Transmission dynamics, clinical characteristics and sero-surveillance in the COVID-19 outbreak in a population dense area of Colombo, Sri Lanka April- May 2020

Background The transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 varies depending on social distancing measures, circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, host factors and other environmental factors. We sought to investigate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak that occurred in a highly dense population area in Colombo, Sri Lanka from April to May 2020. Methodology/principal findings We carried out RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV2, assessed the SARS-CoV-2 specific total and neutralizing antibodies (Nabs) in a densely packed, underserved settlement (n = 2722) after identification of the index case on 15th April 2020. 89/2722 individuals were detected as infected by RT-qPCR with a secondary attack rate among close contacts being 0.077 (95% CI 0.063–0.095). Another 30 asymptomatic individuals were found to have had COVID-19 based on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies. However, only 61.5% of those who were initially seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 had detectable total antibodies at 120 to 160 days, while only 40.6% had detectable Nabs. 74/89 (83.1%) of RT-qPCR positive individuals were completely asymptomatic and all 15 (16.9%) who experienced symptoms were classified as having a mild illness. 18 (20.2%) were between the ages of 61 to 80. 11/89 (12.4%) had diabetes, 8/89 (9%) had cardiovascular disease and 4 (4.5%) had asthma. Of the two viruses that were sequenced and were of the B.1 and B.4 lineages with one carrying the D614G mutation. Discussion/conclusion Almost all infected individuals developed mild or asymptomatic illness despite the presence of comorbid illnesses. Since the majority of those who were in this underserved settlement were not infected despite circulation of the D614G variant, it would be important to further study environmental and host factors that lead to disease severity and transmission.

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Transmission dynamics and epidemiological characteristics of Delta variant infections in China

10.1101/2021.08.12.21261991 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Min Kang ◽

Hualei Xin ◽

Jun Yuan ◽

Sheikh Taslim Ali ◽

Zimian Liang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Viral Load ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Southern China ◽

Transmission Dynamics ◽

Wild Type ◽

Viral Loads ◽

Serial Interval ◽

The Mean ◽

Epidemiological Characteristics ◽

Close Contacts

Background: The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 has become predominant globally. We evaluated the transmission dynamics and epidemiological characteristics of the Delta variant in an outbreak in southern China. Methods: Data on confirmed cases and their close contacts were retrospectively collected from the outbreak that occurred in Guangdong, China in May-June 2021. Key epidemiological parameters, temporal trend of viral loads and secondary attack rates were estimated and compared between the Delta variant and the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 virus. We also evaluated the association of vaccination with viral load and transmission. Results: We identified 167 patients infected with the Delta variant in the Guangdong outbreak. The mean estimates of the latent period and the incubation period were 4.0 days and 5.8 days, respectively. A relatively higher viral load was observed in Delta cases than in wild-type infections. The secondary attack rate among close contacts of Delta cases was 1.4%, and 73.9% (95% confidence interval: 67.2%, 81.3%) of the transmissions occurred before onset. Index cases without vaccination (OR: 2.84, 95% confidence interval: 1.19, 8.45) or with one dose of vaccination (OR: 6.02, 95% confidence interval: 2.45, 18.16) were more likely to transmit infection to their contacts than those who had received 2 doses of vaccination. Discussion: Patients infected with the Delta variant had more rapid symptom onset. The shorter and time-varying serial interval should be accounted in estimation of reproductive numbers. The higher viral load and higher risk of pre-symptomatic transmission indicated the challenges in control of infections with the Delta variant.

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An Analysis of the Post-War Community Relations between Buddhists and Muslims in Sri Lanka: A Muslim’s Perspective

Journal of Politics and Law ◽

10.5539/jpl.v9n6p42 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 42

Author(s):

Ahmad Sunawari Long ◽

Khaidzir Hj. Ismail ◽

Kamarudin Salleh ◽

Saadiah Kumin ◽

Halizah Omar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sri Lanka ◽

Total Population ◽

Community Relations ◽

Religious Groups ◽

Islam And Christianity ◽

Post War ◽

Almost All ◽

Religious Aspects ◽

The Relationship ◽

Community Relationship

Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious country comprising four of the world’s major religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. Buddhists are the predominant ethnic group, constituting 70.19% of the total population, while Muslims make up the second largest minority in the country. There are many records in the history to prove well the cordial relationship between Buddhists and Muslims in Sri Lanka. However, in the past couple of years, particularly during the aftermath of the civil war, tension may be observed in the relationship between these two religious groups. This is due to a campaign undertaken by a several Buddhist nationalist groups whose intensions are to create a division among these respective societies. These groups have been carrying protests against Muslim social, cultural and religious aspects, including issuing Halal certification, slaughtering of cattle, conducting prayer services, etc. Moreover, they have disseminated misinterpretations about Muslims and Islam with derogatory speeches among the Buddhist public, for the purpose of accomplishing above division. Given the above backdrop, this paper attempts to determine the post-war relationship between Muslims and Buddhists in the country, including major interrupting factors, through analyzing Muslims’ point of views. According to the results, there is no remarkable fluctuation in the relationships between Muslims and Buddhists, and Muslims have posited that there are several social, cultural and religious practices them that act as significant barriers to maintaining a better community relationship with Buddhists, such as slaughtering of cattle for meals. Therefore, almost all of the Muslims have been demanding proper guidelines regarding the slaughtering of cattle, the Niqabs (face cover of Muslim women), and other factors related to interrupting a better interaction with the Buddhists for better cordiality, within the context of Sri Lanka.

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Cytokine Profiles and Antibody Response Associated to Choclo Orthohantavirus Infection

Frontiers in Immunology ◽

10.3389/fimmu.2021.603228 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Tybbysay P. Salinas ◽

Jose L. Garrido ◽

Jacqueline R. Salazar ◽

Publio Gonzalez ◽

Nicole Zambrano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antibody Response ◽

Neutralizing Antibodies ◽

Neutralizing Antibody ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Mortality Rates ◽

Antibody Responses ◽

Cytokine Profiles ◽

Th2 Cytokine ◽

Igg1 Subclass ◽

Asymptomatic Individuals

BackgroundNew World Hantaviruses (NWHs) are the etiological agent underlying hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), a severe respiratory disease with high mortality rates in humans. In Panama, infections with Choclo Orthohantavirus (CHOV) cause a much milder illness characterized by higher seroprevalence and lower mortality rates. To date, the cytokine profiles and antibody responses associated with this milder form of HCPS have not been defined. Therefore, in this study, we examined immune serological profiles associated with CHOV infections.MethodsFor this retrospective study, sera from fifteen individuals with acute CHOV-induced HCPS, were analyzed alongside sera from fifteen convalescent phase individuals and thirty-three asymptomatic, CHOV-seropositive individuals. Cytokine profiles were analyzed by multiplex immunoassay. Antibody subclasses, binding, and neutralization against CHOV-glycoprotein (CHOV-GP) were evaluated by ELISA, and flow cytometry.ResultsHigh titers of IFNγ, IL-4, IL-8, and IL-10 serum cytokines were found in the acute individuals. Elevated IL-4 serum levels were found in convalescent and asymptomatic seropositive individuals. High titers of IgG1 subclass were observed across the three cohorts analyzed. Neutralizing antibody response against CHOV-GP was detectable in few acute individuals but was strong in both convalescent and asymptomatic seropositive individuals.ConclusionA Th1/Th2 cytokine signature is characteristic during acute mild HCPS caused by CHOV infection. High expression of Th2 and IL-8 cytokines are correlated with clinical parameters in acute mild HCPS. In addition, a strong IL-4 signature is associated with different cohorts, including asymptomatic individuals. Furthermore, asymptomatic individuals presented high titers of neutralizing antibodies.

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Transmission dynamics and the effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions in the COVID-19 outbreak resurged in Beijing, China: a descriptive and modelling study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047227 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. e047227

Author(s):

Xiaoming Cui ◽

Lin Zhao ◽

Yuhao Zhou ◽

Xin Lin ◽

Runze Ye ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Close Contact ◽

Transmission Dynamics ◽

Contact Tracing ◽

Population Mobility ◽

Wholesale Market ◽

The People ◽

Spatiotemporal Analyses ◽

Epidemiological Characteristics ◽

Pharmaceutical Interventions ◽

Modelling Study

ObjectiveTo evaluate epidemiological characteristics and transmission dynamics of COVID-19 outbreak resurged in Beijing and to assess the effects of three non-pharmaceutical interventions.DesignDescriptive and modelling study based on surveillance data of COVID-19 in Beijing.SettingOutbreak in Beijing.ParticipantsThe database included 335 confirmed cases of COVID-19.MethodsTo conduct spatiotemporal analyses of the outbreak, we collected individual records on laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 from 11 June 2020 to 5 July 2020 in Beijing, and visitor flow and products transportation data of Xinfadi Wholesale Market. We also built a modified susceptible-exposed-infected-removed model to investigate the effect of interventions deployed in Beijing.ResultsWe found that the staff working in the market (52.2%) and the people around 10 km to this epicentre (72.5%) were most affected, and the population mobility entering-exiting Xinfadi Wholesale Market significantly contributed to the spread of COVID-19 (p=0.021), but goods flow of the market had little impact on the virus spread (p=0.184). The prompt identification of Xinfadi Wholesale Market as the infection source could have avoided a total of 25 708 (95% CI 13 657 to 40 625) cases if unnoticed transmission lasted for a month. Based on the model, we found that active screening on targeted population by nucleic acid testing alone had the most significant effect.ConclusionsThe non-pharmaceutical interventions deployed in Beijing, including localised lockdown, close-contact tracing and community-based testing, were proved to be effective enough to contain the outbreak. Beijing has achieved an optimal balance between epidemic containment and economic protection.

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Benzodiazepine poisoning in Morocco: epidemiological study.

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science ◽

10.3329/bjms.v20i2.51555 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 396-400

Author(s):

Aicha Detsouli ◽

Naïma Rhalem ◽

Zakaria Abidli ◽

Sara Jadda ◽

Mohamed Fekhaoui ◽

...

Keyword(s):

National Level ◽

Medical Science ◽

Poison Control ◽

Cardiovascular Disorders ◽

Psychomotor Agitation ◽

Significant Percentage ◽

Know How ◽

Pharmacovigilance Center ◽

Almost All ◽

Epidemiological Characteristics

Objective: This study aims to describe the main epidemiological characteristics of benzodiazepine intoxication in Morocco. Methods: This is a retrospective study of cases of benzodiazepine poisoning reported at the Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance Center of Morocco between 2012 and 2016. Results: During the period 2012-2016, 1,544 cases of benzodiazepine poisoning were recorded in Morocco. The average age of the addicts is 21.68 ± 14.41 years. According to the data of the study, 70% are Female, with a sex ratio of 2.25.The suicidal act represents a significant percentage with 31.5% of cases. Almost all patients were orally intoxicated with 97.1%.The signs presented are various according to the quantity ingested and the time elapsed before the treatment in particular the psychiatric, neurological, digestive and cardiovascular disorders. Unfortunately, three cases died. The other cases survived with or without sequelae. Conclusion: benzodiazepines are drugs used in the treatment of several disorders such as anxiety, insomnia and psychomotor agitation. Unfortunately, many people do not know how to use this type of medicine.which exposes them to poisoning, for this reason it is necessary to carry out sensitization campaigns for the good use of benzodiazepines at the national level. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.20(2) 2021 p.396-400

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The Incidence of Infection Among Contacts of Poliomyelitis Cases

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.17.1.36 ◽

1956 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 36-36

Keyword(s):

Neutralizing Antibodies ◽

Virus Isolation ◽

Family Type ◽

Infection Rates ◽

Household Contacts ◽

Serological Examination ◽

The Family ◽

Blood Specimens ◽

Close Contacts

Employing tissue culture technic, the infection rates among close contacts of cases of poliomyelitis was studied during an epidemic. These studies were supplemented with determination of the presence of neutralizing antibodies against poliomyelitis virus in blood specimens. Twenty-four of fifty-four familial associates were found to be positive for the family type of virus; of those from whom no virus was isolated, 25 already had antibodies. Ninety-one per cent of family contacts were either excreting virus or possessed antibodies to the family type. The relation of symptoms to the isolation of virus and the ratio of inapparent to apparent infection among contacts was also studied. The infection rate for household contacts under 15 years of age was 100 per cent. The ratio of inapparent to apparent infection was approximately 3 to 1. The author states that, on the basis of virus isolation and serological examination, poliomyelitis may be considered as contagious as measles among susceptible individuals in a family situation.

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Preparedness is Essential for Western Pacific Islands During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness ◽

10.1017/dmp.2020.102 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Yujie Mei ◽

Jijia Hu

Keyword(s):

Pacific Islands ◽

Case Fatality ◽

Western Pacific ◽

Western Pacific Region ◽

Dense Population ◽

First Report ◽

First Case ◽

Long Time ◽

Almost All ◽

The Western Pacific

ABSTRACT Objectives: To clarify the pandemic status in Western Pacific countries or territories. Methods: The WHO’s daily situation reports of COVID-19 were reviewed from January 20, 2020, to March 24, 2020. Changes in the infections, deaths, and the case fatality rate (CFR) in Western Pacific countries or territories were counted. Results: As of March 24, a total of 17 countries or territories had reported the presence of COVID-19 in the Western Pacific Region, 96,580 people have been infected and a total of 3502 deaths. Fifty-three percent (9/17) of these countries or territories had their first case within 2 wk since the WHO’s first report, most are China’s neighbors with a large and dense population. No other country or territory in this region reported a new infection from January 30 to February 28. However, 8 (47.0%) countries or territories have reported the first cases in 3 wk since February 28, almost all are islands. Many countries maintained a small number of infections for a long time after the first report, but a rapid increase occurred later. Deaths occurred in 8 countries with a total CFR of 3.63%, and the CFR varies widely, from 0.39% (Singapore) to 7.14% (Philippines). Conclusions: The regional spread of COVID-19 urgently requires an aggressive preparedness for the Western Pacific Islands.

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Lav/HTLV-III Neutralizing Antibodies in the Sera of Patients with Aids, Lymphadenopathy Syndrome and Asymptomatic Seropositive Individuals

Tumori Journal ◽

10.1177/030089168607200301 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 72 (3) ◽

pp. 219-224 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Georgine P. Faulkner-Valle ◽

Anita De Rossi ◽

Oriella Dalla Gassa ◽

Luigi Chieco-Bianchi

Keyword(s):

Western Blot ◽

Blot Analysis ◽

Western Blot Analysis ◽

Neutralizing Antibodies ◽

Elisa Test ◽

Antibody Specificity ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Neutralizing Activity ◽

The Mean ◽

Asymptomatic Individuals

Serum samples which had previously been found positive for LAV/HTLV-III antibodies by the ELISA test and then confirmed by radioimmunoassay (Western blot) were tested for the presence of neutralizing antibodies. No neutralizing activity was found in the sera of a group of patients with the clinical diagnosis of AIDS. However in patients with LAS and other related pathologic conditions the percentage of sera positive for neutralizing antibodies was 27 % and 55 % respectively. At least 50 % of the sera from seropositive asymptomatic individuals had neutralizing activity but with the exception of the haemophiliac group the mean titre was much lower than that of LAS patients. No relationship was found between the neutralizing titre and the antibody specificity detected by Western blot analysis for p41 and p120.

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A Prime-Boost Immunization Strategy with Vaccinia Virus Expressing Novel gp120 Envelope Glycoprotein from a CRF02_AG Isolate Elicits Cross-Clade Tier 2 HIV-1 Neutralizing Antibodies

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines8020171 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 171

Author(s):

Rita Calado ◽

Joana Duarte ◽

Pedro Borrego ◽

José Maria Marcelino ◽

Inês Bártolo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Neutralizing Antibodies ◽

Envelope Glycoproteins ◽

The Novel ◽

Tier 2 ◽

Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies ◽

Immunization Strategy ◽

Vaccinia Viruses ◽

Boost Immunization ◽

Almost All ◽

Hiv 1

Development of new immunogens eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) is a main priority for the HIV-1 vaccine field. Envelope glycoproteins from non-B-non-C HIV-1clades have not been fully explored as components of a vaccine. We produced Vaccinia viruses expressing a truncated version of gp120 (gp120t) from HIV-1 clades CRF02_AG, H, J, B, and C and examined their immunogenicity in mice and rabbits. Mice primed with the recombinant Vaccinia viruses and boosted with the homologous gp120t or C2V3C3 polypeptides developed antibodies that bind potently to homologous and heterologous envelope glycoproteins. Notably, a subset of mice immunized with the CRF02_AG-based envelope immunogens developed a cross-reactive neutralizing response against tier 2 HIV-1 Env-pseudoviruses and primary isolates. Rabbits vaccinated with the CRF02_AG-based envelope immunogens also generated potent binding antibodies, and one animal elicited antibodies that neutralized almost all (13 of 16, 81.3%) tier 2 HIV-1 isolates tested. Overall, the results suggest that the novel CRF02_AG-based envelope immunogens and prime-boost immunization strategy elicit the type of immune responses required for a preventive HIV-1 vaccine.

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Patient experiences of access to NCD medicines in Sri Lanka: Evidence of the success story towards universal coverage

Medicine Access Point of Care ◽

10.1177/2399202619873228 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

pp. 239920261987322

Author(s):

BMR Fernandopulle ◽

Nalika Gunawardena ◽

SHP de Silva ◽

Chinta Abayawardana ◽

LK Hirimuthugoda

Keyword(s):

Sri Lanka ◽

Communicable Disease ◽

Household Survey ◽

Universal Coverage ◽

Patient Experiences ◽

Community Based ◽

State Sector ◽

Government Hospitals ◽

Almost All ◽

Non Communicable Disease

Introduction: In Sri Lanka in 2013, 16 medicines were identified as priority to manage non-communicable disease (NCD), and in 2017, 48 NCD medicines were price-regulated. Objective: The aim of the present study was to describe the experiences on availability of drugs and out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) for drugs among patients with NCDs in Sri Lanka. Methods: This community-based, household survey was conducted in nine districts of the country. The survey included 1100 adults (aged 50 years and above) with a diagnosis of NCD for 5 years. They were interviewed by trained pharmacy students. Results: Approximately 66%, 49% and 21.6% suffering from hypertension, diabetes and ischaemic heart disease, respectively, with a majority having more than one NCD. The evidence showed that prescribers align to drugs that have been recognized to be made more available and more affordable. Of all, 14% had prescriptions with all NCD medicines classified in the list, while 40% had only one or two of the drugs prescribed which are not in the list. Most of the prescribed drugs were also included in the price regulation – with 29% having all medicines included, while 31.6% having only one or two drugs prescribed out of the list. Approximately, two-thirds (64.2%) had exclusively used government hospitals for NCD care during the past 5 years. A majority (58.3%) had all prescribed drugs available at the last visit to the state sector clinic, while almost all of the others (35.7%) had some of the drugs available. Conclusion: The study concluded that patient experiences in Sri Lanka showed good availability and access to NCD medicines in Sri Lanka.

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