scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Avidity Responses in COVID-19 Patients and Convalescent Plasma Donors

2020 ◽  
Vol 222 (12) ◽  
pp. 1974-1984 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E Benner ◽  
Eshan U Patel ◽  
Oliver Laeyendecker ◽  
Andrew Pekosz ◽  
Kirsten Littlefield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Plasma Therapy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Antibody Avidity ◽  
Igg Avidity ◽  
Screening Parameter ◽  
Duration Of Infection ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Background Convalescent plasma therapy is a leading treatment for conferring temporary immunity to COVID-19–susceptible individuals or for use as post-exposure prophylaxis. However, not all recovered patients develop adequate antibody titers for donation and the relationship between avidity and neutralizing titers is currently not well understood. Methods SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike and anti-nucleocapsid IgG titers and avidity were measured in a longitudinal cohort of COVID-19 hospitalized patients (n = 16 individuals) and a cross-sectional sample of convalescent plasma donors (n = 130). Epidemiologic correlates of avidity were examined in donors by linear regression. The association of avidity and a high neutralizing titer (NT) were also assessed in donors using modified Poisson regression. Results Antibody avidity increased over duration of infection and remained elevated. In convalescent plasma donors, higher levels of anti-spike avidity were associated with older age, male sex, and hospitalization. Higher NTs had a stronger positive correlation with anti-spike IgG avidity (Spearman ρ = 0.386; P < .001) than with anti-nucleocapsid IgG avidity (Spearman ρ = 0.211; P = .026). Increasing levels of anti-spike IgG avidity were associated with high NT (≥160) (adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.58 [95% confidence interval = 1.19–2.12]), independent of age, sex, and hospitalization. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 antibody avidity correlated with duration of infection and higher neutralizing titers, suggesting a potential alternative screening parameter for identifying optimal convalescent plasma donors.

scholarly journals Occupational Safety and Hygiene of Dentists from Urban and Rural Areas in Terms of Sharp Injuries: Wound Structure, Causes of Injuries and Barriers to Reporting—Cross-Sectional Study, Poland

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 1655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Garus-Pakowska ◽  
Mariusz Górajski ◽  
Ewelina Gaszyńska
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Antiretroviral Treatment ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
The Village ◽  
The City

(1) Background: Frequent contact of the dentist with potentially infectious material (PIM) is undeniable. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and type of injuries, as well as to identify barriers to reporting and barriers to the implementation of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among dentists from urban and rural areas. (2) Methods: We surveyed 192 dentists using an anonymous questionnaire. (3) Results: During the 12 months preceding the survey, 63% of dentists from the village and 58.8% of dentists from the city suffered at least one superficial cut, and deep cuts 15.1% and 17.6% respectively. Contact with PIM through spitting on the conjunctiva was 58.9% and 52.1% (village vs. city). Needle stick injuries were 50.4% and fingers were affected in 48.8% cases. The causes of injuries were: inattention 54.7%, rush 27%, unpredictable behavior of the patient 19%, recapping 18.2%. Work in the countryside was associated with a 1.95-times greater chance of not reporting injuries. The distance from a hospital with antiretroviral treatment may be a barrier to the implementation of PEP. (4) Conclusion: The circumstances of the injuries and the reasons for not applying for antiretroviral treatment point to the areas of necessary dentist education in this topic.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Study of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Characteristics Using Label-Free Immunoassays

2021 ◽  
Vol 156 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S32-S32
Author(s):  
Y R Luo ◽  
C Yun ◽  
A H Wu ◽  
K L Lynch ◽  
I Chakraborty
Keyword(s):  
Symptom Onset ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Label Free ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Neutralization Activity ◽  
Antibody Avidity ◽  
Avidity Assay ◽  
Initial Rise ◽  
Igg Avidity ◽  
Antibody Titers

Abstract Introduction/Objective Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, much research has focused on the kinetics and magnitude of humoral immune response. With the advantages of monitoring real-time immunoreactions, label-free immunoassay (LFIA) is becoming a powerful tool in serology studies. We have developed LFIAs to measure SARS- CoV-2 antibody avidity and neutralization activity in a cohort of COVID-19 patients and determine if they correlate with antibody concentration. Serial serum samples collected from mild to severe COVID-19 patients were measured out to 8 months post-symptom onset to determine the durability of the neutralizing antibody response. Methods/Case Report Based on thin-film interferometry technology, we established a label-free IgG avidity assay and a label-free surrogate virus neutralization test (LF-sVNT). For measurement, sensing probes pre-coated with receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein are applied to serum samples containing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The label-free IgG avidity assay measures the binding strength between RBD and IgG under urea dissociation. The LF-sVNT analyzes the binding ability of RBD to ACE2 after neutralizing RBD with antibodies. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) IgG avidity indices and neutralizing antibody titers (IC50) were determined from serum samples (n=246) from COVID-19 patients (n=113). IgG concentrations were measured using a fluorescent immunoassay. The neutralizing antibody titers showed a weak correlation with IgG concentrations and no correlation with IgG avidity indices. Over the time course up to 8 months post-symptom onset, IgG concentrations and neutralizing antibody titers presented similar trends: an initial rise, plateau and then in some cases a gradual decline after 40 days. The IgG avidity indices, in the same cases, plateaued after the initial rise. Conclusion The results demonstrated that LFIA could be used an excellent solution in the determination of SARS- CoV-2 antibody characteristics. The study found that IgG concentration and neutralizing antibody titer declined over time, while IgG avidity index remained constant after reaching a plateau. The decline of antibody neutralization activity can be attributed to the reduction in antibody quantity rather than the deterioration of antibody quality, as measured by antibody avidity.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Needle Stick Injury among Surgeons

2021 ◽  
pp. 89-94
Author(s):  
Nasima Iqbal ◽  
Faiza Quraishi ◽  
Muhammad Aslam Bhatti ◽  
Faizah Mughal ◽  
Tayyaba Mumtaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reporting System ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Work Load ◽  
Needle Stick Injury ◽  
Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Needle Stick ◽  
Post Exposure ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Aim: To find out the prevalence of needle stick injury, its reporting system and the reasons behind it. Study design: Descriptive cross-sectional Place and duration of study: Study was conducted at Jinnah post-graduate medical center (JPMC) Karachi during the period of March to September 2019 Methodology: A self-designed, self-explanatory questionnaire was used, consisting of two parts, the first part was about demographic information while second part is for information related to needle stick injury like probable cause, frequency, response after injury, post-exposure prophylaxis and about reporting of the incident. Questionnaire was validated by calculating the Cronbach’s alpha which was 0.78. data was analyzed by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results: Majority of the study participants were female (67.2%) and about 50% were postgraduate students. Out of total 134 doctors about 64.2% of the doctors had needle stick injury during their career. Finding out the most probable cause of needle stick injury during the survey it was found out that increased work load and prolonged working hours were the main reasons. Majority of the cases occurred in emergency department (41.9%). About 95.5% of the doctors didn’t get any post-exposure prophylaxis. Majority of the participants (96.3%) did not report to any authority because of the lack of knowledge about the reporting policy, it was noted that about 38.8% were confused either the reporting system exist or not. Most of the injuries occur during the procedure of suturing followed by recapping syringes. Conclusion: It has been concluded that majority of the doctors had faced needle stick injury during their career and a very negligible number of them got any post-exposure prophylaxis. Majority of them did not report to any authority. So there is a need of implication of safety measures and reporting policies for early detection and treatment of infections after needle stick injury.

CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY OF ANIMAL BITE VICTIMS AND RABIES POST EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS UNDER NRCP (NATIONAL RABIES CONTROL PROGRAMME) AT A RURAL HOSPITAL OF NORTH 24 PARGANAS OF WEST BENGAL, INDIA.

2021 ◽  
pp. 4-6
Author(s):  
Chinmay Nandi ◽  
Saikat Bhattacharya ◽  
Soumitra Mondal ◽  
Shibasish Banerjee
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Programme ◽  
Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Case Record ◽  
Post Exposure ◽  
Rabies Control ◽  
Animal Bites ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Objectives -Rabies, an Endemic disease, is responsible for extensive morbidity and mortality in India. About 96% of the mortality and morbidity is associated with dog bites. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and pattern of animal bites and rabies post exposure prophylaxis under National Rabies Control Programme Methodology – It was a Record cross sectional study where complete enumeration of all animal bite victims were done. Total 2940 such cases were found in that year. Data of 42 cases was excluded due to incomplete records. Data was analysed using MS Excel. Animal Bite Exposure register under National Rabies Control Programme, Patient Treatment cards, Consolidated reports were evaluated as study tools. Results - Majority of the wounds were found in limbs in 2695 (93%) cases. It is followed by wound in other areas like face 104(3.6%) and back 95 (3.3%). In a few cases site of wound was not mentioned in the case record. Children were most commonly affected (28.2%).Cat -bite is most common (49.3%). Around 84.9% were Category II bite and rest are category III. Conclusion - Dogs and cats are mostly responsible of animal bites in this part of the country. There is need to control stray dogs .Children are found to be most vulnerable for animal bites. There is gap between eligible candidates for vaccine and those who actually received it both in Category II and III animal bite victims.

Rabies exposure in travellers to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South and Central America—a German Airport study

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Heitkamp ◽  
Daniel Robert Stelzl ◽  
Michael Ramharter ◽  
Silja Bühler
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
East Africa ◽  
Central America ◽  
Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Post Exposure ◽  
Rabies Exposure ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Background Rabies causes thousands of deaths worldwide and trips to rabies endemic countries are popular. Travellers are often uncertain whether pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is advisable since they find it difficult to estimate the exposure risk during travel and the availability of post-exposure prophylaxis in endemic regions. The aim of this study was to determine the potential rabies exposures in travellers and to assess their knowledge on rabies. Secondly, we explored the access to appropriate post-exposure medical care in respective countries. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study at Frankfurt Airport. Returning adult travellers arriving from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South and Central America were invited to participate in this questionnaire-based study while waiting in the baggage claim area. Results Over a one-month recruitment phase in March 2019, we enrolled 3066 travellers; 2929 were included in the analysis. The gender ratio was balanced; the median age was 42 years (range 18–83 years). Participants arrived from Asia (46%), Africa (29%), Central/South America (13%), the Middle East (8%) and the Caribbean (8%). Forty-five per cent sought pretravel advice and 22% received ≥2 injections of rabies PrEP. Travellers with pretravel advice from tropical medicine specialists reached significantly higher knowledge scores than others. We found that potential rabies exposure occurred in 2.0% (57/2915) of travellers with 31% (13/42) of the contacts being unprovoked; 19% (8/42) of the exposed sought medical care and 3/8 were adequately treated before returning to Germany. Risk factors for animal exposure were: male sex, young age, trips to Asia and a long stay abroad (>4 weeks). Conclusions A total of 2% of returning travellers (n = 2915) experienced a potential rabies exposure during their journey. A majority of the exposed individuals did not seek medical care; those seeking medical care were often treated inadequately. Rabies information must be emphasised during pretravel counselling and PrEP should be offered generously, especially to travellers with high exposure risks.

scholarly journals Knowledge on Post Exposure Prophylaxis of HIV among Nurses in a Hospital of Pokhara

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-66
Author(s):  
Manu Thapa ◽  
Bishnu Gurung
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Education ◽  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Post Exposure ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Health care providers are at risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection from occupational exposure, with nurses being the most vulnerable. Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) of HIV is the only way to reduce risk of HIV after potential exposure. A study was conducted on Nurses Knowledge on PEP of HIV at Gandaki Medical College (GMC), Pokhara to find out the knowledge on PEP of HIV among nurses. Descriptive cross sectional research design was used for the study. Probability stratified systematic random sampling technique was used for sampling and self administered questionnaires was used for data collection with sample size of 90 nurses working in GMC. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 software programme and presented in terms of frequency distribution, percentage, mean and standard deviation. For inferential statistics, chi square test was used at 5% level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that mean age of the respondents was 24.57 with standard deviation 3.43. Out of 90 respondents majority (83.3%) of the respondents were PCL passed and 47.8% of the respondents had adequate knowledge regarding PEP of HIV. The study found no significant association between demographic variables and knowledge level. It can be concluded that the nurses need to improve their level of knowledge on PEP of HIV by participating in different training programs. Health institution should also conduct continue nursing education programme to improve and update knowledge among the employees.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitude and practices of medical and health science students on the antiretroviral based HIV post-exposure prophylaxis in an Ethiopian hospital: an institutional based cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Betelhem Anteneh ◽  
Sewunet Admasu Belachew ◽  
Alem Endeshaw ◽  
Zewdu Birhanu Wubneh ◽  
Barun Ranjan Sarkar
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Science Students ◽  
Post Exposure ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Background HIV/AIDS in resource-limited settings poses a high risk of occupational exposure to healthcare workers due to higher number of HIV infected patients. Hence, antiretroviral based post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV is very crucial. The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical and Health science students on antiretroviral based HIV PEP in University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital (UOGCSH), Northwestern Ethiopia. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 medical and health science graduating students in UOGCSH from May to July 2015. Data were collected using a self-administered pretested questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Results were summarized in frequencies, percentages, and means with standard deviations and presented using tables or figures. Results Among the respondents, only sixty-six (30%) of the 220 study participants has had adequate knowledge about HIV PEP. Furthermore, over 90 % of the students had positive attitude towards HIV PEP f. Out of the total respondents, 37/220 (16.8%) were in need of HIV PEP and of these students only 18/37 (48.6%) took PEP. On the other hand, merely 50% of the study subjects completed the full course of HIV PEP, while the rest 50% failed to finish. As to the respondents self-report, the sole reason for starting but failing to complete the full course of HIV PEP was intolerance to the side effects of antiretroviral. Conclusions Although majority of the respondents had poor knowledge and practice, they owned a good attitude towards HIV PEP. Therefore, a pre-service intensive training for all students regarding HIV PEP prior to their clinical attachments is mandatory. In addition, potential side effects of ARTs and its managements should be priory informed to the students so as to prevent the associated non-adherence to ultimately reduce the incidence of drug resistance. Moreover, the habit of needle stick injury reporting was found to be poor that needs due improvement and there has been also a pressing need to supply sufficient protective barriers to the students while planning and rendering services.

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