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De Rop L, Vercruysse H, Alenus U, Brusselmans J, Callens S, Claeys M, De Coene N, Persyn P, Padalko E, Heytens S, Verbakel JY, Cools P. SARS-CoV-2 Seropositivity in Nursing Home Staff and Residents during the First SARS-CoV-2 Wave in Flanders, Belgium. Viruses 2024; 16:1461. [PMID: 39339937 PMCID: PMC11437469 DOI: 10.3390/v16091461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: early in the COVID-19 pandemic, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing was limited. Assessing seroprevalence helps understand prevalence and reinfection risk. However, such data are lacking for the first epidemic wave in Belgian nursing homes. Therefore, we assessed SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and cumulative RT-PCR positivity in Belgian nursing homes and evaluated reinfection risk. (2) Methods: we performed a cross-sectional study in nine nursing homes in April and May 2020. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to compare the odds of (re)infection between seropositive and seronegative participants. (3) Results: seroprevalence was 21% (95% CI: 18-23): 22% (95% CI: 18-25) in residents and 20% (95% CI: 17-24) in staff. By 20 May 2020, cumulative RT-PCR positivity was 16% (95% CI: 13-21) in residents and 8% (95% CI: 6-12) in staff. ORs for (re)infection in seropositive (compared to seronegative) residents and staff were 0.22 (95% CI: 0.06-0.72) and 3.15 (95% CI: 1.56-6.63), respectively. (4) Conclusion: during the first wave, RT-PCR test programmes underestimated the number of COVID-19 cases. The reinfection rate in residents was 3%, indicating protection, while it was 21% in staff, potentially due to less cautious health behaviour. Future outbreaks should use both RT-PCR and serological testing for complementary insights into transmission dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liselore De Rop
- LUHTAR, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Hanne Vercruysse
- Research and Analytics, Liantis Occupational Health Services, 8000 Bruges, Belgium;
| | - Ulysse Alenus
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (U.A.); (J.B.)
| | - Judith Brusselmans
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (U.A.); (J.B.)
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Callens
- Department of Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Maud Claeys
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (U.A.); (J.B.)
| | - Nimphe De Coene
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (N.D.C.); (S.H.)
| | - Peter Persyn
- Medical Department, Korian Belgium NH, 2550 Kontich, Belgium;
| | - Elizaveta Padalko
- Laboratory of Clinical Biology, University Hospital Ghent, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Heytens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (N.D.C.); (S.H.)
| | - Jan Y. Verbakel
- LUHTAR, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Piet Cools
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (U.A.); (J.B.)
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Paduano S, Granata M, Turchi S, Modenese A, Galante P, Poggi A, Marchesi I, Frezza G, Dervishaj G, Vivoli R, Verri S, Marchetti S, Gobba F, Bargellini A. Factors Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Evaluated by Antibody Response in a Sample of Workers from the Emilia-Romagna Region, Northern Italy. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:77. [PMID: 38131799 PMCID: PMC10740768 DOI: 10.3390/antib12040077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection risk are still debated. This case-control study aims to investigate the possible relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection, evaluated through antibody response, and the main sociodemographic, occupational, clinical-anamnestic, and biochemical factors in a population of Modena province (Northern Italy), mainly workers. Both workers who voluntarily joined the screening campaign proposed by companies and self-referred individuals who underwent serological testing were enrolled. Subjects with antibody positivity were recruited as cases (n = 166) and subjects tested negative (n = 239) as controls. A questionnaire on sociodemographic, occupational, and clinical data was administered through telephone interviews. Serum zinc/iron/copper/chromium/nickel, vitamins D/B12, folates, triglycerides, and LDL/HDL/total cholesterol were measured. Cases lived more often in urban areas (61.8% vs. 57%). Cases and controls did not differ significantly by working macrocategories, but the percentage of workers in the ceramic sector was higher among cases. Low adherence to preventive measures in the workplace was more frequent among seropositives. Folate concentration was significantly lower among cases. Therefore, adequate folate levels, living in rural areas, and good adherence to preventive strategies seem protective against infection. Workers in the ceramic sector seem to be at greater risk; specific factors involved are not defined, but preventive interventions are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Paduano
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.G.); (S.T.); (A.M.); (P.G.); (A.P.); (I.M.); (G.F.); (G.D.); (F.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Michele Granata
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.G.); (S.T.); (A.M.); (P.G.); (A.P.); (I.M.); (G.F.); (G.D.); (F.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Sara Turchi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.G.); (S.T.); (A.M.); (P.G.); (A.P.); (I.M.); (G.F.); (G.D.); (F.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Alberto Modenese
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.G.); (S.T.); (A.M.); (P.G.); (A.P.); (I.M.); (G.F.); (G.D.); (F.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Pasquale Galante
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.G.); (S.T.); (A.M.); (P.G.); (A.P.); (I.M.); (G.F.); (G.D.); (F.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.G.); (S.T.); (A.M.); (P.G.); (A.P.); (I.M.); (G.F.); (G.D.); (F.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Isabella Marchesi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.G.); (S.T.); (A.M.); (P.G.); (A.P.); (I.M.); (G.F.); (G.D.); (F.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Giuseppina Frezza
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.G.); (S.T.); (A.M.); (P.G.); (A.P.); (I.M.); (G.F.); (G.D.); (F.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Giulia Dervishaj
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.G.); (S.T.); (A.M.); (P.G.); (A.P.); (I.M.); (G.F.); (G.D.); (F.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Roberto Vivoli
- Test Laboratory, 41100 Modena, Italy; (R.V.); (S.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Sara Verri
- Test Laboratory, 41100 Modena, Italy; (R.V.); (S.V.); (S.M.)
| | | | - Fabriziomaria Gobba
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.G.); (S.T.); (A.M.); (P.G.); (A.P.); (I.M.); (G.F.); (G.D.); (F.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Annalisa Bargellini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.G.); (S.T.); (A.M.); (P.G.); (A.P.); (I.M.); (G.F.); (G.D.); (F.G.); (A.B.)
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3
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Paduano S, Facchini MC, Borsari L, D’Alterio A, Iacuzio L, Greco A, Fioretti E, Creola G, Kahfian Z, Zona S, Bargellini A, Filippini T. Health surveillance for SARS-CoV-2: infection spread and vaccination coverage in the schools of Modena province, Italy. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1240315. [PMID: 37965518 PMCID: PMC10641794 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1240315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In Italy, over 4.8 million individuals aged 0-19 years have been infected with SARS-CoV-2. This study aims to evaluate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 within schools in Modena province and the influence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination coverage. Methods We performed a survey in the period 1 September-15 December 2021, involving student population aged 0-19 years and related teachers screened for SARS-CoV-2 infection using nasopharyngeal swab after the detection of an index case within their class. During the study period, vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 was actively offered to all subjects aged ≥12 years. Results A total of 13,934 subjects were tested, 12,534 students and 1,400 teachers (594 classes). We identified a total of 594 and 779 index and secondary cases, respectively. We found that 9.8% of students and 10.6% of teachers were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Overall at the test time, 32.5% were vaccinated with at least one dose of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Among secondary cases, 7.8% were vaccinated compared to 34.9% among negative tested subjects. A higher secondary attack rate was for non-vaccinated subjects rather than vaccinated ones (8.1% vs. 1.4%). Higher secondary attack rates were reported for subjects attending infant and primary school (5.9 and 9.6%, respectively). Lower secondary attack rates were for those who attended middle school (4.9%) and especially high school (1.7%). Conclusion Our results highlight the differential spread of the infection within various educational settings and that the vaccination, available in the study period for the population aged ≥12, have mitigated SARS-CoV-2 spread in high and middle schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Paduano
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences – Section of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Facchini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences – Section of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lucia Borsari
- Department of Public Health – Public Hygiene Service, Local Health Authority of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandra D’Alterio
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences – Section of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Iacuzio
- Department of Public Health – Public Hygiene Service, Local Health Authority of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Antonella Greco
- Department of Public Health – Public Hygiene Service, Local Health Authority of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Fioretti
- Department of Public Health – Public Hygiene Service, Local Health Authority of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Giacomo Creola
- Department of Public Health – Public Hygiene Service, Local Health Authority of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Zaynalabedin Kahfian
- Department of Public Health – Public Hygiene Service, Local Health Authority of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefano Zona
- Infection Control Strategic Group, Local Health Authority of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Bargellini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences – Section of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Filippini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences – Section of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
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4
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Radziejewska J, Arkowski J, Susło R, Kędzierski K, Wawrzyńska M. Analysis of COVID-19 Incidence and Protective Potential of Persisting IgG Class Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Hospital Staff in Poland. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1198. [PMID: 37515014 PMCID: PMC10383555 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071198] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune responses to both SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccines are of key importance in prevention efforts. In April and May 2020, 703 study participants tested for COVID-19 by PCR tests were registered. In June and July 2020, they were examined for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG. From October 2020 to January 2021, those among the study population with COVID-19 confirmed by PCR tests were registered, and the same group of participants was invited to be examined again for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. In June 2020, antibodies were detected in only 88% of those who had PCR-confirmed COVID-19 in April-May 2020, which suggests that a significant proportion of persons in the Polish population do not produce antibodies after contact with SARS-CoV-2 antigens or rapidly lose them and reach levels below the lab detection limit. The levels of IgG class anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were significantly lower among people who previously had COVID-19 than for those who had received COVID-19 vaccination, which confirms the high immunogenicity of the vaccines against COVID-19 in the Polish population. The study confirms that a detectable level of IgG class anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies cannot be considered a reliable marker of the presence and strength of COVID-19 immunity preventing individuals from acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacek Arkowski
- Centre for Preclinical Studies, Wrocław Medical University, Ul. Marcinkowskiego 1, 53-220 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Robert Susło
- Epidemiology and Health Education Unit, Population Health Department, Wroclaw Medical University, Ul. Bujwida 44, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Kędzierski
- Department of Medical Emergencies, Wroclaw Medical University, Ul. Parkowa 34, 51-616 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Wawrzyńska
- Centre for Preclinical Studies, Wrocław Medical University, Ul. Marcinkowskiego 1, 53-220 Wroclaw, Poland
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Osorio-Toro LM, Bonilla-Bonilla DM, Daza-Arana JE, Aristizábal JC, Ávila-Valencia JC, Ramírez-Marmolejo R. Prevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies and Associated Factors Among Health Care Workers in Santiago De Cali, Colombia. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:697-705. [PMID: 36866168 PMCID: PMC9970879 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s396357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among health care workers and describe the associated sociodemographic and labor features. Patients and Methods An observational study with an analytical component was conducted at a clinic in Cali, Colombia. The sample size was 708 health workers and they were selected by stratified random sampling. A Bayesian analysis was developed to determine the raw and adjusted prevalence. A Poisson regression model was used to estimate the prevalence ratios. Results Overall seroprevalence of COVID-19 among healthcare workers was 29%. Miscellaneous services workers, healthcare, and administrative workers, was 38%, 33%, and 32%, respectively. Factors related to seropositivity were having a contact with a COVID-19 patient for >120 minutes and being diagnosed with COVID-19 by laboratory tests. Conclusion The present study shows a adjusted seroprevalence of 29% in health workers, indicating a high level of disease transmission and an increased risk of infection in this population group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Miguel Osorio-Toro
- Internal Medicine Specialization Program, Department of Health, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Santiago de CaliColombia,Genetics, Physiology, and Metabolism Research Group, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Santiago de CaliColombia,Department of Research and Education, Clínica de Occidente SA, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
| | - Diana Marcela Bonilla-Bonilla
- Internal Medicine Specialization Program, Department of Health, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Santiago de CaliColombia,Genetics, Physiology, and Metabolism Research Group, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Santiago de CaliColombia,Department of Research and Education, Clínica de Occidente SA, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
| | - Jorge Enrique Daza-Arana
- Internal Medicine Specialization Program, Department of Health, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Santiago de CaliColombia,Health and Movement Research Group, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Santiago de CaliColombia,Correspondence: Jorge Enrique Daza-Arana, Specialization Program in Internal Medicine, Department of Health, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Calle 5 # 62-00, Santiago de Cali, Colombia, Tel +57 3108923676, Email
| | | | - Juan Carlos Ávila-Valencia
- Department of Research and Education, Clínica de Occidente SA, Santiago de Cali, Colombia,Health and Movement Research Group, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Santiago de CaliColombia
| | - Roberto Ramírez-Marmolejo
- Internal Medicine Specialization Program, Department of Health, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Santiago de CaliColombia
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Galla L, Cosma C, Bertan M, Altinier S, Zaninotto M, Basso D, Burlina A, Padoan A, Plebani M. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Italy in newborn dried blood spots. Clin Chem Lab Med 2023; 61:311-315. [PMID: 36282964 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2022-0948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBEJCTIVES Serosurveys can be used to monitor COVID-19 seroprevalence and conduct surveillance. Dried blood spot (DBS), used increasingly as a valuable sample to assay severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies (Ab), has several advantages, particularly in infants, due to the limited amount of blood required and its utility in testing a large number of samples in a limited time-frame. We evaluated SARS-CoV-2 IgG Ab prevalence in newborn DBS in the Trentino region of Italy, during the time period January 2020 - December 2021. METHODS Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels were determined in DBS by means of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 QuantiVac IgG ELISA assay (Euroimmun, Lubeck, Germany). RESULTS Analyses included 2,400 DBS from newborns (54% M, 46% F), samples being collected 2-3 days after birth. The first DBS that tested positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was found in March 2020 and, up to May 2020, only 4 positive results were detected overall. Starting from June 2020, the positivity thresholds increased according to the epidemiological waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, with a robust increment in the winters of 2020 and 2021. The percentage of positive DBS rose from 0 to 6% to 10-47%, in 2020 and 2021, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates DBS is a suitable tool for both epidemiological purposes and surveillance in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, particularly in newborns and pregnant women, saving blood waste and sparing patients any discomfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Galla
- Laboratory Medicine Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
- QI.Lab.Med, Spinoff of University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Chiara Cosma
- Laboratory Medicine Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
- QI.Lab.Med, Spinoff of University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Michela Bertan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Inborn Metabolic Disease, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Woman and Child Health Department, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sara Altinier
- Laboratory Medicine Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Martina Zaninotto
- Laboratory Medicine Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
- QI.Lab.Med, Spinoff of University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Daniela Basso
- Laboratory Medicine Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
- QI.Lab.Med, Spinoff of University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Burlina
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Inborn Metabolic Disease, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Woman and Child Health Department, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Padoan
- Laboratory Medicine Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
- QI.Lab.Med, Spinoff of University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Mario Plebani
- Laboratory Medicine Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
- QI.Lab.Med, Spinoff of University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Migliara G, Renzi E, Baccolini V, Cerri A, Donia P, Massimi A, Marzuillo C, De Vito C, Casini L, Polimeni A, Gaudio E, Villari P. Predictors of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in University Students: A Case-Control Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14376. [PMID: 36361257 PMCID: PMC9655450 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114376] [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: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Closure of Higher Education Institutions in the early phase of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was largely diffused. With their reopening, numerous preventive measures have been enacted, but limited evidence exists on students' behavior that could influence their infection risk. We conducted a case-control study at the Sapienza University of Rome to identify protective and risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Students attending the campus within 48 h of SARS-CoV-2 infection were considered cases. Controls were students who come in contact with a confirmed case within the campus. Demographic features and activities carried out before positivity or contact were investigated. Multivariable logistic regression models were built to identify factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, estimating adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The analysis showed an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection for attending the second year or above of university (aOR 17.7, 95% CI 2.21-142.82) and participating in private parties or ceremonies (aOR 15.9, 95% CI 2.30-109.67) while living outside the family (aOR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01-0.54) and attending practical activities or libraries on campus (aOR 0.29, 95% CI 0.08-0.97) reduced the risk. Data strongly suggests that it may be safe to participate in activities organized under strict infection prevention guidelines. Tailored prevention measures might reduce the risk of infection in university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Migliara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Renzi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Baccolini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Ambrogio Cerri
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Donia
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Azzurra Massimi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Marzuillo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Corrado De Vito
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Leandro Casini
- Special Office for Prevention, Protection and High Vigilance, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Polimeni
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Villari
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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8
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Heiskanen A, Galipeau Y, Langlois MA, Little J, Cooper CL. SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Those Utilizing Public Transportation or Working in the Transportation Industry: A Rapid Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11629. [PMID: 36141897 PMCID: PMC9517055 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811629] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Proximity and duration of social contact while working or using public transportation may increase users' risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure. This review aims to assess evidence of an association between use of public transportation or work in the transportation industry and prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies as well as to identify factors associated with seropositivity in transit users. A literature search of major databases was conducted from December 2019 to January 2022 using key worlds including "seroprevalence", "SARS-CoV-2", and "public transit". A narrative review of included studies was completed for the following categories: those working in the transportation industry, healthcare workers relying on public transit, and population-based studies. The association between work in the transit industry and seroprevalence varied based on location, demographic characteristics, and test sensitivities. No association was found in healthcare workers. Several population-based studies indicated higher seroprevalence in those using public transit. Overall seroprevalence estimates varied based on geographic location, population demographics, study methodologies, and calendar date of assessment. However, seropositivity was consistently higher in racial minorities and low-income communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliisa Heiskanen
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Yannick Galipeau
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Marc-André Langlois
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation (CI3), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Julian Little
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Curtis L. Cooper
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
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