scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 induces a durable and antigen specific humoral immunity after asymptomatic to mild COVID-19 infection

PLoS ONE ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. e0262169
Author(s):  
Sebastian Havervall ◽  
August Jernbom Falk ◽  
Jonas Klingström ◽  
Henry Ng ◽  
Nina Greilert-Norin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Post Infection ◽  
Nucleocapsid Protein ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Humoral Response ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Target Antigen ◽  
Neutralization Capacity ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Antibody Kinetics ◽  
Study Inclusion

Current SARS-CoV-2 serological assays generate discrepant results, and the longitudinal characteristics of antibodies targeting various antigens after asymptomatic to mild COVID-19 are yet to be established. This longitudinal cohort study including 1965 healthcare workers, of which 381 participants exhibited antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen at study inclusion, reveal that these antibodies remain detectable in most participants, 96%, at least four months post infection, despite having had no or mild symptoms. Virus neutralization capacity was confirmed by microneutralization assay in 91% of study participants at least four months post infection. Contrary to antibodies targeting the spike protein, antibodies against the nucleocapsid protein were only detected in 80% of previously anti-nucleocapsid IgG positive healthcare workers. Both anti-spike and anti-nucleocapsid IgG levels were significantly higher in previously hospitalized COVID-19 patients four months post infection than in healthcare workers four months post infection (p = 2*10−23 and 2*10−13 respectively). Although the magnitude of humoral response was associated with disease severity, our findings support a durable and functional humoral response after SARS-CoV-2 infection even after no or mild symptoms. We further demonstrate differences in antibody kinetics depending on the antigen, arguing against the use of the nucleocapsid protein as target antigen in population-based SARS-CoV-2 serological surveys.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 induces a durable and antigen specific humoral immunity after asymptomatic to mild COVID-19 infection

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Havervall ◽  
August Jernbom Falk ◽  
Jonas Klingström ◽  
Henry Ng ◽  
Nina Greilert-Norin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Post Infection ◽  
Nucleocapsid Protein ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Humoral Response ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Target Antigen ◽  
Neutralization Capacity ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Antibody Levels ◽  
Antibody Kinetics

AbstractCurrent SARS-CoV-2 serological assays generate discrepant results, and the longitudinal characteristics of antibodies targeting various antigens after asymptomatic to mild COVID-19 are yet to be established. This longitudinal cohort study including 1972 healthcare workers, of which 386 participants exhibited antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen at study inclusion, reveal that these antibodies remain detectable in the vast majority of participants, 98%, at least four months post infection, despite having had no or mild symptoms. These antibody levels did not differ from those found in 59 convalescent COVID-19 patients (p=0.7). Virus neutralization capacity was confirmed by microneutralization assay in 93% of study participants at least four months post infection. Contrary to antibodies targeting the spike protein, antibodies against the nucleocapsid protein were only detected in 68% of previously anti-nucleocapsid IgG positive healthcare workers, and these four-month follow-up levels were substantially lower in healthcare workers than in convalescent COVID-19 patients (p=2*10-5). Our findings support a durable and functional humoral response after SARS-CoV-2 infection, even after no or mild symptoms. We further demonstrate differences in antibody kinetics depending on the antigen, arguing against the use of the nucleocapsid protein as target antigen in population-based SARS-CoV-2 serological surveys.

scholarly journals Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and symptoms in an Irish Healthcare Worker (HCW) setting: Results of the COVID Antibody Staff Testing (CAST) Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Griffin ◽  
Elizabeth Tully ◽  
Fiona Cody ◽  
Katherine Edwards ◽  
Kara Moran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Post Infection ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Maternity Hospital ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Serological Response ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Protein Antigens ◽  
Gene Target ◽  
Study Participants

AbstractObjectivesThis study examined the natural history, including incidence and prevalence, of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies serially up to 6 months post infection in Irish Healthcare Workers (HCWs) at an academic tertiary maternity hospital, during the first pandemic peak from March to September 2020.DesignThis single centre observational study profiled SARS-CoV-2 incidence and infection using viral RNA detected using oro/nasopharyngeal swabs accompanied by serological assessment of study participants for the presence of S SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Participant demographics were also collected alongside information on clinical symptoms and time to recovery. Real time polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) for viral RNA SARS-CoV-2 detection was performed using the Allplex™ SARS-CoV-2 three gene target 2019-nCoV assay (SeeGene Inc., Rep. of Korea) or the Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 assay on the GeneXpert platform (Cepheid, USA). Blood samples were obtained at the time of initial swab and at up to 4 time points thereafter, for the serological assessment of antibodies against both the spike and nucleocapsid protein antigens of SARS-CoV-2. Serological response was measured using the Captia™ Anti-SARS-CoV-2 (IgG) ELISA (Trinity Biotech) as part of a clinical performance evaluation. Two other testing methods were also used; the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA (IgG) assay (EuroImmun) and the Abbott Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG 75 kit on the Architect™ i2000SR instrument (Abbott Laboratories).SettingAcademic Tertiary Maternity Hospital in Dublin, Ireland.ParticipantsWe invited symptomatic and asymptomatic healthcare workers employed at the Rotunda Maternity Hospital to participate in the CAST study.Main Outcome MeasuresThe CAST study aimed to examine incidence and clinical symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 in HCWs and to determine the presence and longevity of antibodies in this group. We also sought to examine the clinical utility of the Captia™ Anti-SARS-CoV-2 (IgG) ELISA (Trinity Biotech) and to compare it to the current “accepted” gold standard platform in Ireland.ResultsBy July 2020, 398 molecular tests had been completed on symptomatic staff with clinical suspicion of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this cohort, 14% (n=54/398) had SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected by RT-PCR. The CAST study enrolled 137 HCWs with 86 participants symptomatic at time of swab collection and a further 51 asymptomatic control participants. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 52% (n=45/86) symptomatic study participants and serological positivity was confirmed in 98% (n=44/45) of those participants. Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 RNA infection was detected in 4% (n=2/51) of control participants with a seropositivity rate in this group of 8% (n=4/51). We demonstrated that 95% of SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive participants have detectable levels of antibodies at 100 days post infection, which persisted in 91% of participants at day 160+. Ongoing symptoms up to six months post infection were present in 50% of study participants with positive PCR and serology results. These data will be important to consider for long-term workforce planning in a healthcare setting, as the ongoing pandemic continues.FundingThe CAST study was supported by the Rotunda Hospital and Trinity Biotech.

scholarly journals The Association of Sensory Impairment With Incident Disability-Related Cessation of Employment in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 216-216
Author(s):  
Ahmed Shakarchi ◽  
Emmanuel Garcia Morales ◽  
Nicholas Reed ◽  
Bonnielin Swenor
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Sensory Impairment ◽  
Loss To Follow Up ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazard Regression ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Adjusted Model

Abstract Sensory impairment (SI) is common among older adults, and it is an increasingly important public health challenge as the population ages. We evaluated the association between SI and incident disability-related cessation of employment in older adults using the population-based Health and Retirement Study. Participants employed in 2006 completed biennial interviews until self-reported incident disability-related cessation of employment. Participants were censored at loss to follow-up, retirement, or 2018. Participants rated their vision and hearing, using eyeglasses or hearing aids if applicable, on a Likert scale (poor, fair, good, very good, excellent). SI was defined as poor or fair ability, and SI was categorized as neither SI (NSI), vision impairment alone (VI), hearing impairment alone (HI), and dual SI (DSI). Cox proportional hazard regression assessed the association between SI and incident disability-related cessation of employment, adjusting for demographic and health covariates. Overall, 4726 participants were included: 421 (8.9%) were with VI, 487 (10.3) with HI, and 203 (4.3%) with DSI. Mean age was 61.0 ± 6.8 years, 2488 (52.6%) were women, and 918 (19.4) were non-White. In the fully adjusted model, incident disability-related cessation of employment over the 12-year follow-up period was higher in VI (Hazard Ratio (HR)=1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.92, 1.85), HI (HR=1.60, CI=1.16, 2.22), and DSI (HR=2.02, CI=1.38, 2.96). These findings indicate that employed older adults with SI are at increased risk of incident disability-related cessation of employment, and that older adults with DSI are particularly vulnerable. Addressing SI in older adults may lengthen their contribution to the workforce.

scholarly journals Rapid seroconversion and persistent functional IgG antibodies in severe COVID-19 patients correlates with an IL-12p70 and IL-33 signature

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariel Munitz ◽  
L. Edry-Botzer ◽  
M. Itan ◽  
R. Tur-Kaspa ◽  
D. Dicker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleocapsid Protein ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Host Response ◽  
Humoral Response ◽  
Rapid Onset ◽  
Response Analysis ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Viral Receptor ◽  
Iga Antibodies

AbstractDespite ongoing efforts to characterize the host response toward SARS-CoV-2, a major gap in our knowledge still exists regarding the magnitude and duration of the humoral response. Analysis of the antibody response in mild versus moderate/severe patients, using our new developed quantitative electrochemiluminescent assay for detecting IgM/IgA/IgG antibodies toward SARS-CoV-2 antigens, revealed a rapid onset of IgG/IgA antibodies, specifically in moderate/severe patients. IgM antibodies against the viral receptor binding domain, but not against nucleocapsid protein, were detected at early stages of the disease. Furthermore, we observed a marked reduction in IgM/IgA antibodies over-time. Adapting our assay for ACE2 binding-competition, demonstrated that the presence of potentially neutralizing antibodies is corelated with IgG/IgA. Finally, analysis of the cytokine profile in COVID-19 patients revealed unique correlation of an IL-12p70/IL33 and IgG seroconversion, which correlated with disease severity. In summary, our comprehensive analysis has major implications on the understanding and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 infections.

scholarly journals Three-month analysis of total humoral response to Pfizer BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in healthcare workers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gian Luca Salvagno ◽  
Brandon M. Henry ◽  
Laura Pighi ◽  
Simone De Nitto ◽  
Gian Luca Gianfilippi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Humoral Response

scholarly journals Statin for Tuberculosis and Pneumonia in Patients with Asthma–Chronic Pulmonary Disease Overlap Syndrome: A Time-Dependent Population-Based Cohort Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun-Jun Yeh ◽  
Cheng-Li Lin ◽  
Chung-Y. Hsu ◽  
Zonyin Shae ◽  
Chia-Hung Kao
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Inhaled Corticosteroids ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Overlap Syndrome ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Research Database ◽  
Chronic Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Oral Steroids ◽  
Taiwan National Health Insurance ◽  
Study Participants

We investigated the effects of statins on tuberculosis (TB) and pneumonia risks in asthma–chronic pulmonary disease overlap syndrome (ACOS) patients. We extracted data of patients diagnosed as having ACOS during 2000–2010 from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database and divided them into statin users and nonusers. All study participants were followed up from the index date until death, withdrawal from insurance, or TB and pneumonia occurred (31 December 2011). The cumulative TB and pneumonia incidence was analyzed using Cox proportional regression analysis with time-dependent variables. After adjustments for multiple confounding factors including age, sex, comorbidities, and use of medications [statins, inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs), or oral steroids (OSs)], statin use was associated with significantly lower TB [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.70] and pneumonia (aHR 0.52, 95% CI 0.41–0.65) risks. Moreover, aHRs (95% CIs) for statins combined with ICSs and OSs were respectively 0.60 (0.31–1.16) and 0.58 (0.40–0.85) for TB and 0.61 (0.39–0.95) and 0.57 (0.45–0.74) for pneumonia. Thus, statin users had lower TB and pneumonia risks than did nonusers, regardless of age, sex, comorbidities, and ICS or OS use. Pneumonia risk was lower among users of statins combined with ICSs or Oss and TB risk was lower among the users of statins combined with OSs.

scholarly journals Cohort Profile: The China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (CMEC) Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xing Zhao ◽  
Feng Hong ◽  
Jianzhong Yin ◽  
Wenge Tang ◽  
Gang Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Data Access ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Long Term Storage ◽  
Level Data ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Study Participants

AbstractCohort purposeThe China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (CMEC) is a community population-based prospective observational study aiming to address the urgent need for understanding NCD prevalence, risk factors and associated conditions in resource-constrained settings for ethnic minorities in China.Cohort BasicsA total of 99 556 participants aged 30 to 79 years (Tibetan populations include those aged 18 to 30 years) from the Tibetan, Yi, Miao, Bai, Bouyei, and Dong ethnic groups in Southwest China were recruited between May 2018 and September 2019.Follow-up and attritionAll surviving study participants will be invited for re-interviews every 3-5 years with concise questionnaires to review risk exposures and disease incidence. Furthermore, the vital status of study participants will be followed up through linkage with established electronic disease registries annually.Design and MeasuresThe CMEC baseline survey collected data with an electronic questionnaire and face-to-face interviews, medical examinations and clinical laboratory tests. Furthermore, we collected biological specimens, including blood, saliva and stool, for long-term storage. In addition to the individual level data, we also collected regional level data for each investigation site.Collaboration and data accessCollaborations are welcome. Please send specific ideas to corresponding author at: [email protected].

scholarly journals COVID-19 infections among Healthcare Workers and Transmission within Households

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin L. Schwartz ◽  
Camille Achonu ◽  
Sarah A. Buchan ◽  
Kevin A. Brown ◽  
Brenda Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nosocomial Transmission ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Testing Bias

AbstractImportanceProtecting healthcare workers (HCWs) from COVID-19 is a priority to maintain a safe and functioning healthcare system. The risk of transmitting COVID-19 to family members is a source of stress for many.ObjectiveTo describe and compare HCW and non-HCW COVID-19 cases in Ontario, Canada, as well as the frequency of COVID-19 among HCWs’ household members.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsUsing reportable disease data at Public Health Ontario which captures all COVID-19 cases in Ontario, Canada, we conducted a population-based cross-sectional study comparing demographic, exposure, and clinical variables between HCWs and non-HCWs with COVID-19 as of 14 May 2020. We calculated rates of infections over time and determined the frequency of within household transmissions using natural language processing based on residential address.Exposures and OutcomesWe contrasted age, gender, comorbidities, clinical presentation (including asymptomatic and presymptomatic), exposure histories including nosocomial transmission, and clinical outcomes between HCWs and non-HCWs with confirmed COVID-19.ResultsThere were 4,230 (17.5%) HCW COVID-19 cases in Ontario, of whom 20.2% were nurses, 2.3% were physicians, and the remaining 77.4% other specialties. HCWs were more likely to be between 30-60 years of age and female. HCWs were more likely to present asymptomatically (8.1% versus 7.0%, p=0.010) or with atypical symptoms (17.8% versus 10.5%, p<0.001). The mortality among HCWs was 0.2% compared to 10.5% of non-HCWs. HCWs commonly had exposures to a confirmed case or outbreak (74.1%), however only 3.1% were confirmed to be nosocomial. The rate of new infections was 5.5 times higher in HCWs than non-HCWs, but mirrored the epidemic curve. We identified 391 (9.8%) probable secondary household transmissions and 143 (3.6%) acquisitions. Children < 19 years comprised 14.6% of secondary cases compared to only 4.2% of the primary cases.Conclusions and RelevanceHCWs represent a disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases in Ontario but with low confirmed numbers of nosocomial transmission. The data support substantial testing bias and under-ascertainment of general population cases. Protecting HCWs through appropriate personal protective equipment and physical distancing from colleagues is paramount.Key PointsQuestionWhat are the differences between healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers with COVID-19?FindingsIn this population-based cross-sectional study there were 4,230 healthcare workers comprising 17.5% of COVID-19 cases. Healthcare workers were diagnosed with COVID-19 at a rate 5.5 times higher than the general population with 0.8% of all healthcare workers, compared to 0.1% of non-healthcare workers.MeaningHigh healthcare worker COVID-19 burden highlights the importance of physical distancing from colleagues, appropriate personal protective equipment, as well as likely substantial testing bias and under-ascertainment of COVID-19 in the general population.

scholarly journals Genetic parameters for periodontal disease: an analysis of electronic dental treatment records linked to pedigree, genomic, sociodemographic and clinical data

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mairead Bermingham ◽  
Archie Campbell ◽  
David Porteous ◽  
Angus Walls
Keyword(s):  
Periodontal Disease ◽  
Clinical Data ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Diabetes Diagnosis ◽  
Health Records ◽  
Epidemiological Research ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Gum Disease

ABSTRACT BackgroundElectronic health records provides unprecedented opportunity for their re-use in genetic epidemiological research. However, electronic health records data from clinical settings, such as dental practices may be inaccurate or of insufficient granularity to be of use in research. In this study, we wish to determine the utility of National Health Service (NHS) electronic dental treatment records in genetic epidemiological research. ObjectiveTo estimate the heritability of periodontal disease using NHS electronic dental treatment records linked to health and non-health data within the Generation Scotland: Scottish Family Health Study (GS:SFHS). ApproachWe linked 852,355 NHS Scotland electronic dental treatment records from April 2000 to July 2015 to 20,626 participants within the GS:SFHS with pedigree, genomic, sociodemographic and clinical data. We then conducted a proof-of-principle genetic epidemiological analysis using periodontal (gum) disease treatment records. The data set analysed, consisted of 160,508 dental treatment records from 13,717 study participants; 3,387 of which were periodontal treatment records (from 2,192 study participants). We adjusted for the effects of previous treatment record, interval since last treatment, age, sex, treatment year, and treatment month, Scottish index of multiple deprivation, alcohol consumption, diabetes diagnosis, and smoking status in a linear model in the statistical software ASReml. We then calculated the mean risk of periodontal disease for each study participant based on residuals extracted from the aforementioned model. Genome-complex trait analysis (GCTA; with correction for population stratification) was used to estimate the pedigree and genomic based heritability of periodontal disease. ResultsWe estimate the familial heritability of periodontal (gum) disease at 10.42% (95% confidence interval 5.97-14.88%). The genomic component did not contribute significantly to the heritability estimate. Conclusionwe have demonstrated the usefulness of electronic dental treatment records in population based genetic epidemiological research .This study has also, to the best of our knowledge provided the first population based estimates of the genetic parameters for periodontal disease; confirming its familial nature. This invaluable and unique data resource will allow the acceleration of oral health research in Scotland and the exploration of research questions that could not be considered previously.

scholarly journals Prevalence of active tuberculosis disease among healthcare workers and support staff in healthcare settings of the Amhara region, Ethiopia

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0253177
Author(s):  
Melashu Balew Shiferaw ◽  
Mulusew Alemneh Sinishaw ◽  
Desalegne Amare ◽  
Genetu Alem ◽  
Dawit Asefa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Support Staff ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Health Centers ◽  
Amhara Region ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
And Control

Background Health care workers (HCWs) are at an increased risk of acquiring tuberculosis (TB) compared to the general population, because of the frequent face to face contact or potential exposure to TB through shared air or space with infectious patient(s), regardless of economic setting and local TB incidence. Information on the burden of active TB disease among HCWs will help guide control measures, can be utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of TB infection prevention programs in the health care setting, and guide necessary actions. However, data on TB among HCW in Ethiopia is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of active TB disease among healthcare workers and support staff in healthcare settings in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study design was used to recruit a total of 580 randomly selected study participants in the Amhara region. Data were collected over four months in selected hospitals and health centers. Implementation of TB prevention and control measures was evaluated using a standardized checklist. The main outcome indicator was active TB as measured by a laboratory diagnosis using GeneXpert technology. Results A total of 580 study participants were enrolled. The mean age was 31.3 (±7.8 standard deviation) years, with about two-thirds (65.3%) aged between 18–24 years. A total of 9 (1.6%) MTB cases were detected, 4 (1.4%) in HCWs and 5 (1.7%) in support staff, which did not significantly differ (P = 0.50). About 90% of the participants had not received TB infection prevention and control training ever. More than half (54%) of the study participants worked in poorly ventilated rooms. Triage of coughing patients was not practiced in 32% of the studied facilities (health centers and hospitals). Conclusions The magnitude of TB among healthcare workers and support staff in healthcare settings was higher than in the general population (140 per 100000 population). The status of implementation of tuberculosis prevention and control measures indicated missed opportunities. Hence, strict implementation of developed infection control plans of TB in healthcare settings needs to be improved.

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