,
Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK,
Canada
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17
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Paduano S, Galante P, Berselli N, Ugolotti L, Modenese A, Poggi A, Malavolti M, Turchi S, Marchesi I, Vivoli R, Perlini P, Bellucci R, Gobba F, Vinceti M, Filippini T, Bargellini A. Seroprevalence Survey of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in a Population of Emilia-Romagna Region, Northern Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137882. [PMID: 35805539 PMCID: PMC9266015 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Italy was the first Western European country to be severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Variations in seroprevalence rates were reported according to geographical and temporal differences of previous surveys, as well as depending on demographic and occupational factors. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a population of the Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy after the first wave in the period from 26 September 2020−26 March 2021. We included 5128 subjects who voluntarily underwent serological tests to determine anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity, including both self-referred individuals (24.2%) and workers adhering to company screening programs (76.8%). Overall, seroprevalence was 11.3%, higher in self-referred (13.8%) than employed-referred (10.5%) individuals. A slightly higher seroprevalence emerged in women compared to men (12.3% and 10.7%), as well as in the extreme age categories (18.6% for 60−69 years, 18.0% for ≥70 years, and 17.1% for <20 years compared to 7.6% for 20−39 years). Healthcare professionals showed the highest prevalence of seropositivity (22.9%), followed by workers in direct contact with customers, such as the communication, finance, and tourism sectors (15.7%). Overall subgroups seroprevalence increased compared to the first wave data but the trends agreed between the first and subsequent waves, except for an increase in the younger age group and in the sector in direct contact with customers. Among the occupational categories, our study confirms that healthcare workers and workers in the sports sector were at high risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Paduano
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-059-205-5472
| | - Pasquale Galante
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Nausicaa Berselli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Luca Ugolotti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Alberto Modenese
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Marcella Malavolti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Sara Turchi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Isabella Marchesi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Roberto Vivoli
- Test Laboratory, 41100 Modena, Italy; (R.V.); (P.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Paola Perlini
- Test Laboratory, 41100 Modena, Italy; (R.V.); (P.P.); (R.B.)
| | | | - Fabriziomaria Gobba
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Marco Vinceti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Tommaso Filippini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Annalisa Bargellini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.G.); (N.B.); (L.U.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (S.T.); (I.M.); (F.G.); (M.V.); (T.F.); (A.B.)
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18
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Azami M, Moradi Y, Moradkhani A, Aghaei A. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence around the world: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Med Res 2022; 27:81. [PMID: 35655237 PMCID: PMC9160514 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-022-00710-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Covid-19 has been one of the major concerns around the world in the last 2 years. One of the challenges of this disease has been to determine its prevalence. Conflicting results of the serology test in Covid explored the need for an updated meta-analysis on this issue. Thus, this systematic review aimed to estimate the prevalence of global SARS-CoV-2 serology in different populations and geographical areas. METHODS To identify studies evaluating the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2, a comprehensive literature search was performed from international databases, including Medline (PubMed), Web of Sciences, Scopus, EMBASE, and CINHAL. RESULTS In this meta-analysis, the results showed that SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence is between 3 and 15% worldwide. In Eastern Mediterranean, the pooled estimate of seroprevalence SARS-CoV-2 was 15% (CI 95% 5-29%), and in Africa, the pooled estimate was 6% (CI 95% 1-13%). In America, the pooled estimate was 8% (CI 95% 6-11%), and in Europe, the pooled estimate was 5% (CI 95% 4-6%). Also the last region, Western Pacific, the pooled estimate was 3% (CI 95% 2-4%). Besides, we analyzed three of these areas separately. This analysis estimated the prevalence in subgroups such as study population, diagnostic methods, sampling methods, time, perspective, and type of the study. CONCLUSION The present meta-analysis showed that the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 has been between 3 and 15% worldwide. Even considering the low estimate of this rate and the increasing vaccination in the world, many people are still susceptible to SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mobin Azami
- Student Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Yousef Moradi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Science, Sanandaj, Iran
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Asra Moradkhani
- Student Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Abbas Aghaei
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Science, Sanandaj, Iran.
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
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19
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Fogh K, Strange JE, Scharff BFSS, Eriksen ARR, Hasselbalch RB, Bundgaard H, Nielsen SD, Jørgensen CS, Erikstrup C, Norsk J, Nielsen PB, Kristensen JH, Østergaard L, Ellermann-Eriksen S, Andersen B, Nielsen H, Johansen IS, Wiese L, Simonsen L, Fischer TK, Folke F, Lippert F, Ostrowski SR, Benfield T, Mølbak K, Ethelberg S, Koch A, Sönksen UW, Vangsted AM, Krause TG, Fomsgaard A, Ullum H, Skov R, Iversen K. Testing Denmark: a Danish Nationwide Surveillance Study of COVID-19. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0133021. [PMID: 34908473 PMCID: PMC8672904 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01330-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
"Testing Denmark" is a national, large-scale, epidemiological surveillance study of SARS-CoV-2 in the Danish population. Between September and October 2020, approximately 1.3 million people (age >15 years) were randomly invited to fill in an electronic questionnaire covering COVID-19 exposures and symptoms. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was determined by point-of care rapid test (POCT) distributed to participants' home addresses. In total, 318,552 participants (24.5% invitees) completed the study and 2,519 (0.79%) were seropositive. Of the participants with a prior positive PCR test (n = 1,828), 29.1% were seropositive in the POCT. Although seropositivity increased with age, participants 61 years and over reported fewer symptoms and were tested less frequently. Seropositivity was associated with physical contact with SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals (risk ratio [RR] 7.43, 95% CI: 6.57-8.41), particular in household members (RR 17.70, 95% CI: 15.60-20.10). A greater risk of seropositivity was seen in home care workers (RR 2.09, 95% CI: 1.58-2.78) compared to office workers. A high degree of adherence with national preventive recommendations was reported (e.g., >80% use of face masks), but no difference were found between seropositive and seronegative participants. The seroprevalence result was somewhat hampered by a lower-than-expected performance of the POCT. This is likely due to a low sensitivity of the POCT or problems reading the test results, and the main findings therefore relate to risk associations. More emphasis should be placed on age, occupation, and exposure in local communities. IMPORTANCE To date, including 318,522 participants, this is the largest population-based study with broad national participation where tests and questionnaires have been sent to participants' homes. We found that more emphasis from national and local authorities toward the risk of infection should be placed on age of tested individuals, type of occupation, as well as exposure in local communities and households. To meet the challenge that broad nationwide information can be difficult to gather. This study design sets the stage for a novel way of conducting studies. Additionally, this study design can be used as a supplementary model in future general test strategy for ongoing monitoring of COVID-19 immunity in the population, both from past infection and from vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, however, with attention to the complexity of performing and reading the POCT at home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamille Fogh
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jarl E Strange
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bibi F S S Scharff
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexandra R R Eriksen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rasmus B Hasselbalch
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henning Bundgaard
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne D Nielsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Christian Erikstrup
- Statens Serum Institutgrid.6203.7, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospitalgrid.154185.c, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jakob Norsk
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pernille Brok Nielsen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas H Kristensen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Østergaard
- Statens Serum Institutgrid.6203.7, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospitalgrid.154185.c, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Svend Ellermann-Eriksen
- Statens Serum Institutgrid.6203.7, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aarhus University Hospitalgrid.154185.c, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Berit Andersen
- Statens Serum Institutgrid.6203.7, Copenhagen, Denmark
- University Research Clinic for Cancer Screening, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
| | - Henrik Nielsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Odense, Denmark
| | - Isik S Johansen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospitalgrid.7143.1, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lothar Wiese
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Lone Simonsen
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Thea K Fischer
- Department of Clinical Research, North Zealand Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark
- Department of Public health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Fredrik Folke
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark
- Copenhagen Emergency Medical Services, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Freddy Lippert
- Copenhagen Emergency Medical Services, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sisse R Ostrowski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Benfield
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Amager and Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kåre Mølbak
- Statens Serum Institutgrid.6203.7, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Steen Ethelberg
- Statens Serum Institutgrid.6203.7, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Koch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
- Statens Serum Institutgrid.6203.7, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Henrik Ullum
- Statens Serum Institutgrid.6203.7, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robert Skov
- Statens Serum Institutgrid.6203.7, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Iversen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospitalgrid.4973.9, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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20
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Mara E, Breitsching V, Schuster T, Pekar T. Prevalence of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in an Austrian cohort. CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS 2021; 1:17-19. [PMID: 38620937 PMCID: PMC8496944 DOI: 10.1016/j.clicom.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) first emerged at the end of 2019, causing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The main sources of infections are infected and asymptomatic persons. One major problem of the pandemic are the diverse symptoms and the varying manifestations of the illness. In this study, the IgG level recognizing the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 was determined within 336 volunteers from the environment of the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt. The aims of this study were to identify the estimated number of undiscovered COVID-19 infections and the corresponding antibody levels. In total, 11.3% of the nonvaccinated probands had a positive IgG antibody titer against SARS-CoV-2, whereas 4.0% did not test positive for SARS-CoV-2 or had never been tested at the time of sampling. Probands in this study reported tiredness (57,5%), ageusia/anosmia (55%) and headache (47,5%) as most frequent symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Mara
- Biomedical Science, University of Applied Science Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Verena Breitsching
- Biomedical Science, University of Applied Science Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Tanja Schuster
- Biomedical Science, University of Applied Science Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Thomas Pekar
- Biomedical Science, University of Applied Science Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
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21
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Haq I, Qurieshi MA, Khan MS, Majid S, Bhat AA, Kousar R, Chowdri IN, Qazi TB, Lone AA, Sabah I, Kawoosa MF, Nabi S, Sumji IA, Ayoub S, Khan MA, Asma A, Ismail S. The burden of SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers across 16 hospitals of Kashmir, India-A seroepidemiological study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259893. [PMID: 34797880 PMCID: PMC8604293 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has greatly affected healthcare workers because of the high risk of getting infected. The present cross-sectional study measured SARS-CoV-2 antibody in healthcare workers of Kashmir, India. METHODS Serological testing to detect antibodies against nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 was performed in 2003 healthcare workers who voluntarily participated in the study. RESULTS We report relatively high seropositivity of 26.8% (95% CI 24.8-28.8) for SARS-CoV-2in healthcare workers, nine months after the first case was detected in Kashmir. Most of the healthcare workers (71.7%) attributed infection to the workplace environment. Among healthcare workers who neither reported any prior symptom nor were they ever tested for infection by nasopharyngeal swab test, 25.5% were seropositive. CONCLUSION We advocate interval testing by nasopharyngeal swab test of all healthcare workers regardless of symptoms to limit the transmission of infection within healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inaamul Haq
- Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Mariya Amin Qurieshi
- Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- * E-mail:
| | - Muhammad Salim Khan
- Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Sabhiya Majid
- Department of Biochemistry, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Arif Akbar Bhat
- Department of Biochemistry, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Rafiya Kousar
- Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Iqra Nisar Chowdri
- Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Tanzeela Bashir Qazi
- Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Abdul Aziz Lone
- Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Iram Sabah
- Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Misbah Ferooz Kawoosa
- Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Shahroz Nabi
- Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Ishtiyaq Ahmad Sumji
- Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Shifana Ayoub
- Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Mehvish Afzal Khan
- Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Anjum Asma
- Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Shaista Ismail
- Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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22
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Tunheim G, Rø GØI, Tran T, Kran AMB, Andersen JT, Vaage EB, Kolderup A, Vaage JT, Lund-Johansen F, Hungnes O. Trends in seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and infection fatality rate in the Norwegian population through the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2021; 16:204-212. [PMID: 34751488 PMCID: PMC8652705 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Infection with the novel coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 induces antibodies that can be used as a proxy for COVID‐19. We present a repeated nationwide cross‐sectional study assessing the seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2, the infection fatality rate (IFR), and infection hospitalization rate (IHR) during the first year of the pandemic in Norway. Methods Residual serum samples were solicited in April/May 2020 (Round 1), in July/August 2020 (Round 2) and in January 2021 (Round 3). Antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 were measured using a flow cytometer‐based assay. Aggregate data on confirmed cases, COVID‐19‐associated deaths and hospitalizations were obtained from the Emergency preparedness registry for COVID‐19 (Beredt C19), and the seroprevalence estimates were used to estimate IFR and IHR. Results Antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 were measured in 4840 samples. The estimated seroprevalence increased from 0.8% (95% credible interval [CrI] 0.4%–1.3%) after the first wave of the pandemic (Rounds 1 and 2 combined) to 3.2% (95% CrI 2.3%–4.2%) (Round 3). The IFR and IHR were higher in the first wave than in the second wave and increased with age. The IFR was 0.2% (95% CrI 0.1%–0.3%), and IHR was 0.9% (95% CrI 0.6%–1.5%) for the second wave. Conclusions The seroprevalence estimates show a cumulative increase of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections over time in the Norwegian population and suggest some under‐recording of confirmed cases. The IFR and IHR were low, corresponding to the relatively low number of COVID‐19‐associated deaths and hospitalizations in Norway. Most of the Norwegian population was still susceptible to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection after the first year of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gro Tunheim
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Trung Tran
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eline Benno Vaage
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anette Kolderup
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - John Torgils Vaage
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Fridtjof Lund-Johansen
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,ImmunoLingo Convergence Centre, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Olav Hungnes
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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23
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Ghate S, Zadey S, Thapar RK, Shah D, Basavaraja GV, Kamath SS, Kumar RR, Desai NG, Parekh BJ, Vashishtha VM, Pandey A, Gupta P. Indian Academy of Pediatrics Revised Guidelines on School Reopening: First Revision, September 2021. Indian Pediatr 2021. [PMID: 34636327 PMCID: PMC8549600 DOI: 10.1007/s13312-021-2331-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Justification The COVID-19 pandemic has affected schooling for more than 24 crores students, since March 2020. Students need a respite from the long standing social isolation so that they regain their chance to develop holistically, but after the devastating effects of the second wave, the administrators as well as parents are skeptical about the decision of school reopening. Process The Indian Academy of Pediatrics constituted a task force comprising of national and international experts in the field who deliberated on the issue. Objectives To bring out scientifically supported guidelines on the prerequisites of opening and attending the schools, in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations The task force recommends i) Decentralization of the school reopening decision; ii) Three epidemiological parameters, case positivity rate (<5 or steadily declining number of cases for past two weeks), number of new cases(<20 per lakh population per day for past two weeks) and vaccination coverage (>60% of the vaccine-eligible population) to be met at the local level, before the schools reopen; and iii) Criteria regarding health and vaccination to be met by the schoolattendees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Ghate
- Babylon's Newton Child development and Support Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan
| | | | | | - Dheeraj Shah
- Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, Delhi
| | | | - S S Kamath
- Indira Gandhi Cooperative Hospital, Kochi, Kerala
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Piyush Gupta
- President, Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Mumbai, Maharashtra. Correspondence to: Dr Piyush Gupta, Professor and Head, Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, Delhi.
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24
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Mears MJ, Wallace MJ, Yount JS, Fowler LA, Jones PS, Mohler PJ, Wold LE. Viral transport media for COVID-19 testing. MethodsX 2021; 8:101433. [PMID: 34226865 PMCID: PMC8242216 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2021.101433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Precautionary measures of physical isolation, social distancing, and masks have all aided in controlling the spread of COVID-19. However, detection of the virus is crucial to implement isolation of infected individuals. This paper presents the innovative repurposing of lab materials, workspace, and personnel in response to the COVID-19-induced shutdown and consequential shortage of commercially made virus transport media (VTM). This method for VTM production highlights the ability of standard research labs to fulfill the needs of those affected by the pandemic and potential recurrence of outbreaks. Further, the collaboration of the various entities at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC) allowed for efficient production and distribution of VTM tubes to facilitate mass COVID-19 testing. We propose that implementation of this process by university research labs would enable quicker interventions, potentially better outcomes, and prevention of further spread of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Mears
- Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Michael J. Wallace
- Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
- College of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Jacob S. Yount
- College of Medicine, Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Lorri A. Fowler
- Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Penny S. Jones
- Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Peter J. Mohler
- Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
- College of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Loren E. Wold
- Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
- College of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
- Corresponding author.
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