scholarly journals Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibodies in Kashmir, India, 7 months after the first reported local COVID-19 case: results of a population-based seroprevalence survey from October to November 2020

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. e053791
Author(s):  
S Muhammad Salim Khan ◽  
Mariya Amin Qurieshi ◽  
Inaamul Haq ◽  
Sabhiya Majid ◽  
Javid Ahmad ◽  
...  

ObjectivesWe designed a population-based survey in Kashmir to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibodies in the general population aged 18 years and above.SettingThe survey was conducted among 110 villages and urban wards across 10 districts in Kashmir from 17 October 2020 to 4 November 2020.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 18 years and above were eligible to be included in the survey. Serum samples were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibodies using the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe labelled assay results equal to or above the cut-off index value of 1.4 as positive for SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibodies. Seroprevalence estimates were adjusted for the sampling design and assay characteristics.ResultsOut of 6397 eligible individuals enumerated, 6315 (98.7%) agreed to participate. The final analysis was done on 6230 participants. Seroprevalence adjusted for the sampling design and assay characteristics was 36.7% (95% CI 34.3% to 39.2%). Seroprevalence was higher among the older population. Among seropositive individuals, 10.2% (247/2415) reported a history of COVID-19-like symptoms. Out of 474 symptomatic individuals, 233 (49.2%) reported having been tested. We estimated an infection fatality rate of 0.034%.ConclusionsDuring the first 7 months of the COVID-19 epidemic in Kashmir Valley, approximately 37% of individuals were infected. The reported number of COVID-19 cases was only a small fraction of the estimated number of infections. A more efficient surveillance system with strengthened reporting of COVID-19 cases and deaths is warranted.

2013 ◽  
Vol 142 (7) ◽  
pp. 1559-1565 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. AHLM ◽  
M. ELIASSON ◽  
O. VAPALAHTI ◽  
M. EVANDER

SUMMARYMosquito-borne Sindbis virus (SINV) cause disease characterized by rash, fever and arthritis which often leads to long-lasting arthralgia. To determine the seroprevalence of SINV and associated risk factors in northern Sweden, a randomly selected population aged between 25 and 74 years were invited to join the MONICA study. Serum from 1611 samples were analysed for specific IgG antibodies. Overall, 2·9% had IgG against SINV. More men (3·7%) than women (2·0%) were SINV seropositive (P = 0·047) and it was more common in subjects with a lower educational level (P = 0·013) and living in small, rural communities (P < 0·001). Seropositivity was associated with higher waist circumference (P = 0·1), elevated diastolic blood pressure (P = 0·037), and history of a previous stroke (P = 0·011). In a multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusting for known risk factors for stroke, seropositivity for SINV was an independent predictor of having had a stroke (odds ratio 4·3, 95% confidence interval 1·4–13·0, P = 0·011).


PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0239303
Author(s):  
S. Muhammad Salim Khan ◽  
Mariya Amin Qurieshi ◽  
Inaamul Haq ◽  
Sabhiya Majid ◽  
Arif Akbar Bhat ◽  
...  

Background Prevalence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 infection provides essential information for deciding disease prevention and mitigation measures. We estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies in District Srinagar. Methods 2906 persons >18 years of age selected from hospital visitors across District Srinagar participated in the study. We tested samples for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay-based serologic test. Results Age- and gender-standardized seroprevalence was 3.6% (95% CI 2.9% to 4.3%). Age 30–69 years, a recent history of symptoms of an influenza-like-illness, and a history of being placed under quarantine were significantly related to higher odds of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies. The estimated number of SARS-CoV-2 infections during the two weeks preceding the study, adjusted for test performance, was 32602 with an estimated (median) infection-to-known-case ratio of 46 (95% CI 36 to 57). Conclusions The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies is low in the District. A large proportion of the population is still susceptible to the infection. A sizeable number of infections remain undetected, and a substantial proportion of people with symptoms compatible with COVID-19 are not tested.


Author(s):  
V.T. Akhmetshina ◽  
◽  
L.G. Gizatullina ◽  
L.M. Masyagutova

Abstract: Abstract: Today, a request is being formed to prevent the introduction of infection into organized groups by means of the formation of population immunity by methods of specific prevention. Purpose of the work: To carry out the determination of specific IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in students of a higher educational institution, to determine the number of students in need of vaccination. Material and research methods: The level of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in the blood serum of students of a higher educational institution was analyzed. An analysis of the strength of immunity shows that the average value of the CP of positive samples is 11.3. A more significant diagnostic level of CP was revealed, indicating a pronounced tension of immunity in students with a history of pneumonia. Among those with a diagnostically significant positive CP level, more than a third of the examined subjects have lower IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 than the average in this group. Consequently, these individuals require dynamic observation and monitoring of antibody levels in order to ensure timely vaccination. Thus, specific IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in half of the examined students, which was 55%. It is this group that is subject to immediate vaccination before undergoing industrial practice. A third of students with low levels of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 need dynamic monitoring of their content.


2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-86
Author(s):  
Alla R. Azaryan ◽  
A. A Kozlova ◽  
A. P Grishanova ◽  
E. I Ivashchenko ◽  
G. L Shendo ◽  
...  

The examination was executed in the Astrakhan region over 2013-2014 with participation of three laboratories. In 26 convalescents after West Nile Fever (WNF) with the serological confirmed diagnosis of WNF blood sera were examined. Neurological form of WNF was observed in 8 cases, and febrile form - in 8 convalescents. Sera have been collected in 243-358 days, on average, in 308 days after the beginning of a disease. For their examination there were used IFA-IgM ELISA (MAC-ELISA), IgG ELISA methods as well as neutralization test in Vero E6 cell culture. The results of the examination in 24 of 26 patients (92, 3%) for IgM antibodies to the virus WNF were negative. In two convalescents according to the laboratories in Astrakhan and Moscow in sera there were observed low titers of IgM (1:400) with minor indices of sera optical density (0.3 to 0.4) and negative results in the Volgograd Plague Control Research Institute. Serum samples of other two convalescents were weakly positive or questionable in testing in Volgograd, but were negative when examined in the Institute of Virology. Specific IgG antibodies were detected in 23 of 26 convalescents (88.5%), neutralizing in 22 of 24 (91.7 %). These data confirm the adequacy of the criteria and tactics for WNF serodiagnosis adopted in Russia based on the application of the MAC -ELISA (IFA - IgM).


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Salim Khan ◽  
Inaamul Haq ◽  
Mariya Amin Qurieshi ◽  
Sabhiya Majid ◽  
Arif Akbar Bhat ◽  
...  

AbstractBackground and objectiveSARS-CoV-2 infection poses tremendous challenge to the healthcare system of nations across the globe. Serological testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers, which form a high-risk group, helps in identifying the burden of hidden infection in an institutional setting.MethodsWe present the results of a cross-sectional serosurvey in healthcare workers from two different hospital settings based on their role in the management of SARS-CoV-2 patients in District Srinagar, Kashmir. In addition to testing for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG, we collected information on influenza-like symptoms in the last four weeks and the status of RT-PCR testing. SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies were detected in serum samples using a sensitive and specific chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay technology.Interpretation and ConclusionOf 2915 healthcare workers who participated in the study, we analysed data from 2905 healthcare workers. The overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies was 2.5% (95% CI 2.0-3.1) in the healthcare workers of District Srinagar. Healthcare workers who had ever worked at a dedicated-COVID hospital had a substantially lower seroprevalence of 0.6% (95% CI: 0.2 - 1.9). Among healthcare workers who had tested positive for RT-PCR, seroprevalence was 27.6% (95% CI: 14.0 - 47.2).The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers of District Srinagar is low, reflecting that a high proportion of healthcare workers are still susceptible to the infection. It is crucial to lay thrust on infection prevention and control activities and standard hygiene practices by the healthcare staff to protect them from acquiring infection within the healthcare setting.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuncay Çelik ◽  
Yüksel Kaplan ◽  
Eser Ataş ◽  
Derya Öztuna ◽  
Said Berilgen

Most cases of idiopathic Parkinson disease (IPD) are believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between toxocariasis and Parkinson disease (PD). Patients were selected from people who were admitted to the Movement Disorders Branch, Neurology Department of Elazığ University Faculty of Medicine Elazığ, Turkey. We studied specific IgG antibodies againstToxocara canis(T. canis) in 50 patients with idiopathic Parkinson and 50 healthy volunteers. We investigated the clinical history of three patients infected withT. canis. We also studied specific IgG antibodies againstToxoplasma gondiiin these groups. Antibodies anti-Toxocara caniswere found in 3 idiopathic PD (6%) (P=0.121) and antibody titer was not found in control. A patient had history of the presence of dog in current dog ownership. We did not detect any statistically significant association betweenT. canisand IPD. But, we believe that further comprehensive studies are required for understanding whether there is a causal relation between toxocariasis and PD. We didn’t find possible association betweenToxoplasma gondiiand IPD (P=0.617).


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Angeles López-Matas ◽  
Mayte Gallego ◽  
Víctor Iraola ◽  
Douglas Robinson ◽  
Jerónimo Carnés

Background. The synthesis of allergen-specific blocking IgGs that interact with IgE after allergen immunotherapy (SIT) has been related to clinical efficacy. The objectives were to investigate the epitope specificity of IgG-antibodies induced by depigmented-polymerized (Dpg-Pol) allergoids and unmodified allergen extracts, and examine IgE-blocking activity of induced IgG-antibodies.Methods. Rabbits were immunized with native and Dpg-Pol extracts of birch pollen, and serum samples were obtained. Recognition of linear IgG-epitopes of Bet v 1 and Bet v 2 and the capacity of these IgG-antibodies to block binding of human-IgE was determined.Results. Serum from rabbits immunized with native extracts recognised 11 linear epitopes from Bet v 1, while that from Dpg-Pol-immunized animals recognised 8. For Bet v 2, 8 epitopes were recognized by IgG from native immunized animals, and 9 from Dpg-Pol immunized one. Dpg-Pol and native immunized serum did not always recognise the same epitopes, but specific-IgG from both could block human-IgE binding sites for native extract.Conclusions. Depigmented-polymerized birch extract stimulates the synthesis of specific IgG-antibodies which recognize common but also novel epitopes compared with native extracts. IgG-antibodies induced by Dpg-Pol effectively inhibit human-IgE binding to allergens which may be part of the mechanism of action of SIT.


Author(s):  
Atsushi Yamamoto ◽  
Keisuke Fukuoka ◽  
Masami Sugiuchi ◽  
Toshihiko Nemoto ◽  
Akiyoshi Teramichi

Author(s):  
Serena Marchi ◽  
Martina Monti ◽  
Simonetta Viviani ◽  
Edmond J Remarque ◽  
Susanna Esposito ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Despite efforts to increase coverage by two doses of measles vaccine in Italy, measles continues to circulate, with over 13 000 cases of disease since 2013. This study aimed to evaluate immunity to measles in Italian children and adolescents. Methods A total of 378 serum samples from subjects aged 9 months–18 years were collected in Northern, Central and Southern regions of Italy between 2012 and 2016. Specific IgG antibodies against measles were measured by a commercial ELISA kit. Results The frequency of IgG-positive samples ranged from 10.5% in infants under 1 year to 98.3% in children aged 6–7 years. The frequency of IgG was 72.2% in subjects aged 1–2 years, 85.6% in those aged 3–5 years and 88.3 and 86.8% in those aged 8–10 and 11–18 years, respectively. In Northern Italy, IgG prevalence was consistent with data on vaccination coverage, whereas some differences were observed in samples from subjects aged more than 8 years in Central and Southern Italy. Conclusions Our findings confirm that a large proportion of children and adolescents in Italy are still susceptible to measles. While data on first- and second-dose measles vaccination are essential, they are not sufficient to identify susceptible population cohorts to be targeted by vaccination.


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