scholarly journals Seroprevalence study of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthcare workers following the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary-level hospital in the south of Ireland

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e051415
Author(s):  
Eamonn Faller ◽  
Adrianne Wyse ◽  
Rachel Barry ◽  
Kevin Conlon ◽  
Cormac Everard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Tertiary Level ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
The South ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Antibody Positivity ◽  
Qualitative Assay ◽  
Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay ◽  
Specific Igg ◽  
Close Contacts

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.

Antibody Testing of Infants Born to Asymptomatic COVID-19 Positive Mothers

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 3-7
Author(s):  
Tonya Robinson ◽  
Nicole Pozzi ◽  
Saeed Jortani
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
University Of Louisville ◽  
Specific Igg ◽  
Negative Conclusion ◽  
Future Management

Awareness of SARS-COV-2 IgG may contribute to the management of asymptomatic RT PCR COVID-19 positive pregnant women, their newborns, and future vaccination practices. Objective: Characterize COVID testing results of asymptomatic COVID-19 positive pregnant women and their infants. Our assumption/hypothesis maintained that all infants born to asymptomatic COVID-19 positive mothers would have detectable SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Clinical demographics/COVID-19 testing of maternal/infant dyads were reviewed/collected for reporting purposes. Setting: Center for Women and Infants (CWI), University of Louisville Hospital, Louisville, KY Participants: Asymptomatic COVID-19 positive pregnant women/infant dyads admitted to the CWI between June 2020 to February 2021. Results: 36 COVID-19 positive asymptomatic mother/37 infant dyads (one set of twins) reviewed. 38% of the mother/infant dyads were positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG, while 27% of mother/infant dyads were negative for IgG. A COVID-19 positive mother of twins was IgG negative, but both twins were positive. Two mothers in this study group had developed significant COVID-19 disease at 28w4d gestation and 34w0d gestation. Both required intensive care but recovered, and their pregnancies were maintained until 37w4d and 39w3d gestation, respectively. By the time of delivery, both mothers had negative COVID-19 RT PCR testing, but both infants were positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. COVID-19 RT PCR testing on both of these infants at 24 and 48 hours of age was negative. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 IgG is passively transferred to the infant during pregnancy of asymptomatic positive COVID-19 mothers however appears variable and/or possibly based on the ability of IgG detection with current testing. Further investigation of the immune system’s response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus during pregnancy can direct future management/treatment during pregnancy, especially in the wake of vaccination for the virus during pregnancy and emerging variants.

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

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Pablo Torres ◽  
Cecilia Piñera ◽  
Verónica De La Maza ◽  
Anne J Lagomarcino ◽  
Daniela Simian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
School Community ◽  
Antibody Detection ◽  
Lower Grade ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Large School ◽  
First Case ◽  
Antibody Positivity

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.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and detection fraction in Utah urban populations from a probability-based sample

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew H. Samore ◽  
Adam Looney ◽  
Brian Orleans ◽  
Tom Greene ◽  
Nathan Seegert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Urban Populations ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Case Count ◽  
Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay ◽  
Polymerase Chain

ABSTRACTThis project’s aim was to generate an unbiased estimate of the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in four urban counties in Utah. A multi-stage sampling design was employed to randomly select community-representative participants 12 years and over. Between May 4 and June 30, 2020, surveys were completed and sera drawn from 8,108 individuals belonging to 5,125 households. A qualitative chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay was used to detect the presence of IgG antibody to SARS-CoV-2. The overall prevalence of IgG antibody to SARS-CoV-2 was estimated at 0.8%. The estimated seroprevalence-to-case count ratio was 2.4, corresponding to a detection fraction of 42%. Only 0.2% of individuals who had a nasopharyngeal swab collected were reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive. The prevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in Utah urban areas between May and June was low and the prevalence of positive RT-PCR even lower. The detection fraction for COVID-19 in Utah was comparatively high.Article SummaryProbability-based sampling provides an effective method for robust estimates of community-based SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and detection fraction among urban populations in Utah.

scholarly journals Recurrence, Reactivation, or Inflammatory Rebound of SARS-CoV-2 Infection With Acute Vestibular Symptoms: A Case Report and Revision of Literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvatore Zaffina ◽  
Paola Lanteri ◽  
Francesco Gilardi ◽  
Sergio Garbarino ◽  
Annapaola Santoro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immunoglobulin M ◽  
Viral Reactivation ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
First Case ◽  
Acute Vestibular Syndrome ◽  
Vestibular Symptoms ◽  
Pcr Test

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.

Scoring System for the Diagnosis of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 413-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Farouk Allam
Keyword(s):  
Scoring System ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
False Negative Results ◽  
Symptoms And Signs

Due to the international spread of COVID-19, the difficulty of collecting nasopharyngeal swab specimen from all suspected patients, the costs of RT-PCR and CT, and the false negative results of RT-PCR assay in 41% of COVID-19 patients, a scoring system is needed to classify the suspected patients in order to determine the need for follow-up, home isolation, quarantine or the conduction of further investigations. A scoring system is proposed as a diagnostic tool for suspected patients. It includes Epidemiological Evidence of Exposure, Clinical Symptoms and Signs, and Investigations (if available). This scoring system is simple, could be calculated in a few minutes, and incorporates the main possible data/findings of any patient.

Effective optimization of SARS-CoV-2 laboratory testing variables in an era of supply chain constraints

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (15) ◽  
pp. 1483-1487
Author(s):  
Nikhil S Sahajpal ◽  
Ashis K Mondal ◽  
Allan Njau ◽  
Sudha Ananth ◽  
Kimya Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Rna Extraction ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Short Supply ◽  
Viral Transport ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Bridging Studies

RT-PCR-based assays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 have played an essential role in the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, the sample collection and test reagents are in short supply, primarily due to supply chain issues. Thus, to eliminate testing constraints, we have optimized three key process variables: RNA extraction and RT-PCR reactions, different sample types and media to facilitate SARS-CoV-2 testing. By performing various validation and bridging studies, we have shown that various sample types such as nasopharyngeal swab, bronchioalveolar lavage and saliva, collected using conventional nasopharyngeal swabs, ESwab or 3D-printed swabs and, preserved in viral transport media, universal transport media, 0.9% sodium chloride or Amies media are compatible with RT-PCR assay for COVID-19. Besides, the reduction of PCR reagents by up to fourfold also produces reliable results.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 Is Not Detected in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Encephalopathic COVID-19 Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimitris G. Placantonakis ◽  
Maria Aguero-Rosenfeld ◽  
Abdallah Flaifel ◽  
John Colavito ◽  
Kenneth Inglima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Viral Entry ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Neurologic Sequelae ◽  
Show Evidence ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Transmembrane Serine Protease

Neurologic manifestations of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection have received wide attention, but the mechanisms remain uncertain. Here, we describe computational data from public domain RNA-seq datasets and cerebrospinal fluid data from adult patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia that suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection of the central nervous system is unlikely. We found that the mRNAs encoding the ACE2 receptor and the TMPRSS2 transmembrane serine protease, both of which are required for viral entry into host cells, are minimally expressed in the major cell types of the brain. In addition, CSF samples from 13 adult encephalopathic COVID-19 patients diagnosed with the viral infection via nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR did not show evidence for the virus. This particular finding is robust for two reasons. First, the RT-PCR diagnostic was validated for CSF studies using stringent criteria; and second, 61% of these patients had CSF testing within 1 week of a positive nasopharyngeal diagnostic test. We propose that neurologic sequelae of COVID-19 are not due to SARS-CoV-2 meningoencephalitis and that other etiologies are more likely mechanisms.

scholarly journals Detection of SARS-CoV-2 from patient fecal samples by whole genome sequencing

Gut Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Papoutsis ◽  
Thomas Borody ◽  
Siba Dolai ◽  
Jordan Daniels ◽  
Skylar Steinberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Next Generation Sequencing ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Whole Genome Analysis ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Oral Transmission ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Next Generation Sequencing Ngs ◽  
Generation Sequencing

Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2 has been detected not only in respiratory secretions, but also in stool collections. Here were sought to identify SARS-CoV-2 by enrichment next-generation sequencing (NGS) from fecal samples, and to utilize whole genome analysis to characterize SARS-CoV-2 mutational variations in COVID-19 patients. Results Study participants underwent testing for SARS-CoV-2 from fecal samples by whole genome enrichment NGS (n = 14), and RT-PCR nasopharyngeal swab analysis (n = 12). The concordance of SARS-CoV-2 detection by enrichment NGS from stools with RT-PCR nasopharyngeal analysis was 100%. Unique variants were identified in four patients, with a total of 33 different mutations among those in which SARS-CoV-2 was detected by whole genome enrichment NGS. Conclusion These results highlight the potential viability of SARS-CoV-2 in feces, its ongoing mutational accumulation, and its possible role in fecal–oral transmission. This study also elucidates the advantages of SARS-CoV-2 enrichment NGS, which may be a key methodology to document complete viral eradication. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04359836, Registered 24 April 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04359836?term=NCT04359836&draw=2&rank=1).

scholarly journals The management of surgical patients in the emergency setting during COVID-19 pandemic: the WSES position paper

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Belinda De Simone ◽  
Elie Chouillard ◽  
Massimo Sartelli ◽  
Walter L. Biffl ◽  
Salomone Di Saverio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Emergency Surgery ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Mass Casualty ◽  
Position Paper ◽  
Surgical Patients ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Emergency Setting ◽  
Open Approach ◽  
Rt Pcr

Abstract Background Since the COVID-19 pandemic has occurred, nations showed their unpreparedness to deal with a mass casualty incident of this proportion and severity, which resulted in a tremendous number of deaths even among healthcare workers. The World Society of Emergency Surgery conceived this position paper with the purpose of providing evidence-based recommendations for the management of emergency surgical patients under COVID-19 pandemic for the safety of the patient and healthcare workers. Method A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) through the MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase and SCOPUS databases. Synthesis of evidence, statements and recommendations were developed in accordance with the GRADE methodology. Results Given the limitation of the evidence, the current document represents an effort to join selected high-quality articles and experts’ opinion. Conclusions The aim of this position paper is to provide an exhaustive guidelines to perform emergency surgery in a safe and protected environment for surgical patients and for healthcare workers under COVID-19 and to offer the best management of COVID-19 patients needing for an emergency surgical treatment. We recommend screening for COVID-19 infection at the emergency department all acute surgical patients who are waiting for hospital admission and urgent surgery. The screening work-up provides a RT-PCR nasopharyngeal swab test and a baseline (non-contrast) chest CT or a chest X-ray or a lungs US, depending on skills and availability. If the COVID-19 screening is not completed we recommend keeping the patient in isolation until RT-PCR swab test result is not available, and to manage him/she such as an overt COVID patient. The management of COVID-19 surgical patients is multidisciplinary. If an immediate surgical procedure is mandatory, whether laparoscopic or via open approach, we recommend doing every effort to protect the operating room staff for the safety of the patient.

scholarly journals Performance of Self-Collected Saliva Testing Compared with Nasopharyngeal Swab Testing for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 895
Author(s):  
Florence Carrouel ◽  
Martine Valette ◽  
Hervé Perrier ◽  
Maude Bouscambert-Duchamp ◽  
Claude Dussart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Statistical Analyses ◽  
Fair Agreement ◽  
Quantitative Detection ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Noninvasive Techniques ◽  
Concordance Probability ◽  
Salivary Test

The aim of this study was to determine whether self-collected pure saliva (SCPS) is comparable to nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs in the quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR in asymptomatic, mild patients with confirmed COVID-19. Thirty-one patients aged from 18 to 85 years were included between 9 June and 11 December 2020. A SCPS sample and a NP sample were taken for each patient. Quantitative PCR was performed to detect SARS-CoV-2 viral load. Results of SCPS vs NP samples testing were compared. Statistical analyses were performed. Viral load was significantly correlated (r = 0.72). The concordance probability was estimated at 73.3%. In symptomatic adults, SCPS performance was similar to that of NP swabs (Percent Agreement = 74.1%; p = 0.11). Thus, the salivary test based on pure oral saliva samples easily obtained by noninvasive techniques has a fair agreement with the nasopharyngeal one in asymptomatic, mild patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19.

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