1
|
Petersson A, Holmberg J, Pattison-Granberg J, Ekblom K. Differences in SARS-CoV-2 antibodies depending on age, blood group, and sex in a Swedish blood donor cohort. Scand J Clin Lab Invest 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38905129 DOI: 10.1080/00365513.2024.2361279] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to describe differences in prevalence and the long-term presence of nucleocapsid antibodies (N-antibodies) elicited by SARS-CoV-2 infection in a Swedish blood donor population not subjected to lockdown. We tested 20,651 blood donor samples for nucleocapsid antibodies from the beginning of March 2020 and 27 months onwards using the Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay. The proportion of positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody samples was determined each week. After the exclusions of one-time donors and subjects with incomplete data, 19,726 samples from 4003 donors remained. Differences in antibody prevalences stratified for age, sex, and blood groups (ABO and RhD) were determined, as well as antibody loss and recovery. Lower antibody prevalence was seen for older donors, blood group AB, and RhD-negative subjects. A significant decrease in antibody titer between the first and the second antibody-positive donation was seen for the whole study group, females, older subjects, blood group O, AB, and RhD-positive subjects. The titer waned below the detection limit in 60 (3.0%) of 1983 N-antibody-positive donors, and for 18 of these donors, a second episode with antibodies was detected. We showed that N-antibodies persist for months or years and that surprisingly few antibody-positive donors lost their antibodies. We also conclude that antibody prevalence in a Swedish population never subject to lockdown did not apparently differ from populations that were subject to stricter regulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika Petersson
- Clinical Chemistry and Transfusion Medicine, Växjö Central Hospital, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Jimmy Holmberg
- Clinical Chemistry and Transfusion Medicine, Växjö Central Hospital, Växjö, Sweden
| | | | - Kim Ekblom
- Department of Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Clinical Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hoeggerl AD, Nunhofer V, Weidner L, Lauth W, Zimmermann G, Badstuber N, Grabmer C, Kartal O, Jungbauer C, Neureiter H, Held N, Ortner T, Flamm M, Osterbrink J, Rohde E, Laner-Plamberger S. Dissecting the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections in blood donors with pauci- or asymptomatic COVID-19 disease course at initial infection. Infect Dis (Lond) 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38869944 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2024.2367112] [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] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections is crucial for public health policy, vaccine development, and long-term disease management. However, data on reinfections in the general population remains scarce. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate SARS-CoV-2 antibody dynamics among Austrian blood donors, representing healthy adults, over two years following primary infection and to evaluate the reinfection risk. METHODS 117,895 blood donations were analysed for SARS-CoV-2 total anti-N levels from June 2020 to December 2023. We examined anti-N and anti-S antibody dynamics and in vitro functionality in 230 study participants at five defined times during 24 months, assessing associations with demographics, vaccination status, and reinfection awareness. RESULTS The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection-derived anti-N antibodies increased over time, reaching 90% by February 2023 and remaining at that level since then. According to serological screenings, we found an 88% reinfection rate, which is in contrast to participants' reports indicating a reinfection rate of 59%. Our data further reveal that about 26% of reinfections went completely unnoticed. Antibody dynamics were independent of age, sex, and ABO blood group. Interestingly, individuals with multiple reinfections reported symptoms more frequently during their primary infection. Our results further show that vaccination modestly affected reinfection risk and disease course. CONCLUSION SARS-CoV-2 reinfections were uncommon until the end of 2021 but became common with the advent of Omicron. This study highlights the underestimation of reinfection rates in healthy adults and underscores the need for continued surveillance, which is an important support for public health policies and intervention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Domnica Hoeggerl
- Department for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Salzburg (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Verena Nunhofer
- Department for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Salzburg (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Lisa Weidner
- Department for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Salzburg (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Austrian Red Cross, Blood Service for Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wanda Lauth
- Team Biostatistics and Big Medical Data, IDA Lab Salzburg, PMU Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Research Programme Biomedical Data Science, PMU Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Georg Zimmermann
- Team Biostatistics and Big Medical Data, IDA Lab Salzburg, PMU Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Research Programme Biomedical Data Science, PMU Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Natalie Badstuber
- Department of Psychological Assessment, Institute of Psychology, Paris-Lodron-University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christoph Grabmer
- Department for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Salzburg (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Orkan Kartal
- Department for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Salzburg (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christof Jungbauer
- Department for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Salzburg (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Austrian Red Cross, Blood Service for Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heidrun Neureiter
- Department for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Salzburg (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Nina Held
- Department for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Salzburg (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Tuulia Ortner
- Department of Psychological Assessment, Institute of Psychology, Paris-Lodron-University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Maria Flamm
- Center for Public Health and Healthcare Research, Institute of General Practice, Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine, PMU Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jürgen Osterbrink
- Center for Public Health and Healthcare Research, Institute of Nursing Science and Practice, PMU Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Eva Rohde
- Department for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Salzburg (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- GMP Laboratory, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sandra Laner-Plamberger
- Department for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Salzburg (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hoeggerl AD, Nunhofer V, Lauth W, Badstuber N, Held N, Zimmermann G, Grabmer C, Weidner L, Jungbauer C, Lindlbauer N, Neureiter H, Ortner T, Flamm M, Osterbrink J, Rohde E, Laner-Plamberger S. Epstein-Barr virus reactivation is not causative for post-COVID-19-syndrome in individuals with asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 disease course. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:800. [PMID: 37968601 PMCID: PMC10652630 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08820-w] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Post-COVID-19-Syndrome (PCS) frequently occurs after an infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, the understanding of causative mechanisms is still limited. Aim of this study was to determine the PCS rate among SARS-CoV-2 seropositive blood donors as representatives of supposedly healthy adults, who had experienced an asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 disease course, and to examine whether Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is reactivated in individuals reporting PCS. METHODS The PCS rate was determined using questionnaires that included questions about infection and persistent symptoms. Pre-pandemic blood samples and samples collected at regular, pre-defined times after a SARS-CoV-2 infection were analysed for neopterin, a marker for antiviral immune responses, by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, we determined the rate of SARS-CoV-2 anti-N total antibodies using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). Furthermore, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to detect EBV DNA and ECLIA screening for EBV viral capsid-antigen (VCA) IgM, IgG and EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA) IgG were performed. RESULTS Our data reveal that 18% of all infections result in PCS, with symptoms lasting for up to one year. In individuals reporting PCS, no elevated levels of neopterin were detected, indicating no persisting pro-inflammatory, antiviral immune response. SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels were declining in all participants in comparable manner over time, pointing to a successful virus clearance. In individuals with PCS, no EBV DNA could be detected. Furthermore, no differences in EBV specific antibody levels could be shown in PCS groups compared to non-PCS groups. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that PCS in per se healthy, immunocompetent adults cannot be ascribed to a reactivation of EBV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Domnica Hoeggerl
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Salzburg (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) Salzburg, Müllner-Hauptstraße 48, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Verena Nunhofer
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Salzburg (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) Salzburg, Müllner-Hauptstraße 48, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Wanda Lauth
- Team Biostatistics and Big Medical Data, IDA Lab Salzburg, PMU Salzburg, Strubergasse 16, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
- Research and Innovation Management, PMU Salzburg, Strubergasse 16, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Natalie Badstuber
- Department of Psychological Assessment, Institute of Psychology, Paris-Lodron-University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Nina Held
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Salzburg (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) Salzburg, Müllner-Hauptstraße 48, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Georg Zimmermann
- Team Biostatistics and Big Medical Data, IDA Lab Salzburg, PMU Salzburg, Strubergasse 16, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
- Research and Innovation Management, PMU Salzburg, Strubergasse 16, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Christoph Grabmer
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Salzburg (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) Salzburg, Müllner-Hauptstraße 48, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Lisa Weidner
- Austrian Red Cross, Blood Service for Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, Wiedner Hauptstraße 32, Vienna, 1040, Austria
| | - Christof Jungbauer
- Austrian Red Cross, Blood Service for Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, Wiedner Hauptstraße 32, Vienna, 1040, Austria
| | - Nadja Lindlbauer
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Salzburg (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) Salzburg, Müllner-Hauptstraße 48, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Heidrun Neureiter
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Salzburg (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) Salzburg, Müllner-Hauptstraße 48, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Tuulia Ortner
- Department of Psychological Assessment, Institute of Psychology, Paris-Lodron-University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Maria Flamm
- Institute of General Practice, Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine, PMU Salzburg, Strubergasse 21, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Jürgen Osterbrink
- Institute of Nursing Science and Practice, PMU Salzburg, Strubergasse 21, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Eva Rohde
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Salzburg (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) Salzburg, Müllner-Hauptstraße 48, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Centre Salzburg, PMU Salzburg, Strubergasse 21, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Sandra Laner-Plamberger
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Salzburg (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) Salzburg, Müllner-Hauptstraße 48, Salzburg, 5020, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Soriano JB, Peláez A, Busquets X, Rodrigo-García M, Pérez-Urría EÁ, Alonso T, Girón R, Valenzuela C, Marcos C, García-Castillo E, Ancochea J. ABO blood group as a determinant of COVID-19 and Long COVID: An observational, longitudinal, large study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286769. [PMID: 37267401 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An association of ABO blood group and COVID-19 remains controversial. METHODS Following STROBE guidance for observational research, we explored the distribution of ABO blood group in patients hospitalized for acute COVID-19 and in those with Long COVID. Contingency tables were made and risk factors were explored using crude and adjusted Mantle-Haentzel odds ratios (OR and 95% CI). RESULTS Up to September 2022, there were a total of 5,832 acute COVID-19 hospitalizations in our hospital, corresponding to 5,503 individual patients, of whom blood group determination was available for 1,513 (27.5%). Their distribution by ABO was: 653 (43.2%) group 0, 690 (45.6%) A, 113 (7.5%) B, and 57 (3.8%) AB, which corresponds to the expected frequencies in the general population. In parallel, of 676 patients with Long COVID, blood group determination was available for 135 (20.0%). Their distribution was: 60 (44.4%) from group 0, 61 (45.2%) A, 9 (6.7%) B, and 5 (3.7%) AB. The distribution of the ABO system of Long COVID patients did not show significant differences with respect to that of the total group (p ≥ 0.843). In a multivariate analysis adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, and severity of acute COVID-19 infection, subgroups A, AB, and B were not significantly associated with developing Long COVID with an OR of 1.015 [0.669-1.541], 1.327 [0.490-3.594] and 0.965 [0.453-2.058], respectively. The effect of the Rh+ factor was also not significant 1,423 [0.772-2,622] regarding Long COVID. CONCLUSIONS No association of any ABO blood subgroup with COVID-19 or developing Long COVID was identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joan B Soriano
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián Peláez
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavier Busquets
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biomedicine, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
| | | | - Elena Ávalos Pérez-Urría
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tamara Alonso
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Girón
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Claudia Valenzuela
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Celeste Marcos
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena García-Castillo
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio Ancochea
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lubrano C, Mancon A, Anelli GM, Gagliardi G, Corneo R, Bianchi M, Coco C, Dal Molin G, Vignali M, Schirripa I, Di Simone N, Pavone G, Pellegrino A, Gismondo MR, Savasi VM, Cetin I. Immune Response and Transplacental Antibody Transfer in Pregnant Women after COVID-19 Vaccination. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13040689. [PMID: 37109075 PMCID: PMC10141882 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13040689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 infection is associated with increased risk of pregnancy complications, making vaccination during pregnancy critical for mother-neonate dyads. Few data, often with an unrepresentative sample size, are available on SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced humoral and cell-mediated response. Here, we evaluated anti-S antibody and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production elicited by SARS-CoV-2 immunization in maternal and neonatal plasma. Pregnant women (n = 230) were prospectively enrolled and classified as unvaccinated (n = 103) and vaccinated (n = 127); after serological screening for previous infections, assays were performed on 126 dyads, 15 mothers and 17 newborns. Positive anti-S antibodies were found in most of the vaccinated subjects, regardless of timespan between immunization and delivery (range: 7-391 days). A total of 89 of 92 vaccinated women showed a broad response to COVID-19 immunization and highly effective placental transfer, as attested by anti-S positive rates (maternal = 96.7%, cord = 96.6%). Most of our subjects had indeterminate results in an IGRA assay, preventing a conclusive evaluation of IFN-γ production. Indeed, pregnancy-related hormonal changes may influence T-cell response with an impact on IFN-γ production. Positive pregnancy and perinatal outcomes reinforce the evidence that the anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunization is effective and well-tolerated in pregnant women and also protective for the fetus/neonate, even though it was not possible to define the related IFN-γ production and role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Lubrano
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mancon
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Maria Anelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Gloria Gagliardi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Corneo
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Micol Bianchi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Coco
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Dal Molin
- Department of Biomedical Science for Health, Macedonio Melloni Hospital-ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Vignali
- Department of Biomedical Science for Health, Macedonio Melloni Hospital-ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Schirripa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Di Simone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Pavone
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Luigi Sacco Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alessandro Manzoni Hospital, ASST Lecco, 23900 Lecco, Italy
| | - Antonio Pellegrino
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alessandro Manzoni Hospital, ASST Lecco, 23900 Lecco, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Gismondo
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Maria Savasi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Luigi Sacco Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Cetin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Department of Woman, Mother and Neonate, Buzzi Children's Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20154 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nairz M, Todorovic T, Gehrer CM, Grubwieser P, Burkert F, Zimmermann M, Trattnig K, Klotz W, Theurl I, Bellmann-Weiler R, Weiss G. Single-Center Experience in Detecting Influenza Virus, RSV and SARS-CoV-2 at the Emergency Department. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020470. [PMID: 36851685 PMCID: PMC9958692 DOI: 10.3390/v15020470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on respiratory tract swabs has become the gold standard for sensitive and specific detection of influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this retrospective analysis, we report on the successive implementation and routine use of multiplex RT-PCR testing for patients admitted to the Internal Medicine Emergency Department (ED) at a tertiary care center in Western Austria, one of the hotspots in the early coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Europe. Our description focuses on the use of the Cepheid® Xpert® Xpress closed RT-PCR system in point-of-care testing (POCT). Our indications for RT-PCR testing changed during the observation period: From the cold season 2016/2017 until the cold season 2019/2020, we used RT-PCR to diagnose influenza or RSV infection in patients with fever and/or respiratory symptoms. Starting in March 2020, we used the RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 and a multiplex version for the combined detection of all these three respiratory viruses to also screen subjects who did not present with symptoms of infection but needed in-hospital medical treatment for other reasons. Expectedly, the switch to a more liberal RT-PCR test strategy resulted in a substantial increase in the number of tests. Nevertheless, we observed an immediate decline in influenza virus and RSV detections in early 2020 that coincided with public SARS-CoV-2 containment measures. In contrast, the extensive use of the combined RT-PCR test enabled us to monitor the re-emergence of influenza and RSV detections, including asymptomatic cases, at the end of 2022 when COVID-19 containment measures were no longer in place. Our analysis of PCR results for respiratory viruses from a real-life setting at an ED provides valuable information on the epidemiology of those infections over several years, their contribution to morbidity and need for hospital admission, the risk for nosocomial introduction of such infection into hospitals from asymptomatic carriers, and guidance as to how general precautions and prophylactic strategies affect the dynamics of those infections.
Collapse
|
7
|
Tonnetti L, Dodd RY, Burke DD, Saá P, Spencer BR, Xu M, Haynes JM, Stramer SL. A Longitudinal Study of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Antibody Response in a Subset of United States Blood Donors. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 10:ofac697. [PMID: 36751647 PMCID: PMC9898875 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac697] [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: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blood donors were tested for antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); resulting antibody levels were monitored over time. Methods Donors reactive to anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S1-total antibodies) participated in a follow-up study of 18 months. Testing for nucleocapsid antibodies distinguished between vaccination and infection. Vaccination and symptom information were collected for anti-S1-reactive donors by completing a survey. Results The majority of 249 followed donors were over 60 years old (54%), White (90%), and female (58%); 83% had not been vaccinated at enrollment, but by study completion, only 29% remained nonvaccinated. Of the 210 (84%) anti-N-reactive donors, 138 (66%) reported vaccination, whereas 37 (95%) of donors vaccinated and anti-N negative at enrollment remained uninfected. Vaccinated (2 doses) and infected donors showed a steady increase in anti-S1 that increased markedly for vaccinated donors after a booster and infected donors after vaccination (slightly higher for those with hybrid immunity), whereas anti-N levels declined. Most surveyed nonvaccinated donors (65%) reported symptoms, whereas 85% of vaccinated donors were asymptomatic. A coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis was reported by 48 (31%) nonvaccinated and 3 (8%) vaccinated donors. Of asymptomatic donors, 38% never tested diagnostically for COVID-19, and 35% tested negative, suggesting an absence of knowledge of the infection. Conclusions Healthy blood donors were vaccinated at high rates and remained mostly asymptomatic and noninfected, whereas approximately two thirds of infected donors reported symptoms. Anti-S1 levels increased while anti-N decreased over 18 months but remained comparable between vaccinated and hybrid immune individuals with dramatic anti-S1 increases after vaccination or boosting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tonnetti
- Correspondence: L. Tonnetti, PhD, American Red Cross, Scientific Affairs, 15601 Crabbs Branch Way, Rockville, MD 20855 ()
| | - Roger Y Dodd
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Donna D Burke
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Paula Saá
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Bryan R Spencer
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Dedham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Meng Xu
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - James M Haynes
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gemmati D, Longo G, Gallo I, Silva JA, Secchiero P, Zauli G, Hanau S, Passaro A, Pellegatti P, Pizzicotti S, Serino ML, Singh AV, Tisato V. Host genetics impact on SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced immunoglobulin levels and dynamics: The role of TP53, ABO, APOE, ACE2, HLA-A, and CRP genes. Front Genet 2022; 13:1028081. [PMID: 36531241 PMCID: PMC9748098 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1028081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Development and worldwide availability of safe and effective vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) to fight severe symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and block the pandemic have been a great achievement and stimulated researchers on understanding the efficacy and duration of different vaccine types. Methods: We investigated the levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgG) and neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in 195 healthy adult subjects belonging to the staff of the University-Hospital of Ferrara (Italy) starting from 15 days up to 190 days (about 6 months) after the second dose of the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) mRNA-based vaccine (n = 128) or ChAdOx1 (AstraZeneca) adenovirus-based vaccine (n = 67) using a combined approach of serological and genomics investigations. Results: A strong correlation between IgG and NAb levels was detected during the 190 days of follow-up (r 2 = 0.807; p < 0.0001) and was confirmed during the first 90 days (T1) after vaccination (r 2 = 0.789; p = 0.0001) and 91-190 days (T2) after vaccination (r 2 = 0.764; p = 0.0001) for both vaccine types (r 2 = 0.842; p = 0.0001 and r 2 = 0.780; p = 0.0001 for mRNA- and adenovirus-based vaccine, respectively). In addition to age (p < 0.01), sex (p = 0.03), and type of vaccine (p < 0.0001), which partially accounted for the remarkable individual differences observed in the antibody levels and dynamics, interesting genetic determinants appeared as significant modifiers of both IgG and NAb responses among the selected genes investigated (TP53, rs1042522; APOE, rs7412/rs429358; ABO, rs657152; ACE2, rs2285666; HLA-A rs2571381/rs2499; CRP, rs2808635/rs876538; LZTFL1, rs35044562; OAS3, rs10735079; SLC6A20, rs11385942; CFH, rs1061170; and ACE1, ins/del, rs4646994). In detail, regression analysis and mean antibody level comparison yielded appreciable differences after genotype stratification (P1 and P2, respectively, for IgG and NAb distribution) in the whole cohort and/or in the mRNA-based vaccine in the following genes: TP53, rs1042522 (P1 = 0.03; P2 = 0.04); ABO, rs657152 (P1 = 0.01; P2 = 0.03); APOE, rs7412/rs429358 (P1 = 0.0018; P2 = 0.0002); ACE2, rs2285666 (P1 = 0.014; P2 = 0.009); HLA-A, rs2571381/rs2499 (P1 = 0.02; P2 = 0.03); and CRP, rs2808635/rs876538 (P1 = 0.01 and P2 = 0.09). Conclusion: High- or low-responsive subjects can be identified among healthy adult vaccinated subjects after targeted genetic screening. This suggests that favorable genetic backgrounds may support the progression of an effective vaccine-induced immune response, though no definite conclusions can be drawn on the real effectiveness ascribed to a specific vaccine or to the different extent of a genotype-driven humoral response. The interplay between data from the polygenic predictive markers and serological screening stratified by demogeographic information can help to recognize the individual humoral response, accounting for ethnic and geographical differences, in both COVID-19 and anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donato Gemmati
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- University Centre for Gender Medicine Studies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Longo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ines Gallo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Juliana Araujo Silva
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Stefania Hanau
- Department of Neuroscience & Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Angelina Passaro
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Ajay Vikram Singh
- Department of Chemical & Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Veronica Tisato
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- University Centre for Gender Medicine Studies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
SARS-CoV-2 IgG Levels Allow Predicting the Optimal Time Span of Convalescent Plasma Donor Suitability. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12112567. [DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Convalescent plasma (CP) has been in use for the treatment of numerous infectious diseases for more than a century, recently also for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A major challenge for this treatment is identifying suitable donors with sufficient levels of functional antibodies and to determine the optimal time span for CP donation. In this retrospective study, we analyzed 189 CP donations of 66 donors regarding anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-S IgG antibody levels. We found a significant correlation between the semi-quantitative SARS-CoV-2 IgG ratio values and in vitro antibody functionality. A time-to-event analysis allowed us to predict the optimal time span of COVID-19 CP donor suitability. We found that high IgG ratio values, which significantly correlate with high in vitro antibody functionality, were suitable for CP donation for a median of 134 days after the first CP donation. Donors with lower IgG ratios were suitable for a median of 53 days. Our data support plasma collection centers to determine optimal points in time for CP donation by means of widely used semi-quantitative laboratory IgG ratio values.
Collapse
|
10
|
Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies in Tyrol, Austria: Updated Analysis Involving 22,607 Blood Donors Covering the Period October 2021 to April 2022. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091877. [PMID: 36146684 PMCID: PMC9502884 DOI: 10.3390/v14091877] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Because a large proportion of the Austrian population has been infected with SARS-CoV-2 during high incidence periods in winter 2021/2022, up-to-date estimates of seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are required to inform upcoming public health policies. We quantified anti-Spike IgG antibody levels in 22,607 individuals that donated blood between October 2021 and April 2022 across Tyrol, Austria (participation rate: 96.0%). Median age of participants was 45.3 years (IQR: 30.9−55.1); 41.9% were female. From October 2021 to April 2022, seropositivity increased from 84.9% (95% CI: 83.8−86.0%) to 95.8% (94.9−96.4%), and the geometric mean anti-Spike IgG levels among seropositive participants increased from 283 (95% CI: 271−296) to 1437 (1360−1518) BAU/mL. The percentages of participants in categories with undetectable levels and detectable levels at <500, 500−<1000, 1000−<2000, 2000−<3000, and ≥3000 BAU/mL were 15%, 54%, 15%, 10%, 3%, and 3% in October 2021 vs. 4%, 18%, 17%, 18%, 11%, and 32% in April 2022. Of 2711 participants that had repeat measurements taken a median 4.2 months apart, 61.8% moved to a higher, 13.9% to a lower, and 24.4% remained in the same category. Among seropositive participants, antibody levels were 16.8-fold in vaccinated individuals compared to unvaccinated individuals (95% CI: 14.2−19.9; p-value < 0.001). In conclusion, anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in terms of seropositivity and average antibody levels has increased markedly during the winter 2021/2022 SARS-CoV-2 waves in Tyrol, Austria.
Collapse
|