scholarly journals Heterogeneity in testing for infectious diseases

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Berrig ◽  
Viggo Andreasen ◽  
Bjarke Frost Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Mass Screening ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Public Life ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Epidemic Control ◽  
Testing Strategies ◽  
Nation States

Testing strategies have varied widely between nation states during the COVID-19 pandemic, in intensity as well as methodology. Some countries have mainly performed diagnostic testing while others have opted for mass-screening for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 as well. COVID passport solutions have been introduced, in which access to several aspects of public life requires either testing, proof of vaccination or a combination thereof. This creates a coupling between personal activity levels and testing behaviour which, as we show, leverages the heterogeneous behaviours in the population and turns this heterogeneity from a disadvantage to an advantage for epidemic control.

scholarly journals A Network-Based Model to Explore the Role of Testing in Epidemic Control

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yapeng Cui ◽  
Shunjiang Ni ◽  
Shifei Shen
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Upper Bound ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Transmission Model ◽  
Epidemic Control ◽  
Testing Strategies ◽  
Contact Tracking ◽  
The Government

Abstract Background: Testing is one of the most effective means to deal with epidemics. However, there is an upper bound on daily testing volume due to the limited healthcare staff and working hours, and different testing methods may also be adopted such as random testing and contact-tracking testing. Methods: In this paper, a network-based epidemic transmission model combined with testing mechanism is proposed to study the role of testing in epidemic control. We simulate the epidemic spread process on complex networks and introduce testing preference to describe different testing strategies. Results: Through a series of numerical simulations, we find that testing can flatten the infection curve and delay the outbreak of epidemics. In addition, the higher the priority for testing individuals in close contacts with confirmed cases, the smaller the infection scale. Compared with the increase speed of daily testing volume, the upper bound of daily testing volume plays a more important role in epidemic control. We also discover that when testing combined with other measures is adopted, the daily testing volume required to control epidemics (i.e., control infection scale below 5%) will be reduced by more than 40% even if other measures only reduce individuals’ infection probability by 10%. Conclusions: In short, although testing can effectively inhibit the spread of infectious diseases, it requires a huge amount of daily testing volume. It is highly recommended that testing be adopted combined with other measures such as wearing masks and social distancing to deal with infectious diseases. Our research contributes to understanding the role of testing in epidemic control and provides useful suggestions for the government and individuals in response to epidemics.

Analysis of the tendency of development of biosensors based on GaN

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.I. Agasieva ◽  
E.A. Smetanin ◽  
A.R. Vechkanov ◽  
A.V. Gubanov
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Clinical Analysis ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Economic Damage ◽  
Disease Research ◽  
Local Healthcare

Statement of the problem of this article - one of the most important problems is protection from especially dangerous infectious diseases. The use of biosensors in clinical trials will significantly reduce the time for obtaining the results of analyzes, thereby speeding up the appointment of treatment to patients. The purpose of the article is to present modern designs of biosensors based on gallium nitride, the possibilities of their application and characteristics. Consider the principles of operation, areas of application and characteristics. As a result, the design of modern biosensors and modern trends in their use from various sources of literature in recent years are shown. Biosensors, principles of their action, areas of application and characteristics are considered, which will reduce the possible socio-economic damage from temporary disability for sick citizens due to the rapid and timely implementation of anti-epidemic measures. Practical value: the proposed biosensors are of interest as devices for detecting diseases. The use of biosensors in clinical disease research has several potential advantages over other clinical analysis methods, including increased analysis speed and flexibility, multipurpose analysis capability, automation, reduced diagnostic testing costs, and the ability to integrate molecular diagnostic tests into local healthcare systems.

The cost-effectiveness of diagnostic testing strategies for Helicobacter pylori

2000 ◽  
Vol 95 (7) ◽  
pp. 1691-1698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nimish Vakil ◽  
David Rhew ◽  
Andrew Soll ◽  
Joshua J. Ofman
Keyword(s):  
Helicobacter Pylori ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Testing Strategies ◽  
The Cost

scholarly journals Cross-sectional telephone surveys as a tool to study epidemiological factors and monitor seasonal influenza activity in Malta

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Marmara ◽  
D. Marmara ◽  
P. McMenemy ◽  
A. Kleczkowski
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Reporting Rate ◽  
Google Trends ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Self Perception ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public

Abstract Background Seasonal influenza has major implications for healthcare services as outbreaks often lead to high activity levels in health systems. Being able to predict when such outbreaks occur is vital. Mathematical models have extensively been used to predict epidemics of infectious diseases such as seasonal influenza and to assess effectiveness of control strategies. Availability of comprehensive and reliable datasets used to parametrize these models is limited. In this paper we combine a unique epidemiological dataset collected in Malta through General Practitioners (GPs) with a novel method using cross-sectional surveys to study seasonal influenza dynamics in Malta in 2014–2016, to include social dynamics and self-perception related to seasonal influenza. Methods Two cross-sectional public surveys (n = 406 per survey) were performed by telephone across the Maltese population in 2014–15 and 2015–16 influenza seasons. Survey results were compared with incidence data (diagnosed seasonal influenza cases) collected by GPs in the same period and with Google Trends data for Malta. Information was collected on whether participants recalled their health status in past months, occurrences of influenza symptoms, hospitalisation rates due to seasonal influenza, seeking GP advice, and other medical information. Results We demonstrate that cross-sectional surveys are a reliable alternative data source to medical records. The two surveys gave comparable results, indicating that the level of recollection among the public is high. Based on two seasons of data, the reporting rate in Malta varies between 14 and 22%. The comparison with Google Trends suggests that the online searches peak at about the same time as the maximum extent of the epidemic, but the public interest declines and returns to background level. We also found that the public intensively searched the Internet for influenza-related terms even when number of cases was low. Conclusions Our research shows that a telephone survey is a viable way to gain deeper insight into a population’s self-perception of influenza and its symptoms and to provide another benchmark for medical statistics provided by GPs and Google Trends. The information collected can be used to improve epidemiological modelling of seasonal influenza and other infectious diseases, thus effectively contributing to public health.

scholarly journals Infectious Diseases Society of America Guidelines on the Diagnosis of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Serologic Testing

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly E Hanson ◽  
Angela M Caliendo ◽  
Cesar A Arias ◽  
Janet A Englund ◽  
Mary K Hayden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Clinical Performance ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Past Infection ◽  
Serologic Tests ◽  
Serologic Testing ◽  
Grade Methodology

Abstract Background The availability of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) serologic testing has rapidly increased. Current assays use a variety of technologies, measure different classes of immunoglobulin or immunoglobulin combinations, and detect antibodies directed against different portions of the virus. The overall accuracy of these tests, however, has not been well defined. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) convened an expert panel to perform a systematic review of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) serology literature and construct best-practice guidance related to SARS-CoV-2 serologic testing. This guideline is the fourth in a series of rapid, frequently updated COVID-19 guidelines developed by IDSA. Objective IDSA’s goal was to develop evidence-based recommendations that assist clinicians, clinical laboratories, patients, and policymakers in decisions related to the optimal use of SARS-CoV-2 serologic tests in a variety of settings. We also highlight important unmet research needs pertaining to the use of anti–SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests for diagnosis, public health surveillance, vaccine development, and the selection of convalescent plasma donors. Methods A multidisciplinary panel of infectious diseases clinicians, clinical microbiologists, and experts in systematic literature review identified and prioritized clinical questions related to the use of SARS-CoV-2 serologic tests. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology was used to assess the certainty of evidence and make testing recommendations. Results The panel agreed on 8 diagnostic recommendations. Conclusions Information on the clinical performance and utility of SARS-CoV-2 serologic tests is rapidly emerging. Based on available evidence, detection of anti–SARS-CoV-2 antibodies may be useful for confirming the presence of current or past infection in selected situations. The panel identified 3 potential indications for serologic testing, including (1) evaluation of patients with a high clinical suspicion for COVID-19 when molecular diagnostic testing is negative and ≥2 weeks have passed since symptom onset, (2) assessment of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, and (3) conducting serosurveillance studies. The certainty of available evidence supporting the use of serology for either diagnosis or epidemiology was, however, graded as very low to moderate. For the most updated version of these guidelines, please go to https://www.idsociety.org/covid19guidelines.

scholarly journals Healthcare provider diagnostic testing practices for identification of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile in children: an Emerging Infections Network survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 276-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry K. Kociolek ◽  
Preeta K. Kutty ◽  
Philip M. Polgreen ◽  
Susan E. Beekmann
Keyword(s):  
Clostridium Difficile ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Healthcare Provider ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Emerging Infections ◽  
Electronic Survey ◽  
Testing Practices ◽  
E Mail ◽  
Infants And Young Children

AbstractObjective:To characterize healthcare provider diagnostic testing practices for identifying Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) and asymptomatic carriage in children.Design:Electronic survey.Methods:An 11-question survey was sent by e-mail or facsimile to all pediatric infectious diseases (PID) members of the Infectious Diseases Society of America’s Emerging Infections Network (EIN).Results:Among 345 eligible respondents who had ever responded to an EIN survey, 196 (57%) responded; 162 of these (83%) were aware of their institutional policies for CDI testing and management. Also, 159 (98%) respondents knew their institution’s C. difficile testing method: 99 (62%) utilize NAAT without toxin testing and 60 (38%) utilize toxin testing, either as a single test or a multistep algorithm. Of 153 respondents, 10 (7%) reported that formed stools were tested for C. difficile at their institution, and 76 of 151 (50%) reported that their institution does not restrict C. difficile testing in infants and young children. The frequency of symptom- and age-based testing restrictions did not vary between institutions utilizing NAAT alone compared to those utilizing toxin testing for C. difficile diagnosis. Of 143 respondents, 26 (16%) permit testing of neonatal intensive care unit patients and 12 of 26 (46%) treat CDI with antibiotics in this patient population.Conclusions:These data suggest that there are opportunities to improve CDI diagnostic stewardship practices in children, including among hospitals using NAATs alone for CDI diagnosis in children.

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