scholarly journals Platinum chloride-based viability RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 detection in complex samples

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Enric Cuevas-Ferrando ◽  
Walter Randazzo ◽  
Alba Pérez-Cataluña ◽  
Irene Falcó ◽  
David Navarro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Platinum Compounds ◽  
Rna Detection ◽  
Complex Samples ◽  
Viral Shedding ◽  
Rna Targets ◽  
Wastewater Samples ◽  
And Control

AbstractIsolation, contact tracing and restrictions on social movement are being globally implemented to prevent and control onward spread of SARS-CoV-2, even though the infection risk modelled on RNA detection by RT-qPCR remains biased as viral shedding and infectivity are not discerned. Thus, we aimed to develop a rapid viability RT-qPCR procedure to infer SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in clinical specimens and environmental samples. We screened monoazide dyes and platinum compounds as viability molecular markers on five SARS-CoV-2 RNA targets. A platinum chloride-based viability RT-qPCR was then optimized using genomic RNA, and inactivated SARS-CoV-2 particles inoculated in buffer, stool, and urine. Our results were finally validated in nasopharyngeal swabs from persons who tested positive for COVID-19 and in wastewater samples positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. We established a rapid viability RT-qPCR that selectively detects potentially infectious SARS-CoV-2 particles in complex matrices. In particular, the confirmed positivity of nasopharyngeal swabs following the viability procedure suggests their potential infectivity, while the complete prevention of amplification in wastewater indicated either non-infectious particles or free RNA. The viability RT-qPCR approach provides a more accurate ascertainment of the infectious viruses detection and it may complement analyses to foster risk-based investigations for the prevention and control of new or re-occurring outbreaks with a broad application spectrum.

scholarly journals Viability RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2: a step forward to solve the infectivity quandary

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enric Cuevas-Ferrando ◽  
Walter Randazzo ◽  
Alba Pérez-Cataluña ◽  
Irene Falcó ◽  
David Navarro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Platinum Compounds ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Rna Detection ◽  
Viral Shedding ◽  
Rna Targets ◽  
Wastewater Samples ◽  
And Control

SummaryBackgroundIsolation, contact tracing and restrictions on social movement are being globally implemented to prevent and control onward spread of SARS-CoV-2, even though the infection risk modelled on RNA detection by RT-qPCR remains biased as viral shedding and infectivity are not discerned. Thus, we aimed to develop a rapid viability RT-qPCR procedure to infer SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in clinical specimens and environmental samples.MethodsWe screened monoazide dyes and platinum compounds as viability molecular markers on five SARS-CoV-2 RNA targets. A platinum chloride-based viability RT-qPCR was then optimized using genomic RNA, and inactivated SARS-CoV-2 particles inoculated in buffer, stool, and urine. Our results were finally validated in nasopharyngeal swabs from persons who tested positive for COVID-19 and in wastewater samples positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA.FindingsWe established a rapid viability RT-qPCR that selectively detects potentially infectious SARS-CoV-2 particles in complex matrices. In particular, the confirmed positivity of nasopharyngeal swabs following the viability procedure suggests their potential infectivity, while the complete prevention of amplification in wastewater indicated either non-infectious particles or free RNA.InterpretationThe viability RT-qPCR approach provides a more accurate ascertainment of the infectious viruses detection and it may complement analyses to foster risk-based investigations for the prevention and control of new or re-occurring outbreaks with a broad application spectrum.FundingsThis work was supported by Spanish Scientific Research Council (CSIC), Generalitat Valenciana, and MICINN co-founded by AEI/FEDER, UE.

scholarly journals The experience of European hospital-based health care workers on following infection prevention and control procedures for COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise van Hout ◽  
Paul Hutchinson ◽  
Marta Wanat ◽  
Caitlin Pilbeam ◽  
Herman Goossens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTBackgroundWorking under pandemic conditions exposes health care workers (HCWs) to infection risk and psychological strain. Protecting the physical and psychological health of HCWs is a key priority. This study assessed the perceptions of European hospital HCWs of local infection prevention and control (IPC) procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on their emotional wellbeing.MethodsWe performed two rounds of an international cross-sectional survey, between 31 March and 17 April 2020 via existing research networks (round 1), and between 14 May and 31 August 2020 via online convenience sampling (round 2). Main outcome measures were (1) behavioural determinants of HCW adherence with IPC procedures, (2) WHO-5 Well-Being Index, a validated scale of 0-100 reflecting emotional wellbeing. The WHO-5 was interpreted as a score below or above 50 points, a cut-off score used in previous literature to screen for depression.Results2,289 HCWs (round 1: n=190, round 2: n=2,099) from 40 countries in Europe participated. Mean age of respondents was 42 (±11) years, 66% were female, 47% and 39% were medical doctors and nurses, respectively. 74% (n=1699) of HCWs were directly treating patients with COVID-19, of which 32% (n=527) reported they were fearful of caring for these patients. HCWs reported high levels of concern about COVID-19 infection risk to themselves (71%) and their family (82%) as a result of their job. 40% of HCWs considered that getting infected with COVID-19 was not within their control. This was more common among junior than senior HCWs (46% versus 38%, P value <.01). Sufficient COVID-19-specific IPC training, confidence in PPE use and institutional trust were positively associated with the feeling that becoming infected with COVID-19 was within their control. Female HCWs were more likely than males to report a WHO-5 score below 50 points (aOR 1.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-1.8).ConclusionsIn Europe, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a differential impact on those providing direct COVID-19 patient care, junior staff and women. Health facilities must be aware of these differential impacts, build trust and provide tailored support for this vital workforce during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals COVID-19 prevention and control measures in workplace settings: a rapid review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Ingram ◽  
Vicky Downey ◽  
Mark Roe ◽  
Fionn Cléirigh Büttner ◽  
Yanbing Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
And Control

Workplaces are high-risk environments for SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks and subsequent community transmission. Identifying, understanding, and implementing effective workplace SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention and control (IPC) measures is critical to protect workers, their families, and communities. A rapid review and meta-analysis were conducted to synthesize evidence assessing the effectiveness of COVID-19 IPC measures implemented in global workplace settings through April 2021. Medline, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies that quantitatively assessed the effectiveness of workplace COVID-19 IPC measures. Included studies comprised varying empirical designs and occupational settings. Measures of interest included surveillance measures, outbreak investigations, personal protective equipment (PPE), changes in work arrangements, and worker education. Sixty-three studies from international healthcare, nursing home, meatpacking, manufacturing, and office settings were included, accounting for ~280,000 employees. Meta-analyses showed that combined measures (0.2% positivity; 95%CI 0-0.4%) were associated with lower post-intervention employee COVID-19 positivity estimates than single measures like asymptomatic PCR testing (1.7%; 95%CI 0.9-2.9%) and universal masking (24%; 95%CI 3.4-55.5%). Modelling studies showed that combinations of (i) timely and widespread contact tracing and case isolation, (ii) facilitating smaller worker cohorts, and (iii) effective use of PPE can reduce workplace transmission. Comprehensive COVID-19 IPC measures incorporating swift contact tracing and case isolation, PPE, and facility zoning, can effectively prevent workplace outbreaks. Masking alone should not be considered as sufficient protection from SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in workplace environments at high risk of virus transmission.

scholarly journals Partner Notification for Gonorrhea and Syphilis in Belgrade

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milan Bjekić ◽  
Hristina Vlajinac
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Partner Notification ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Medical Evaluation ◽  
And Control

Abstract “Contact tracing” or “partner notification” refers to clinicians’ efforts to identify sex partners of infected persons to ensure their medical evaluation and treatment. For many years partner notification has been a cornerstone in the management of patients diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and it is the essential component in the control of these infections. Clinicians’ efforts to ensure the treatment of a patient’s sex partners can reduce the risk for re-infection and potentially diminish transmission of STIs. Partner notification includes three different approaches for notifying the sexual partners of the person infected with a STI: provider referral, patient referral, and contract referral. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of partner notification among syphilis and gonorrhea cases registered at the City Institute for Skin and Venereal Diseases in Belgrade in 2016, and its contribution to prevention and control of these diseases. A retrospective chart review of patients with gonorrhea and early syphilis registered in 2016 was undertaken. We analyzed data about the possible source of infection as well as sexual orientation, provided on the official form for notification of syphilis and gonorrhea. The study included 112 male patients, 67 with gonorrhea and 45 with syphilis. Out of three modalities of partner notification offered to patients, only patient notification of sexual partner/s was accepted. Although all patients accepted this type of partner notification, index patients with gonorrhea notified only 17 partners (25.4%) and index patients with syphilis also notified 17 partners (37.8%). The effectiveness of partner notification for gonorrhea and syphilis cases was only 30.4%, and its contribution to prevention and control of these diseases was lower than we expected. National guidelines offering standardized protocols for partner notification service provision can improve this process, as a novel approach with non-traditional method of partner notification such as patient-delivered partner therapy.

scholarly journals A Literature Review of 2019 Novel Coronavirus During the Early Outbreak Period: Epidemiology, Causes, Clinical Manifestation and Diagnosis, Prevention and Control

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasmita Poudel Adhikari ◽  
Sha Meng ◽  
Yuju Wu ◽  
Yuping Mao ◽  
Ruixue Ye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Antiviral Treatment ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Symptomatic Treatment ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
World Health ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Infected People ◽  
And Control

The 2019-nCoV has been identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China beginning in December 2019. This epidemic had spread to 19 countries with 11,791 confirmed cases, including 213 deaths, as of January 31, 2020. The World Health Organization declared it as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This study analyzed and discussed 70 research articles published until January 31, 2020 for a better understanding of the epidemiology, causes, clinical diagnosis, prevention and control of this virus. Studies thus far have shown origination in connection to a seafood market in Wuhan, but specific animal association has not been confirmed. The reported symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, pneumonia, headache, diarrhea, hemoptysis, and dyspnea. Preventive measures such as masks, hand hygiene practices, avoidance of public contact, case detection, contact tracing, and quarantines are effective for reducing the transmission. To date, no specific antiviral treatment is proven effective, hence, infected people primarily rely on symptomatic treatment and supportive care. Although these studies had relevance to control a public emergency, more research need to be conducted to provide valid and reliable ways to manage this kind of public health emergency in both short- and long- term.

scholarly journals Kebijakan Pemerintah Daerah Dalam Penanggulangan Wabah Corona Virus Diease 2019 di Kabupaten Lamongan

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-108
Author(s):  
Fahmi Anas
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Government Programs ◽  
Business Operations ◽  
Corona Virus ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Village

This study examines the policies of the Lamongan Regency government in preventing and overcoming the Covid-19 outbreak. Lamongan Regency Regulation No. 35 of 2020 concerning the prevention and control of Corona Virus 2019 in transition to recovery is one of the policies issued by the Lamongan Regency Government. This research aims to implement prevention and recovery policies in overcoming the Covid-19 outbreak in Lamongan Regency. The research method used is descriptive qualitative. The use of a qualitative approach in this research is descriptive analysis, the researcher wants to describe the policy of controlling and preventing Covid-19 in the transition to recovery in Lamongan Regency This research uses data sources from scientific journals, literature books, official websites which then come from descriptive analysis of prevention policies, and recovery in the response to the Covid-19 outbreak in Lamongan Regency. The results of the study explained that the prevention and control of the Corona Diease 2019 Virus in the transition to recovery in Lamongan Regency was the formation of a Covid-19 accelerated handling task force to accelerate the handling of Covid-19, the availability of health facilities and infrastructure for the Covid-19 test, quarantine or isolation areas, as well as massive close contact tracing. Prohibition of traveling without masks, guaranteeing goods vehicle activities and business operations (shops). The involvement of various parties has greatly helped government programs in overcoming Covid-19, such as the village head, community leaders and the interaction of the TNI and Polri which greatly helped create security and order during the prevention and recovery of Covid-19 countermeasures in Lamongan Regency.

scholarly journals COVID-19 outbreak investigation and response in a penitentiary setting: the experience of a prison in Italy, February to April 2020

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (38) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruggero Giuliani ◽  
Cristina Cairone ◽  
Lara Tavoschi ◽  
Laura Ciaffi ◽  
Teresa Sebastiani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Index Case ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Routine Data ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Case Identification ◽  
Cultural Affinity ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
And Control

Prisons are high-risk settings for COVID-19 and present specific challenges for prevention and control. We describe a COVID-19 outbreak in a large prison in Milan between 20 February and 30 April 2020. We performed a retrospective analysis of routine data collected during the COVID-19 emergency in prison. We analysed the spatial distribution of cases and calculated global and specific attack rates (AR). We assessed prevention and control measures. By 30 April 2020, 57 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 66 clinically probable cases were recorded among a population of 1,480. Global AR was 8.3%. The index case was a custodial officer. Two clusters were detected among custodial staff and healthcare workers. On 31 March, a confirmed case was identified among detained individuals. COVID-19 spread by physical proximity or among subgroups with cultural affinity, resulting in a cluster of 22 confirmed cases. Following index case identification, specific measures were taken including creation of a multidisciplinary task-force, increasing diagnostic capacity, contact tracing and dedicated isolation areas. Expanded use of personal protective equipment, environmental disinfection and health promotion activities were also implemented. Outbreaks of COVID-19 in prison require heightened attention and stringent comprehensive measures.

scholarly journals Burden, risk assessment, surveillance and management of SARS-CoV-2 infection in health workers: a scoping review

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Calò ◽  
Antonio Russo ◽  
Clarissa Camaioni ◽  
Stefania De Pascalis ◽  
Nicola Coppola
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Close Monitoring ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background Health workers (HWs) are at increased risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and a possible source of nosocomial transmission clusters. Despite the increased risk, the best surveillance strategy and management of exposed HWs are not yet well known. The aim of this review was to summarize and critically analyze the existing evidence related to this topic in order to support public health strategies aimed at protecting HWs in the hospital setting. Main text A comprehensive computerized literature research from 1 January 2020 up to 22 May 2020 was made to identify studies analyzing the burden of infection, risk assessment, surveillance and management of HWs exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Among 1623 citation identified using MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar and manual search, we included 43 studies, 14 webpages and 5 ongoing trials. Health workers have a high risk of acquiring infection while caring for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. In particular, some types exposures and their duration, as well as the inadequate or non-use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are associated with increased infection risk. Strict infection prevention and control procedures (IPC), adequate training programs on the appropriate use of PPE and close monitoring of HWs with symptom surveillance and testing are essential to significantly reduce the risk. At the moment there is not enough evidence to provide precise indications regarding pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Conclusions During the spread of COVID-19 outbreak, numerous published papers investigated the epidemiology, risk assessment and prevention and control of SARS-CoV-2. However, more high-quality studies are needed to provide valid recommendations for better management and for the clinical and microbiological surveillance of healthcare personnel.

scholarly journals A rapid systematic review and case study on test, contact tracing, testing, and isolation policies for Covid-19 prevention and control

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheng-Chia Chung ◽  
Sushila Marlow ◽  
Nicholas Tobias ◽  
Ivano Alogna ◽  
Alessio Alogna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Government Documents ◽  
Research Designs ◽  
The Uk ◽  
And Control

AbstractObjectivesTo conduct a rapid review on the efficacy and policy of contact tracing, testing, and isolation (TTI) in Covid-19 prevention and control, including a case study for their delivery.MethodResearch articles and reviews on the use of contact tracing, testing, self-isolation and quarantine for Covid-19 management published in English within 1 year (2019 to 28th May, 2020) were eligible to the review. We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, SCOPUS and JSTOR with search terms included “contact tracing” or “testing” or “self-isolation” or “quarantine” in the title in combination with “Covid-19” or “COVID-19” or “coronavirus” in the title or abstract. Studies not associated with TTI or Covid-19 or being solely commentary were excluded. A narrative synthesis with a tabulation system was used to analyse studies for their diverse research designs, methods, and implications. Data for the case study were obtained from the Ministry of Health and Welfare and Centers for Disease Control Taiwan.ResultsAmong the 160 initial publications, 48 eligible studies are included in the review. Included studies applied various designs: experiments, clinical studies, Government Documents, systematic reviews, observational studies, surveys, practice guidelines, technical reports. A case study on TTI delivery is summarised based on policy and procedures in Taiwan.ConclusionsThe information included in the review may inform the TTI program in the UK.

scholarly journals An evaluation of contact tracing in tuberculosis

2002 ◽  
Vol 6 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Curative Treatment ◽  
Low Incidence ◽  
And Control

Contact tracing is an important part of tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control in low incidence countries (1,2). It aims primarily to identify individuals with latent or active TB who have been in contact with patients with infectious TB so that appropriate preventive or curative treatment can be given.

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