scholarly journals Clinical and microbiological assessments of COVID-19 in healthcare workers: a prospective longitudinal study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonin Bal ◽  
Karen Brengel-Pesce ◽  
Alexandre Gaymard ◽  
Grégory Quéromès ◽  
Nicolas Guibert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Symptom Onset ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Respiratory Pathogen ◽  
Respiratory Pathogens ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽  
Viral Shedding ◽  
Viral Culture ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

BackgroundA comprehensive assessment of COVID-19 in healthcare workers (HCWs) including the investigation of viral shedding duration is critical.MethodsA longitudinal study including 319 HCWs was conducted. After SARS-CoV-2 screening with RT-PCR assay, other respiratory pathogens were tested with a multiplex molecular panel. For SARS-CoV-2 positive HCWs, the normalized viral load was determined weekly; viral culture and virus neutralization assays were also performed. For 190 HCWs tested negative, SARS-CoV-2 serological testing was performed one month after the inclusion.FindingsOf the 319 HCWs included, 67 (21.0%) were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2; two of them developed severe COVID-19. The proportion of smell and taste dysfunction was significantly higher in SARS-CoV-2 positive HCWs than in negative ones (38.8% vs 9.5% and 37.3% vs 10.7%, respectively, p<0.001). Of the 67 positive patients, 9.1% were tested positive for at least another respiratory pathogen (vs 19.5%, p=0.07). The proportion of HCWs with a viral load > 5.0 log10 cp/ml (Ct value <25) was less than 15% at 8 days after symptom onset; 12% of them were still positive after 40 days (Ct >37). More than 90% of culturable virus had a viral load > 4.5 log10 cp/ml (Ct < 26) and were collected within 10 days after symptom onset. From HCWs tested negative, 6/190 (3.2%) exhibited seroconversion for IgG antibodies.InterpretationOur data suggest that the determination of normalized viral load (or its estimation through Ct values) can be useful for discontinuing isolation of HCWs and facilitating their safe return to work. HCWs presenting mild COVID-19 are unlikely infectious 10 days after symptom onset.FundingFondation des Hospices Civils de Lyon. bioMérieux provided diagnostic kits.

scholarly journals Clinical and laboratory characteristics of symptomatic healthcare workers with suspected COVID-19: a prospective cohort study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonin Bal ◽  
Karen Brengel-Pesce ◽  
Alexandre Gaymard ◽  
Grégory Quéromès ◽  
Nicolas Guibert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Symptom Onset ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Respiratory Pathogens ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Mild Form ◽  
Pcr Screening ◽  
Viral Culture

AbstractA comprehensive clinical and microbiological assessments of COVID-19 in front-line healthcare workers (HCWs) is needed. Between April 10th and May 28th, 2020, 319 HCWs with acute illness were reviewed. In addition to SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR screening, a multiplex molecular panel was used for testing other respiratory pathogens. For SARS-CoV-2 positive HCWs, the normalized viral load, viral culture, and virus neutralization assays were performed weekly. For SARS-CoV-2 negative HCWs, SARS-CoV-2 serological testing was performed one month after inclusion. Among the 319 HCWs included, 67 (21.0%) were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2; 65/67 (97.0%) developed mild form of COVID-19. Other respiratory pathogens were found in 6/66 (9.1%) SARS-CoV-2 positive and 47/241 (19.5%) SARS-Cov-2 negative HCWs (p = 0.07). The proportion of HCWs with a viral load > 5.0 log10 cp/mL (Ct value < 25) was less than 15% at 8 days after symptom onset; 12% of HCWs were positive after 40 days (Ct > 37). More than 90% of cultivable virus had a viral load > 4.5 log10 cp/mL (Ct < 26) and were collected within 10 days after symptom onset. Among negative HCWs, 6/190 (3.2%) seroconverted. Our data suggest that the determination of viral load can be used for appreciating the infectiousness of infected HCWs. These data could be helpful for facilitating their return to work.

scholarly journals Infectivity of healthcare workers diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) approximately 2 weeks after onset of symptoms: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Yves Longtin ◽  
Hugues Charest ◽  
Caroline Quach ◽  
Patrice Savard ◽  
Mariana Baz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Symptom Onset ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Positive Culture ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Viral Shedding ◽  
Viral Culture ◽  
Respiratory Coronavirus ◽  
Respiratory Specimens

Abstract We performed viral culture of respiratory specimens in 118 severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)–infected healthcare workers (HCWs), ∼2 weeks after symptom onset. Only 1 HCW (0.8%) had a positive culture. No factors for prolonged viral shedding were identified. Infectivity is resolved in nearly all HCWs ∼2 weeks after symptom onset.

scholarly journals Asymptomatic Transmission During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic and Implications for Public Health Strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (10) ◽  
pp. 2752-2756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanalise V Huff ◽  
Avantika Singh
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Symptom Onset ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Viral Shedding ◽  
Universal Testing ◽  
Asymptomatic Individuals ◽  
Public Health Strategies

Abstract Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread rapidly in a few months despite global public health strategies to curb transmission by testing symptomatic patients and social distancing. This review summarizes evidence that highlights transmission by asymptomatic and presymptomatic individuals. Viral load of asymptomatic and symptomatic cases is comparable. Viral shedding is highest before symptom onset, suggesting high transmissibility before symptoms. Within universally tested subgroups, high percentages of SARS-CoV-2 infected asymptomatic individuals were found. Asymptomatic transmission was reported in several clusters, including a Wuhan study showing an alarming rate of intrahospital transmission. Several countries reported higher prevalence among healthcare workers than general population raising concern that healthcare workers could act as silent vectors. Therefore, current strategies that rely solely on “symptom onset” for infection identification need urgent reassessment. Extensive universal testing irrespective of symptoms may be considered, with priority placed on groups with high frequency exposure to positive patients.

scholarly journals Respiratory Infections in Children During a Covid-19 Pandemic Winter

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne C. Diesner-Treiber ◽  
Peter Voitl ◽  
Julian J. M. Voitl ◽  
Klara Langer ◽  
Ulrike Kuzio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Respiratory Infection ◽  
Acute Respiratory Infection ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Respiratory Pathogens ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽  
The Public ◽  
Nasal Swabs ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic compelled the implementation of measures to curb the SARS CoV-2 spread, such as social distancing, wearing FFP2 masks, and frequent hand hygiene. One anticipated ramification of these measures was the containment of other pathogens. This prospective, longitudinal study aimed to investigate the spread of 22 common seasonal non-SARS-CoV-2 pathogens, such as RSV and influenza, among children with an acute respiratory infection during a pandemic.Methods: Three hundred ninety children (0-24 months) admitted to Vienna's largest pediatric center with acute respiratory infection (November 2020-April 2021) were included in this study. The researchers tested nasal swabs for 22 respiratory pathogens by Multiplex PCR, documented clinical features and treatment, and evaluated data for a potential connection with the lockdown measures then in force.Results: The 448 smears revealed the most common pathogens to be rhino-/enterovirus (41.4%), adenovirus (2.2%), and coronavirus NL63 (13.6%). While the first two were active throughout the entire season, coronaviruses peaked in the first trimester of 2021 in conjunction with the lift of the lockdown period (OR 4.371, 95%CI 2.34-8.136, P &lt; 0.001). RSV, metapneumovirus, and influenza were absent.Conclusion: This prospective, longitudinal study shows that Covid-19 measures suppressed the seasonal activity of influenza, RSV, and metapneumovirus among very young children, but not of rhino-/enterovirus and adenovirus. The 0-24 month-olds are considered the lowest risk group and were only indirectly affected by the public health measures. Lockdowns were negatively associated with coronaviruses infections.

scholarly journals Household Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: A Prospective Longitudinal Study Showing Higher Viral Load and Increased Transmissibility of the Alpha Variant Compared to Previous Strains

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 2371
Author(s):  
Cathinka Halle Julin ◽  
Anna Hayman Robertson ◽  
Olav Hungnes ◽  
Gro Tunheim ◽  
Terese Bekkevold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Digital Pcr ◽  
Primary Case ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Household Contacts ◽  
Household Transmission ◽  
Alpha Variant ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

We studied the secondary attack rate (SAR), risk factors, and precautionary practices of household transmission in a prospective, longitudinal study. We further compared transmission between the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant and non-Variant of Concern (non-VOC) viruses. From May 2020 throughout April 2021, we recruited 70 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 146 household contacts. Participants donated biological samples eight times over 6 weeks and answered questionnaires. SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected by real-time RT-PCR. Whole genome sequencing and droplet digital PCR were used to establish virus variant and viral load. SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurred in 60% of the households, and the overall SAR for household contacts was 50%. The SAR was significantly higher for the Alpha variant (78%) compared with non-VOC viruses (43%) and was associated with a higher viral load. SAR was higher in household contacts aged ≥40 years (69%) than in younger contacts (40–47%), and for contacts of primary cases with loss of taste/smell. Children had lower viral loads and were more often asymptomatic than adults. Sleeping separately from the primary case reduced the risk of transmission. In conclusion, we found substantial household transmission, particularly for the Alpha variant. Precautionary practices seem to reduce SAR, but preventing household transmission may become difficult with more contagious variants, depending on vaccine use and effectiveness.

scholarly journals Clinical and Microbiological Assessments of COVID-19 in Healthcare Workers: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonin BAL ◽  
Karen BRENGEL-PESCE ◽  
Alexandre GAYMARD ◽  
Grégory Quéromès ◽  
Nicolas Guibert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

scholarly journals The Potential Role of Immune Alteration in the Cancer–COVID19 Equation—A Prospective Longitudinal Study

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tal Goshen-Lago ◽  
Moran Szwarcwort-Cohen ◽  
Madeleine Benguigui ◽  
Ronit Almog ◽  
Ilit Turgeman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Substantial Reduction ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽  
Risk Of Cancer ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Background: The risk of cancer patients to develop COVID19 infection is unclear. We aimed to prospectively study cancer patients and oncology healthcare workers for COVID19 serology. In IgG+ cases, immune profile was determined to portray the pattern of immune response to SARS-CoV2. Methods: Cancer patients on active treatment and healthcare workers were enrolled. During the study period (3/2020–6/2020), demographic data and blood were collected at three time points. Expression of IgG, IgM, and IgA were assessed. In SARS-CoV-2 IgG+ cases and matched negative cases, we performed mass cytometry time of flight (CyTOF) analysis on the basis of the expression of surface markers. Results: The study included 164 cancer patients on active intravenous treatment and 107 healthcare workers at the cancer center. No symptomatic cases were reported during the study period. Serology analysis revealed four IgG+ patients (2.4%) and two IgG+ healthcare workers (1.9%)—all were asymptomatic. CyTOF analysis demonstrated substantial reduction in myeloid cells in healthcare workers who were SARS-CoV-2 IgG+ compared to those who were SARS-CoV-2 IgG-, whereas in cancer patients, the reduction was relatively milder (≈50% reduction in SARS-CoV-2 IgG+ cancer patients compared with ≈90% reduction in SARS-CoV-2 IgG+ workers). Conclusion: Our results indicate a similar rate of asymptomatic COVID19 infection in cancer patients and healthcare workers in a longitudinal study throughout the pandemic time. Due to differential immune cell profiles of cancer patients who are treated with immunomodulatory agents, the host response to the SARS-COV2 may play a role in COVID19 course and representation. The immunological perspective of cancer treatments on the risk for COVID19 infection should be further explored.

scholarly journals Exploring Well-being of Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Longitudinal Study Protocol (Preprint)

10.2196/32663 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny JW Liu ◽  
Anthony Nazarov ◽  
Rachel Alexandra Plouffe ◽  
Callista A Forchuk ◽  
Erisa Deda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Study Protocol ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal
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