scholarly journals Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Antibody Prevalence in Blood in a Large School Community Subject to a Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak: A Cross-sectional Study

Author(s):  
Juan Pablo Torres ◽  
Cecilia Piñera ◽  
Verónica De La Maza ◽  
Anne J Lagomarcino ◽  
Daniela Simian ◽  
...  

Abstract Background A severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak affecting 52 people from a large school community in Santiago, Chile, was identified (12 March) 9 days after the first case in the country. We assessed the magnitude of the outbreak and the role students and staff played using self-administered antibody detection tests and a self-administered survey. Methods The school was closed on 13 March, and the entire community was placed under quarantine. We implemented a home-delivery, self-administered, immunoglobin (Ig) G/IgM antibody test and survey to a classroom-stratified sample of students and all staff from 4–19 May. We aimed to determine the overall seroprevalence rates by age group, reported symptoms, and contact exposure, and to explore the dynamics of transmission. Results The antibody positivity rates were 9.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.2–11.8) for 1009 students and 16.6% (95% CI, 12.1–21.9) for 235 staff. Among students, positivity was associated with a younger age (P = .01), a lower grade level (P = .05), prior real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positivity (P = .03), and a history of contact with a confirmed case (P < .001). Among staff, positivity was higher in teachers (P = .01) and in those previously RT-PCR positive (P < .001). Excluding RT-PCR–positive individuals, antibody positivity was associated with fever in adults and children (P = .02 and P = .002, respectively), abdominal pain in children (P = .001), and chest pain in adults (P = .02). Within antibody-positive individuals, 40% of students and 18% of staff reported no symptoms (P = .01). Conclusions Teachers were more affected during the outbreak and younger children were at a higher risk for infection, likely because index case(s) were teachers and/or parents from the preschool. Self-administered antibody testing, supervised remotely, proved to be a suitable and rapid tool. Our study provides useful information for school reopenings.

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (10) ◽  
pp. 2663-2666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jared Bullard ◽  
Kerry Dust ◽  
Duane Funk ◽  
James E Strong ◽  
David Alexander ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has become the primary method to diagnose viral diseases, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). RT-PCR detects RNA, not infectious virus; thus, its ability to determine duration of infectivity of patients is limited. Infectivity is a critical determinant in informing public health guidelines/interventions. Our goal was to determine the relationship between E gene SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values from respiratory samples, symptom onset to test (STT), and infectivity in cell culture. Methods In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we took SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR–confirmed positive samples and determined their ability to infect Vero cell lines. Results Ninety RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2–positive samples were incubated on Vero cells. Twenty-six samples (28.9%) demonstrated viral growth. Median tissue culture infectious dose/mL was 1780 (interquartile range, 282–8511). There was no growth in samples with a Ct > 24 or STT > 8 days. Multivariate logistic regression using positive viral culture as a binary predictor variable, STT, and Ct demonstrated an odds ratio (OR) for positive viral culture of 0.64 (95% confidence interval [CI], .49–.84; P < .001) for every 1-unit increase in Ct. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for Ct vs positive culture was OR, 0.91 (95% CI, .85–.97; P < .001), with 97% specificity obtained at a Ct of > 24. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 Vero cell infectivity was only observed for RT-PCR Ct < 24 and STT < 8 days. Infectivity of patients with Ct > 24 and duration of symptoms > 8 days may be low. This information can inform public health policy and guide clinical, infection control, and occupational health decisions. Further studies of larger size are needed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (01) ◽  
pp. 82-88
Author(s):  
Shashi Prabha Tomar ◽  

Introduction: In India, laboratory diagnosis of SARS - CoV-2 infection has been mostly based on real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Studies have shown that Viral titres peak within the first week of symptoms, but may decline post this time frame, thereby hampering RT-PCR based diagnostic strategies. These reasons have prompted the call for adoption of antibody testing as a potential source of data to address the gap in data and inform public health and governance policies oriented towards COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A Cross-sectional study with a sample size of 9000 was conducted for 11 days (Dec 11-21, 2020) including all the 79 wards under Jabalpur Municipal Corporation. Serum samples were tested for the presence of specific antibodies to COVID19 using ICMR-Kavach IgG ELISA kits. The data collected was compiled on Microsoft Excel and data analysis was carried out using STATA 15E statistical software. Result: Overall seroprevalence of the study population was found to be 28.70% (weighted). Wards of the city of Jabalpur were classified into three categories based on the case prevalence - High (27 wards), Medium (26 wards) and Low (26 wards). Based on the overall seroprevalence, the estimated number of total infections were calculated to be 3, 54,870 for the study population. Overall Case Infection Ratio was 31.41. Conclusion: The current seroprevalence study rightly provides information on proportion of the population exposed, however, the correlation between presence and absence of antibodies is not a marker of total or partial immunity. Hence, the golden rule of Social distancing, sanitization, personal protective equipment and public health measures have to be continued.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 3245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariusz Gujski ◽  
Mateusz Jankowski ◽  
Jarosław Pinkas ◽  
Waldemar Wierzba ◽  
Piotr Samel-Kowalik ◽  
...  

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We aimed to determine the prevalence of current and past SARS-CoV-2 infections among police employees. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was undertaken among 5082 police employees from Mazowieckie Province, Poland. RT-PCR testing for current SARS-CoV-2 infection and serological tests (ELISA) for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM+IgA and IgG antibodies were performed. Results: All RT-PCR tests were negative. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM+IgA index was positive (>8) in 8.9% of participants, including 11.2% women and 7.7% men (p < 0.001). Equivocal IgM+IgA index (6–8) was found in 9.8% of participants, including 11.9% women and 8.7% men (p < 0.001). The IgG index was positive (>6) in 4.3% and equivocal (4–6) in 13.2% of participants. A higher odds of positive IgM+IgA index was found in women vs. men (OR: 1.742) and police officers vs. civilian employees (OR: 1.411). Participants aged ≥60 years had a higher odds of positive IgG index vs. those aged 20–29 years (OR: 3.309). Daily vaping also increased the odds of positive IgG index (OR: 2.058). Conclusions: The majority of Polish police employees are seronegative for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Vaping and older age (≥60 years) were associated with a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 01-03
Author(s):  
Shahidul Islam ◽  
Farhana Hoque ◽  
Moushume Chowdhury

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has induced a sense of panic around the world as the disease is highly contagious and has been spreading in full swing. This study was aimed to investigate SARS-CoV-2 associated epidemiology and clinical outcomes in Bangladesh in order to understand the future course of COVID-19 pandemic and develop prevention approaches. A cross-sectional retrospective interview based study was conducted on RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted in Chattagram Maa O Shishu General Hospital Chittagong, Bangladesh and who recovered four weeks prior to the interview date. Of the total 500 patients, 7% patient are asymptomatic where as for the symptoms associated with COVID-19 fever (85%) and cough (70%) were the most prominent among cases. Our study has revealed that among the age groups, the 40-70 showed the highest infection rate (74.7%) and in terms of gender, the prevalence of Covid-19 infection in males (65%) was 2 times more than that in females (35%). Diabetes was found about (40%) and Hypertension was found (42%), so diabetic and hypertesive patient are more affected. The most used drug is Enoxaparin sodium, Methylprednisolone Na Succinate, Montelucast, fexofenadinb, Doxycyclline, Doxofylline, zinc, vitamin-C, D and about 60% patient need oxygen supply. The most complication after recovery is weak -fatigue, cough & breathing problem.


2006 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Le Vu ◽  
Y Yazdanpanah ◽  
D Bitar ◽  
J Emmanuelli ◽  
I Bonmarin ◽  
...  

The first case of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in France was diagnosed in March 2003. We conducted a serological survey to assess whether or not asymptomatic persons who had been in contact with this patient during his infectious stage had been infected. They were interviewed and asked to provide a blood sample for SARS coronavirus immunoglobulin G antibody testing. Despite the likely high infectivity of the SARS patient, no asymptomatic SARS infection was found in any of the 37 contacts included. These findings support a SARS case definition that is essentially based on clinical and epidemiological assessment, should SARS re-emerge.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALEJANDRO CONCHA-MEJIA ◽  
REINALDO ANDRES RINCON-SANCHEZ

The current pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has posed an important threat to the human health, healthcare systems, economy, and structure of societies. In Colombia, the first case was diagnosed on March 6, 2020 , with exponential progressive growth, and there were >200,000 confirmed cases as of July 20, 2020, in this cross-sectional, analytical, and observational study, we focused on the demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical characteristics of patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection at a highly complex institution in Latinamerica, with special emphasis on gastrointestinal symptoms. Methods: Demographic and clinical data were collected, results related to the outcomes such as hospitalization time, admission to ICU, need for orotracheal intubation, and death were also included. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata software V.15. Results: We included 72 patients RT-PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2 (34 women and 38 men) with age 47.5 17.7 years; 17 (23.6%) presented at least one of the gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, and/or diarrhea). 13 (76.47%) presented with diarrhea, 29.41% with nausea/vomiting, and five (29.41%) with abdominal pain. Diarrhea in 18.06% of all those infected with SARS-CoV-2 at the time of consultation, which was the most common digestive symptom. No significant differences were observed in requirement for endotracheal intubation, hospitalization, ICU admission, and fatal outcome between the NGIS and GIS groups (p:0.671, 0.483, 1,000, and 1,000). Conclusion: In our study, patients with gastrointestinal symptoms had no significant differences in disease severity, admission to ICU or death compared to those who did not have such symptoms.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e051415
Author(s):  
Eamonn Faller ◽  
Adrianne Wyse ◽  
Rachel Barry ◽  
Kevin Conlon ◽  
Cormac Everard ◽  
...  

ObjectiveThis study investigated seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibodies, using the Abbott antinucleocapsid IgG chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) assay, in five prespecified healthcare worker (HCW) subgroups following the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.SettingAn 800-bed tertiary-level teaching hospital in the south of Ireland.ParticipantsSerum was collected for anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid IgG using the Abbott ARCHITECT SARS-CoV-2 IgG CMIA qualitative assay, as per the manufacturer’s specifications.The groups were as follows: (1) HCWs who had real-time PCR (RT-PCR) confirmed COVID-19 infection (>1-month postpositive RT-PCR); (2) HCWs identified as close contacts of persons with COVID-19 infection and who subsequently developed symptoms (virus not detected by RT-PCR on oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swab); (3) HCWs identified as close contacts of COVID-19 cases and who remained asymptomatic (not screened by RT-PCR); (4) HCWs not included in the aforementioned groups working in areas determined as high-risk clinical areas; and (5) HCWs not included in the aforementioned groups working in areas determined as low-risk clinical areas.ResultsSix of 404 (1.49%) HCWs not previously diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection (groups 2–5) were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 at the time of recruitment into the study.Out of the 99 participants in group 1, 72 had detectable IgG to SARS-CoV-2 on laboratory testing (73%). Antibody positivity correlated with shorter length of time between RT-PCR positivity and antibody testing.Quantification cycle value on RT-PCR was not found to be correlated with antibody positivity.ConclusionsSeroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in HCWs who had not previously tested RT-PCR positive for COVID-19 was low compared with similar studies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvatore Zaffina ◽  
Paola Lanteri ◽  
Francesco Gilardi ◽  
Sergio Garbarino ◽  
Annapaola Santoro ◽  
...  

A case of recurrent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with neurovestibular symptoms was reported. In March 2020, a physician working in an Italian pediatric hospital had flu-like symptoms with anosmia and dysgeusia, and following a reverse transcription PCR (RT/PCR) test with a nasopharyngeal swab tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. After home quarantine, 21 days from the beginning of the symptoms, the patient tested negative in two subsequent swabs and was declared healed and readmitted to work. Serological testing showed a low level of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody title and absence of immunoglobulin M (IgM). However, 2 weeks later, before resuming work, the patient complained of acute vestibular syndrome, and the RT/PCR test with mucosal swab turned positive. On the basis of the literature examined and reviewed for recurrence cases and vestibular symptoms during COVID-19, to our knowledge this case is the first case of recurrence with vestibular impairment as a neurological symptom, and we defined it as probably a viral reactivation. The PCR retest positivity cannot differentiate re-infectivity, relapse, and dead-viral RNA detection. Serological antibody testing and viral genome sequencing could be always performed in recurrence cases.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (CSI) ◽  
pp. 12-18
Author(s):  
Ali Al-Rubaye ◽  
Dhurgham Abdulwahid ◽  
Aymen Albadran ◽  
Abbas Ejbary ◽  
Laith Alrubaiy

Background: There has been a rapid rise in cases of COVID-19 infection and its mortality rate since the first case reported in February 2020. This led to the rampant dissemination of misinformation and rumors about the disease among the public. Objectives: To investigate the scale of public misinformation about COVID-19 in Basrah, Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional study based on a 22-item questionnaire to assess public knowledge and understanding of information related to the COVID-19 infection. Results: A total of 483 individuals completed the questionnaire. The most frequent age group was 26–35 years (28.2%); there were 280 (58%) males and 203 (42%) females. Of the participants, 282 (58.4%) were with an education level below the Bachelor’s degree, 342 (70.8%) were married, and 311 (64%) were living in districts in Basra other than the central district. Overall, 50.8% (11.8/ 22 * 100%) of individuals had the correct information regarding COVID-19. There was a significant association between the level of COVID-19 related misinformation and participants’ educational levels and occupation (p <0.05). However, there was no significant difference found across sex, age group, marital state, and area of residence. Conclusions: Misinformation related to COVID-19 is widely spread and has to be addressed in order to control the pandemic. Keywords: COVID-19, misinformation, knowledge, Iraq


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rina Das ◽  
Dinesh Kumar Mehta ◽  
Meenakshi Dhanawat

Abstract:: A novel virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), appeared and expanded globally by the end of year in 2019 from Wuhan, China, causing severe acute respiratory syndrome. During its initial stage, the disease was called the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). It was named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 February 2020. The WHO declared worldwide the SARS-CoV-2 virus a pandemic on March 2020. On 30 January 2020 the first case of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported in India. Now in current situation the virus is floating in almost every part of the province and rest of the globe. -: On the basis of novel published evidences, we efficiently summarized the reported work with reference to COVID-19 epidemiology, pathogen, clinical symptoms, treatment and prevention. Using several worldwide electronic scientific databases such as Pubmed, Medline, Embase, Science direct, Scopus, etc were utilized for extensive investigation of relevant literature. -: This review is written in the hope of encouraging the people successfully with the key learning points from the underway efforts to perceive and manage SARS-CoV-2, suggesting sailent points for expanding future research.


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