SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with self-reported post-acute neuropsychological symptoms within six months of follow-up

BACKGROUND

Chronic neuropsychological sequelae following SARS-CoV-2 infection, including depression, anxiety, fatigue, and general cognitive difficulties, are a major public health concern. Given the potential impact of long-term neuropsychological impairment, it is important to characterize the frequency and predictors of this post-infection phenotype.

METHODS

The Epidemiology, Immunology, and Clinical Characteristics of Emerging Infectious Diseases with Pandemic Potential (EPICC) study is a longitudinal study assessing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in U.S. Military Healthcare System (MHS) beneficiaries, i.e. those eligible for care in the MHS including active duty servicemembers, dependents, and retirees. Four broad areas of neuropsychological symptoms were assessed cross-sectionally among subjects 1-6 months post-infection/enrollment, including: depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder-7), fatigue (PROMIS® Fatigue 7a), and cognitive function (PROMIS® Cognitive Function 8a and PROMIS® Cognitive Function abilities 8a). Multivariable Poisson regression models compared participants with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection history on these measures, adjusting for sex, ethnicity, active-duty status, age, and months post-first positive or enrollment of questionnaire completion (MPFP/E); models for fatigue and cognitive function were also adjusted for depression and anxiety scores.

RESULTS

The study population included 2383 participants who completed all five instruments within six MPFP/E, of whom 687 (28.8%) had at least one positive SARS-CoV-2 test. Compared to those who had never tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the positive group was more likely to meet instrument-based criteria for depression (15.4% vs 10.3%, p<0.001), fatigue (20.1% vs 8.0%, p<0.001), impaired cognitive function (15.7% vs 8.6%, p<0.001), and impaired cognitive function abilities (24.3% vs 16.3%, p<0.001). In multivariable models, SARS-CoV-2 positive participants, assessed at an average of 2.7 months after infection, had increased risk of moderate to severe depression (RR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.12-1.84), fatigue (RR: 2.07, 95% CI 1.62-2.65), impaired cognitive function (RR: 1.64, 95% CI 1.27-2.11), and impaired cognitive function abilities (RR: 1.41, 95% CI 1.15-1.71); MPFP/E was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection were up to twice as likely to report cognitive impairment and fatigue as the group without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings underscore the continued importance of preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection and while time since infection/enrollment was not significant through 6 months of follow-up, this highlights the need for additional research into the long-term impacts of COVID-19 to mitigate and reverse these neuropsychological outcomes.

Low Level Viremia Is Associated With Serious non-AIDS Events in People With HIV

Background

The consequences of low-level viremia in people with HIV are unclear. We used data from the US Military HIV Natural History Study to examine the association of low-level viremia (LLV) and serious non-AIDS events (SNAEs).

Methods

Included participants initiated antiretroviral therapy after 1996 and had ≥3 viral loads (VLs) measured, using an assay with a lower limit of detection of <50 copies/mL, ≥6 months after antiretroviral therapy initiation. VLs were categorized as lower levels of LLV (51-199 copies/mL), higher level of low-level viremia (HLLV; 200-999 copies/mL), and (VF; ≥200 copies/mL on 2 or more successive determinations or a single VL ≥1000 copies/mL), and virologic suppression (VS; ie, VL <50 copies/mL). Viral blips (ie, VLs between 50 and 999 copies/mL that are preceded and succeeded by VL <50 copies/mL) were analyzed in the VS category. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association of LLV and SNAEs, adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals are presented.

Results

A total of 439 (17.4%) SNAEs were recorded among the 2528 participants (93% male, 40% Caucasian, 43% African American) followed for a median of 11 years. In 8.5% and 4.6% of the participants, respectively, LLV and HLLV were the highest recorded viremia strata. Compared with VS, SNAEs were associated with LLV (1.3 [1.2-1.4]), HLLV (1.6 [1.5-1.7]), and virologic failure (1.7 [1.7-1.8]).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that LLV is associated with the occurrence of SNAEs and needs further study.

Load carriage exercise increases calcium absorption and retention in healthy young women

Aerobic exercise reduces circulating ionized Ca (iCa) and increases parathyroid hormone (PTH), but the cause and consequences on Ca handling are unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of strenuous exercise on Ca kinetics using dual stable Ca isotopes. Twenty-one healthy women (26.4 ± 6.7 yr) completed a randomized, crossover study entailing two 6-d iterations consisting of either 60 min of treadmill walking at 65% VO2max wearing a vest weighing 30% body weight on study days 1, 3, and 5 (exercise [EX]), or a rest iteration (rest [REST]). On day 1, participants received intravenous 42Ca and oral 44Ca. Isotope ratios were determined by thermal ionization mass spectrometry. Kinetic modeling determined fractional Ca absorption (FCA), Ca deposition (Vo+), resorption (Vo-) from bone, and balance (Vbal). Circulating PTH and iCa were measured before, during, and after each exercise/rest session. Data were analyzed by paired t-test or linear mixed models using SPSS. iCa decreased and PTH increased (P < .001) during each EX session and were unchanged during REST. On day 1, urinary Ca was lower in the EX pool (25 ± 11 mg) compared to REST (38 ± 16 mg, P = .001), but did not differ over the full 24-h collection (P > .05). FCA was greater during EX (26.6 ± 8.1%) compared to REST (23.9 ± 8.3%, P < .05). Vbal was less negative during EX (-61.3 ± 111 mg) vs REST (-108 ± 23.5 mg, P < .05), but VO+ (574 ± 241 vs 583 ± 260 mg) and VO- (-636 ± 243 vs -692 ± 252 mg) were not different (P > .05). The rapid reduction in circulating iCa may be due to a change in the miscible Ca pool, resulting in increased PTH and changes in intestinal absorption and renal Ca handling that support a more positive Ca balance.

Posttraumatic stress disorder, Veterans Health Administration use, and care-seeking among recent-era U.S. veterans

The current study investigated the associations among probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), recent Veterans Health Administration (VHA) health care use, and care-seeking for PTSD in U.S. military veterans. Analyses were conducted among 19,691 active duty military personnel enrolled in the Millennium Cohort Study who separated from the military between 2000 and 2012 and were weighted to the 1,130,103 active duty personnel who separated across this time period. VHA utilization was identified from electronic medical records in the year before survey completion, and PTSD care-seeking and PTSD symptoms were assessed through self-report on the 2014-2016 survey; thus, the observation period regarding care-seeking and VHA use encompassed 2013-2016. Veterans with probable PTSD were more likely to use VHA services than those without probable PTSD, aOR = 1.12, 95% CI [1.01, 1.24], although the strongest association with recent VHA use was a depression diagnosis, aOR = 2.47, 95% CI [2.26, 2.70]. Among veterans with probable PTSD, the strongest predictor of care-seeking was recent VHA use compared to community care, aOR = 4.01, 95% CI [3.40, 4.74); reporting a diagnosis of depression was the second strongest predictor of PTSD care-seeking, OR = 2.99, 95% CI [2.53, 3.54]. However, the absolute number of veterans with probable PTSD who were not seeking care was approximately equivalent between veterans using VHA services and those not using VHA services. Additionally, certain groups were identified as being at risk of not seeking care, namely Air Force veterans and veterans with high physical and mental functioning despite substantial PTSD symptoms.

Mental and Physical Health-Related Quality of Life Following Military Polytrauma

INTRODUCTION

The long-term impact of deployment-related trauma on mental and physical health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among military personnel is not well understood. We describe the mental and physical HRQoL among military personnel following deployment-related polytrauma after their discharge from the hospital and examine factors associated with HRQoL and longitudinal trends.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The U.S. military personnel with battlefield-related trauma enrolled in the Trauma Infectious Diseases Outcomes Study were surveyed using SF-8 Health Surveys at 1 month post-discharge (baseline) and at follow-up intervals over 2 years. Inclusion in the longitudinal analysis required baseline SF-8 plus responses during early (3 and/or 6 months) and later follow-up periods (12, 18, and/or 24 months). Associations of demographics, injury characteristics, and hospitalization with baseline SF-8 scores and longitudinal changes in SF-8 scores during follow-up were examined. Survey responses were used to calculate the Mental Component Summary score (MCS) and the Physical Component Summary score (PCS). The MCS focuses on vitality, mental health, social functioning, and daily activity limitations, whereas PCS is related to general health, bodily pain, physical functioning, and physical activity limitations. Longitudinal trends in SF-8 scores were assessed using chi-square tests by comparing the median score at each timepoint to the median 1-month (baseline) score, as well as comparing follow-up scores to the immediately prior timepoint (e.g., 6 months vs. 3 months). Associations with the 1-month baseline SF-8 scores were assessed using generalized linear regression modeling and associations with longitudinal changes in SF-8 were examined using generalized linear regression modeling with repeated measures.

RESULTS

Among 781 enrollees, lower baseline SF-8 total scores and PCS were associated with spinal and lower extremity injuries (P < .001) in the multivariate analyses, whereas lower baseline MCS was associated with head/face/neck injuries (P < .001). Higher baseline SF-8 total was associated with having an amputation (P = .009), and lower baseline SF-8 total was also associated with sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI; P = .042). Among 524 enrollees with longitudinal follow-up, SF-8 scores increased, driven by increased PCS and offset by small MCS decreases. Upward SF-8 total score and PCS trends were associated with time post-hospital discharge and limb amputation (any) in the multivariate analyses (P < .05), whereas downward trends were independently associated with spinal injury and developing any post-discharge infection (P ≤ .001). Patients with lower extremity injuries had lower-magnitude improvements in PCS over time compared to those without lower extremity injuries (P < .001). Upward MCS trend was associated with higher injury severity (P = .003) in the multivariate analyses, whereas downward trends were independently associated with having a TBI (P < .001), time post-hospital discharge (P < .001), and occurrence of post-discharge infections (P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, HRQoL increased during the 2-year follow-up period, driven by PCS improvement. Increasing HRQoL was associated with time since hospital discharge and limb amputation, whereas a downward trend in HRQoL was associated with spinal injury and post-discharge infection. The longitudinal decline in MCS, driven by TBI occurrence, time since hospital discharge, and developing post-discharge infections, emphasizes the importance of longitudinal mental health care in this population.

Comparison of Rapid-, Kaolin-, and Native-TEG Parameters in Burn Patient Cohorts With Acute Burn-induced Coagulopathy and Abnormal Fibrinolytic Function

Although use of thromboelastography (TEG) to diagnose coagulopathy and guide clinical decision-making is increasing, relative performance of different TEG methods has not been well-defined. Rapid-TEG (rTEG), kaolin-TEG (kTEG), and native-TEG (nTEG) were performed on blood samples from burn patients presenting to a regional center from admission to 21 days. Patients were categorized by burn severity, mortality, and fibrinolytic phenotypes (Shutdown [SD], Physiologic [PHYS], and Hyperfibrinolytic [HF]). Manufacturer ranges and published TEG cutoffs were examined. Concordance correlations (Rc) of TEG parameters (R, α-angle, maximum amplitude [MA], LY30) measured agreement and Cohen's Kappa (κ) determined interclass reliability. Patients (n = 121) were mostly male (n = 84; 69.4%), with median age 40 years, median TBSA burn 13%, and mortality 17% (n = 21). Severe burns (≥40% TBSA) were associated with lower admission α-angle for rTEG (P = .03) and lower MA for rTEG (P = .02) and kTEG (P = .01). MA was lower in patients who died (nTEG, P = .04; kTEG, P = .02; rTEG, P = .003). Admission HF was associated with increased mortality (OR, 10.45; 95% CI, 2.54-43.31, P = .001) on rTEG only. Delayed SD was associated with mortality using rTEG and nTEG (OR 9.46; 95% CI, 1.96-45.73; P = .005 and OR, 6.91; 95% CI, 1.35-35.48; P = .02). Admission TEGs showed poor agreement on R-time (Rc, 0.00-0.56) and α-angle (0.40 to 0.55), and moderate agreement on MA (0.67-0.81) and LY30 (0.72-0.93). Interclass reliability was lowest for R-time (κ, -0.07 to 0.01) and α-angle (-0.06 to 0.17) and highest for MA (0.22-0.51) and LY30 (0.29-0.49). Choice of TEG method may impact clinical decision-making. rTEG appeared most sensitive in parameter-specific associations with injury severity, abnormal fibrinolysis, and mortality.

Decreased Self-reported Physical Fitness Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection and the Impact of Vaccine Boosters in a Cohort Study

Background

The long-term effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on physical fitness are unclear, and the impact of vaccination on that relationship is uncertain.

Methods

We compared survey responses in a 1-year study of US military service members with (n = 1923) and without (n = 1591) a history of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We fit Poisson regression models to estimate the association between history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and fitness impairment, adjusting for time since infection, demographics, and baseline health.

Results

The participants in this analysis were primarily young adults aged 18-39 years (75%), and 71.5% were male. Participants with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection were more likely to report difficulty exercising (38.7% vs 18.4%; P < .01), difficulty performing daily activities (30.4% vs 12.7%; P < .01), and decreased fitness test (FT) scores (42.7% vs 26.2%; P < .01) than those without a history of infection. SARS-CoV-2-infected participants were at higher risk of these outcomes after adjusting for other factors (unvaccinated: exercising: adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 3.99; 95% CI, 3.36-4.73; activities: aRR, 5.02; 95% CI, 4.09-6.16; FT affected: aRR, 2.55; 95% CI, 2.19-2.98). Among SARS-CoV-2-positive participants, full vaccination before infection was associated with a lower risk of post-COVID-19 fitness impairment (fully vaccinated: exercise: aRR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.70-0.95; activities: aRR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.64-0.91; FT: aRR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.76-1.00; boosted: exercise: aRR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.51-0.74; activities: aRR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.41-0.65; FT: aRR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.49-0.70).

Conclusions

In this study of generally young, healthy military service members, SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with lower self-reported fitness and exercise capacity; vaccination and boosting were associated with lower risk of self-reported fitness loss.

Seasonality of Microbiology of Combat-Related Wounds and Wound Infections in Afghanistan

INTRODUCTION

Battlefield-related wound infections are a significant source of morbidity among combat casualties. Seasonality of these infections was demonstrated in previous conflicts (e.g., Korea) but has not been described with trauma-related health care-associated infections from the war in Afghanistan.

METHODS

The study population included military personnel wounded in Afghanistan (2009-2014) medevac'd to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and transitioned to participating military hospitals in the United States with clinical suspicion of wound infections and wound cultures collected ≤7 days post-injury. Analysis was limited to the first wound culture from individuals. Infecting isolates were collected from skin and soft-tissue infections, osteomyelitis, and burn soft-tissue infections. Data were analyzed by season (winter [ December 1-February 28/29], spring [March 1-May 31], summer [June 1-August 31], and fall [September 1-November 30]).

RESULTS

Among 316 patients, 297 (94.0%) sustained blast injuries with a median injury severity score and days from injury to initial culture of 33 and 3.5, respectively. Although all patients had a clinical suspicion of a wound infection, a diagnosis was confirmed in 198 (63%) patients. Gram-negative bacilli (59.5% of 316) were more commonly isolated from wound cultures in summer (68.1%) and fall (67.1%) versus winter (43.9%) and spring (45.1%; P < .001). Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacilli (21.8%) were more common in summer (21.8%) and fall (30.6%) versus winter (7.3%) and spring (19.7%; P = .028). Findings were similar for infecting Gram-negative bacilli (72.7% of 198)-summer (79.5%) and fall (83.6%; P = .001)-and infecting MDR Gram-negative bacilli (27.3% of 198)-summer (25.6%) and fall (41.8%; P = .015). Infecting anaerobes were more common in winter (40%) compared to fall (11%; P = .036). Gram-positive organisms were not significantly different by season.

CONCLUSION

Gram-negative bacilli, including infecting MDR Gram-negative bacilli, were more commonly recovered in summer/fall months from service members injured in Afghanistan. This may have implications for empiric antibiotic coverage during these months.

The effects of cytomegalovirus on brain structure following sport-related concussion

The neurotrophic herpes virus cytomegalovirus is a known cause of neuropathology in utero and in immunocompromised populations. Cytomegalovirus is reactivated by stress and inflammation, possibly explaining the emerging evidence linking it to subtle brain changes in the context of more minor disturbances of immune function. Even mild forms of traumatic brain injury, including sport-related concussion, are major physiological stressors that produce neuroinflammation. In theory, concussion could predispose to the reactivation of cytomegalovirus and amplify the effects of physical injury on brain structure. However, to our knowledge this hypothesis remains untested. This study evaluated the effect of cytomegalovirus serostatus on white and grey matter structure in a prospective study of athletes with concussion and matched contact-sport controls. Athletes who sustained concussion (n = 88) completed MRI at 1, 8, 15 and 45 days post-injury; matched uninjured athletes (n = 73) completed similar visits. Cytomegalovirus serostatus was determined by measuring serum IgG antibodies (n = 30 concussed athletes and n = 21 controls were seropositive). Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to adjust for confounding factors between athletes with and without cytomegalovirus. White matter microstructure was assessed using diffusion kurtosis imaging metrics in regions previously shown to be sensitive to concussion. T1-weighted images were used to quantify mean cortical thickness and total surface area. Concussion-related symptoms, psychological distress, and serum concentration of C-reactive protein at 1 day post-injury were included as exploratory outcomes. Planned contrasts compared the effects of cytomegalovirus seropositivity in athletes with concussion and controls, separately. There was a significant effect of cytomegalovirus on axial and radial kurtosis in athletes with concussion but not controls. Cytomegalovirus positive athletes with concussion showed greater axial (P = 0.007, d = 0.44) and radial (P = 0.010, d = 0.41) kurtosis than cytomegalovirus negative athletes with concussion. Similarly, there was a significant association of cytomegalovirus with cortical thickness in athletes with concussion but not controls. Cytomegalovirus positive athletes with concussion had reduced mean cortical thickness of the right hemisphere (P = 0.009, d = 0.42) compared with cytomegalovirus negative athletes with concussion and showed a similar trend for the left hemisphere (P = 0.036, d = 0.33). There was no significant effect of cytomegalovirus on kurtosis fractional anisotropy, surface area, symptoms and C-reactive protein. The results raise the possibility that cytomegalovirus infection contributes to structural brain abnormalities in the aftermath of concussion perhaps via an amplification of concussion-associated neuroinflammation. More work is needed to identify the biological pathways underlying this process and to clarify the clinical relevance of this putative viral effect.

Survey response over 15 years of follow-up in the Millennium Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Patterns of survey response and the characteristics associated with response over time in longitudinal studies are important to discern for the development of tailored retention efforts aimed at minimizing response bias. The Millennium Cohort Study, the largest and longest running cohort study of military personnel and veterans, is designed to examine the long-term health effects of military service and experiences and thus relies on continued participant survey responses over time. Here, we describe the response rates for follow-up survey data collected over 15 years and identify characteristics associated with follow-up survey response and mode of response (paper vs. web).

METHOD

Patterns of follow-up survey response and response mode (web, paper, none) were examined among eligible participants (n=198,833), who were initially recruited in four panels from 2001 to 2013 in the Millennium Cohort Study, for a follow-up period of 3-15 years (2004-2016). Military and sociodemographic factors (i.e., enrollment panel, sex, birth year, race and ethnicity, educational attainment, marital status, service component, service branch, pay grade, military occupation, length of service, and time deployed), life experiences and health-related factors (i.e., military deployment/combat experience, life stressors, mental health, physical health, and unhealthy behaviors) were used to examine follow-up response and survey mode over time in multivariable generalized estimating equation models.

RESULTS

Overall, an average response rate of 60% was observed across all follow-up waves. Factors associated with follow-up survey response over time included increased educational attainment, married status, female sex, older age, military deployment (regardless of combat experience), and higher number of life stressors, mental health issues, and physical health diagnoses.

CONCLUSION

Despite the challenges associated with collecting multiple waves of follow-up survey data from members of the U.S. military during and after service, the Millennium Cohort Study has maintained a relatively robust response rate over time. The incorporation of tailored messages and outreach to those groups least likely to respond over time may improve retention and thereby increase the representativeness and generalizability of collected survey data.

Enterobacter cloacae infection characteristics and outcomes in battlefield trauma patients

Enterobacter cloacae is a Gram-negative rod with multidrug-resistant potential due to chromosomally-induced AmpC β-lactamase. We evaluated characteristics, antibiotic utilization, and outcomes associated with battlefield-related E. cloacae infections (2009-2014). Single initial and serial E. cloacae isolates (≥24 hours from initial isolate from any site) associated with a clinical infection were examined. Susceptibility profiles of initial isolates in the serial isolation group were contrasted against last isolate recovered. Characteristics of 112 patients with E. cloacae infections (63 [56%] with single initial isolation; 49 [44%] with serial isolation) were compared to 509 patients with bacterial infections not attributed to E. cloacae. E. cloacae patients sustained more blast trauma (78%) compared to non-E. cloacae infections patients (75%; p<0.001); however, injury severity scores were comparable (median of 34.5 and 33, respectively; p = 0.334). Patients with E. cloacae infections had greater shock indices (median 1.07 vs 0.92; p = 0.005) and required more initial blood products (15 vs. 14 units; p = 0.032) compared to patients with non-E. cloacae infections. Although E. cloacae patients had less intensive care unit admissions (80% vs. 90% with non-E. cloacae infection patients; p = 0.007), they did have more operating room visits (5 vs. 4; p = 0.001), longer duration of antibiotic therapy (43.5 vs. 34 days; p<0.001), and lengthier hospitalizations (57 vs. 44 days; p<0.001). Patients with serial E. cloacae had isolation of infecting isolates sooner than patients with single initial E. cloacae (median of 5 vs. 8 days post-injury; p = 0.046); however, outcomes were not significantly different between the groups. Statistically significant resistance to individual antibiotics did not develop between initial and last isolates in the serial isolation group. Despite current combat care and surgical prophylaxis guidelines recommending upfront provision of AmpC-inducing antibiotics, clinical outcomes did not differ nor did significant antibiotic resistance develop in patients who experienced serial isolation of E. cloacae versus single initial isolation.

Bivalent Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine Antibody Responses to Omicron Variants Suggest That Responses to Divergent Variants Would Be Improved With Matched Vaccine Antigens

We compared neutralizing antibody responses to BA.4/5, BQ.1.1, XBB, and XBB.1.5 Omicron severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants after a bivalent or ancestral coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) messenger RNA booster vaccine or postvaccination infection. We found that the bivalent booster elicited moderately high antibody titers against BA.4/5 that were approximately 2-fold higher against all Omicron variants than titers elicited by the monovalent booster. The bivalent booster elicited low but similar titers against both XBB and XBB.1.5 variants. These findings inform risk assessments for future COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and suggest that updated COVID-19 vaccines containing matched vaccine antigens to circulating divergent variants may be needed.

Cellular interferon-gamma and interleukin-2 responses to SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins are broader and higher in those vaccinated after SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to vaccinees without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection

Class I- and Class II-restricted epitopes have been identified across the SARS-CoV-2 structural proteome. Vaccine-induced and post-infection SARS-CoV-2 T-cell responses are associated with COVID-19 recovery and protection, but the precise role of T-cell responses remains unclear, and how post-infection vaccination ('hybrid immunity') further augments this immunity To accomplish these goals, we studied healthy adult healthcare workers who were (a) uninfected and unvaccinated (n = 12), (b) uninfected and vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine (2 doses n = 177, one dose n = 1) or Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine (one dose, n = 1), and (c) previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 and vaccinated (BNT162b2, two doses, n = 6, one dose n = 1; mRNA-1273 two doses, n = 1). Infection status was determined by repeated PCR testing of participants. We used FluoroSpot Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and Interleukin-2 (IL-2) assays, using subpools of 15-mer peptides covering the S (10 subpools), N (4 subpools) and M (2 subpools) proteins. Responses were expressed as frequencies (percent positive responders) and magnitudes (spot forming cells/106 cytokine-producing peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMCs]). Almost all vaccinated participants with no prior infection exhibited IFN-γ, IL-2 and IFN-γ+IL2 responses to S glycoprotein subpools (89%, 93% and 27%, respectively) mainly directed to the S2 subunit and were more robust than responses to the N or M subpools. However, in previously infected and vaccinated participants IFN-γ, IL-2 and IFN-γ+IL2 responses to S subpools (100%, 100%, 88%) were substantially higher than vaccinated participants with no prior infection and were broader and directed against nine of the 10 S glycoprotein subpools spanning the S1 and S2 subunits, and all the N and M subpools. 50% of uninfected and unvaccinated individuals had IFN-γ but not IL2 or IFN-γ+IL2 responses against one S and one M subpools that were not increased after vaccination of uninfected or SARS-CoV-2-infected participants. Summed IFN-γ, IL-2, and IFN-γ+IL2 responses to S correlated with IgG responses to the S glycoprotein. These studies demonstrated that vaccinations with BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 results in T cell-specific responses primarily against epitopes in the S2 subunit of the S glycoprotein, and that individuals that are vaccinated after SARS-CoV-2 infection develop broader and greater T cell responses to S1 and S2 subunits as well as the N and M proteins.

The relative impact of injury and deployment on mental and physical quality of life among military service members

US service members injured in the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan were more likely to survive than those in previous conflicts because of advances in medicine and protective gear. However, there is limited research examining the long-term impact of injuries while deployed on physical and mental quality of life (QOL) among service members. We used data from two time-points with an average follow-up period of 4.27 years (SD = 2.13; n = 118,054) to prospectively examine the association between deployment and injury status with QOL. Data were derived from the Millennium Cohort Study surveys (2001 to 2016) and linked with the Department of Defense Trauma Registry (DoD-TR) among a cohort of US service members from all branches and components. The primary predictor (a combination of deployment and injury status) was comprised of the following four categories: 1) not deployed, 2) deployed and not injured, 3) deployed and non-battle injured, and 4) deployed and battle injured. Demographic, military, psychological and behavioral health, and life stress factors were adjusted for in multivariable models. Outcomes of interest were physical and mental QOL from the Short-Form Health Survey for Veterans (VR-36) measured at ~4 year follow-up. Between group comparisons indicated that those deployed and battle-injured had the greatest decline in both mental (-3.82) and physical (-10.13) QOL scores over time (p < .05). While deployment and injury status were associated with poorer mental and physical QOL in adjusted models; only the association between deployment and injury status with physical QOL was clinically meaningful (more than 2.5). In adjusted models, Time 1 mental and physical QOL explained most of the variance (23–25%) in Time 2 mental and physical health QOL as compared to other covariates (e.g., injury and deployment, and other sociodemographic factors increased variance by ~5%). Time 1 QOL was the most significant predictor of later QOL, but those injured while deployed experienced significant and meaningful decrements to long-term physical QOL. This suggests that prevention and rehabilitation interventions should focus on improving physical health among injured service members to avoid long-term adverse effects.

Unraveling the Treatment Effect of Baricitinib on Clinical Progression and Resource Utilization in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: Secondary Analysis of the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Randomized Trial-2

Background

The Adaptive COVID Treatment Trial-2 (ACTT-2) found that baricitinib in combination with remdesivir therapy (BCT) sped recovery in hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients vs remdesivir monotherapy (RMT). We examined how BCT affected progression throughout hospitalization and utilization of intensive respiratory therapies.

Methods

We characterized the clinical trajectories of 891 ACTT-2 participants requiring supplemental oxygen or higher levels of respiratory support at enrollment. We estimated the effect of BCT on cumulative incidence of clinical improvement and deterioration using competing risks models. We developed multistate models to estimate the effect of BCT on clinical improvement and deterioration and on utilization of respiratory therapies.

Results

BCT resulted in more linear improvement and lower incidence of clinical deterioration compared with RMT (hazard ratio [HR], 0.74; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.95). The benefit was pronounced among participants enrolled on high-flow oxygen or noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation. In this group, BCT sped clinical improvement (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.51) while slowing clinical deterioration (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.48 to 1.02), which reduced the expected days in ordinal score (OS) 6 per 100 patients by 74 days (95% CI, -8 to 154 days) and the expected days in OS 7 per 100 patients by 161 days (95% CI, 46 to 291 days) compared with RMT. BCT did not benefit participants who were mechanically ventilated at enrollment.

Conclusions

Compared with RMT, BCT reduces the clinical burden and utilization of intensive respiratory therapies for patients requiring low-flow oxygen or noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation compared with RMT and may thereby improve care for this patient population.

SARS-CoV-2 BA.1 variant is neutralized by vaccine booster-elicited serum but evades most convalescent serum and therapeutic antibodies

The rapid spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) along with its high number of mutations in the spike gene has raised alarms about the effectiveness of current medical countermeasures. To address this concern, we measured the neutralization of the Omicron BA.1 variant pseudovirus by postvaccination serum samples after two and three immunizations with the Pfizer/BioNTech162b2 SARS-CoV-2 mRNA (Pfizer/BNT162b2) vaccine, convalescent serum samples from unvaccinated individuals infected by different variants, and clinical-stage therapeutic antibodies. We found that titers against the Omicron variant were low or undetectable after two immunizations and in many convalescent serum samples, regardless of the infecting variant. A booster vaccination increased titers more than 30-fold against Omicron to values comparable to those seen against the D614G variant after two immunizations. Neither age nor sex was associated with the differences in postvaccination antibody responses. We also evaluated 18 clinical-stage therapeutic antibody products and an antibody mimetic protein product obtained directly from the manufacturers. Five monoclonal antibodies, the antibody mimetic protein, three antibody cocktails, and two polyclonal antibody preparations retained measurable neutralization activity against Omicron with a varying degree of potency. Of these, only three retained potencies comparable to the D614G variant. Two therapeutic antibody cocktails in the tested panel that are authorized for emergency use in the United States did not neutralize Omicron. These findings underscore the potential benefit of mRNA vaccine boosters for protection against Omicron and the need for rapid development of antibody therapeutics that maintain potency against emerging variants.

Prospective Assessment of Symptoms to Evaluate Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infections in a Cohort of Health Care Workers

BACKGROUND

The frequency of asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections is unclear and may be influenced by how symptoms are evaluated. In this study, we sought to determine the frequency of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections in a prospective cohort of health care workers (HCWs).

METHODS

A prospective cohort of HCWs, confirmed negative for SARS-CoV-2 exposure upon enrollment, were evaluated for SARS-CoV-2 infection by monthly analysis of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies as well as referral for polymerase chain reaction testing whenever they exhibited symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Participants completed the standardized and validated FLU-PRO Plus symptom questionnaire scoring viral respiratory disease symptom intensity and frequency at least twice monthly during baseline periods of health and each day they had any symptoms that were different from their baseline.

RESULTS

Two hundred sixty-three participants were enrolled between August 25 and December 31, 2020. Through February 28, 2021, 12 participants were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Symptom analysis demonstrated that all 12 had at least mild symptoms of COVID-19, compared with baseline health, near or at time of infection.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in unvaccinated, immunocompetent adults is less common than previously reported. While infectious inoculum doses and patient factors may have played a role in the clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infections in this cohort, we suspect that the high rate of symptomatic disease was due primarily to participant attentiveness to symptoms and collection of symptoms in a standardized, prospective fashion. These results have implications for studies that estimate SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence and for public health measures to control the spread of this virus.

Costs and Prescribing Patterns of Anthelmintics in the United States Military: A Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

Recent price increases in medications used to treat helminth infections have had demonstrated impacts on Medicaid and immigrant patient populations. Helminth infections are common within the US military; however, anthelmintic prescribing patterns and costs have not yet been investigated in this patient population.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of pharmaceutical data from the Military Health System Data Repository between fiscal years 2012 and 2019. Prescription information, including costs and demographics, were abstracted for all anthelmintic medications as well as associated helminth diagnostic codes within 30 days of the prescription dispensing date.

RESULTS

On average, there were 10 871 anthelmintic medications prescribed per year, for a total of 86 697 during the study period. Ivermectin and albendazole were each prescribed >34 000 times. There were 15 498 mebendazole prescriptions and 1327 praziquantel prescriptions. The total cost of all anthelmintic prescriptions was $16 018 381. Annual costs for anthelmintic medications increased 16-fold during the study period, up to nearly $5 000 000 in fiscal year 2019, primarily driven by price increases in albendazole and mebendazole. Albendazole prescriptions accounted for $12 282 891 of total costs (76.7%), though only 39.1% of total prescriptions. The most common diagnosis associated with albendazole and mebendazole prescriptions was enterobiasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Price increases in anthelmintic medications have significantly impacted the costs borne by the US government for treating parasitic infections. There are a substantial number of anthelmintic prescriptions in the US military health care system annually, suggesting a higher number of helminth infections than previously thought.

Durability of SARS-CoV-2-Specific T-Cell Responses at 12 Months Postinfection

BACKGROUND

Characterizing the longevity and quality of cellular immune responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enhances understanding of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) immunity that influences clinical outcomes. Prior studies suggest SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells are present in peripheral blood 10 months after infection. Analysis of the function, durability, and diversity of cellular response long after natural infection, over a range of ages and disease phenotypes, is needed to identify preventative and therapeutic interventions.

METHODS

We identified participants in our multisite longitudinal, prospective cohort study 12 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection representing a range of disease severity. We investigated function, phenotypes, and frequency of T cells specific for SARS-CoV-2 using intracellular cytokine staining and spectral flow cytometry, and compared magnitude of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies.

RESULTS

SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies and T cells were detected 12 months postinfection. Severe acute illness was associated with higher frequencies of SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4 T cells and antibodies at 12 months. In contrast, polyfunctional and cytotoxic T cells responsive to SARS-CoV-2 were identified in participants over a wide spectrum of disease severity.

CONCLUSIONS

SARS-CoV-2 infection induces polyfunctional memory T cells detectable at 12 months postinfection, with higher frequency noted in those who experienced severe disease.

Resistance patterns and clinical outcomes of Klebsiella pneumoniae and invasive Klebsiella variicola in trauma patients

Recent reclassification of the Klebsiella genus to include Klebsiella variicola, and its association with bacteremia and mortality, has raised concerns. We examined Klebsiella spp. infections among battlefield trauma patients, including occurrence of invasive K. variicola disease. Klebsiella isolates collected from 51 wounded military personnel (2009-2014) through the Trauma Infectious Disease Outcomes Study were examined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. K. variicola isolates were evaluated for hypermucoviscosity phenotype by the string test. Patients were severely injured, largely from blast injuries, and all received antibiotics prior to Klebsiella isolation. Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella isolates were identified in 23 (45%) patients; however, there were no significant differences when patients with and without multidrug-resistant Klebsiella were compared. A total of 237 isolates initially identified as K. pneumoniae were analyzed, with 141 clinical isolates associated with infections (remaining were colonizing isolates collected through surveillance groin swabs). Using PCR sequencing, 221 (93%) isolates were confirmed as K. pneumoniae, 10 (4%) were K. variicola, and 6 (3%) were K. quasipneumoniae. Five K. variicola isolates were associated with infections. Compared to K. pneumoniae, infecting K. variicola isolates were more likely to be from blood (4/5 versus 24/134, p = 0.04), and less likely to be multidrug-resistant (0/5 versus 99/134, p<0.01). No K. variicola isolates demonstrated the hypermucoviscosity phenotype. Although K. variicola isolates were frequently isolated from bloodstream infections, they were less likely to be multidrug-resistant. Further work is needed to facilitate diagnosis of K. variicola and clarify its clinical significance in larger prospective studies.