scholarly journals Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in hospital employees, Central Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Keller ◽  
Ho-Ryun Chung ◽  
Andreas Jerrentrup ◽  
Leah Feldmann ◽  
Cornelius Rohde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Care ◽  
Neutralization Test ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Hospital Employees ◽  
Testing Strategies ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
Specific Igg ◽  
Test Result

Abstract Objectives Unidentified SARS-CoV-2 infections among hospital staff can become a major burden for healthcare systems worldwide. We hypothesized that the number of previous SARS-CoV-2 infections among hospital employees is substantially higher than known on the basis of direct testing strategies. A serological study was thus performed among staff of Marburg University Hospital, Germany, in May and June 2020. Methods Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers were measured by spike protein (S1)-specific IgG ELISA (Euroimmun) and by nucleoprotein-(NCP) specific total antibody CLIA (Roche). Selected sera were analyzed by SARS-CoV-2 neutralization test. Participants provided questionnaires regarding occupational, medical, and clinical items. Data for 3,623 individuals (74.7% of all employees) were collected. Results Individuals reactive to both S1 and NCP were defined as seropositive; all of those were confirmed by neutralization test (n=13). Eighty-nine samples were reactive in only one assay, and 3,521 were seronegative. The seroprevalence among hospital employees at Marburg University Hospital was 0.36% (13/3,623). Only five of the 13 seropositive employees had reported a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test result. Conclusions Usage of a single S1-specific assay highly overestimated seroprevalence. The data provided no evidence for an increased risk for a SARS-CoV-2 infection for staff involved in patient care compared to staff not involved in patient care.

scholarly journals Shedding of infectious SARS-CoV-2 by hospitalized COVID-19 patients in relation to serum antibody responses

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hedvig Glans ◽  
Sara Gredmark-Russ ◽  
Mikaela Olausson ◽  
Sara Falck-Jones ◽  
Renata Varnaite ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Serum Antibody ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Symptom Duration ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
Specific Igg

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a global pandemic. The understanding of the transmission and the duration of viral shedding in SARS-CoV-2 infection is still limited. Objectives To assess the timeframe and potential risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from hospitalized COVID-19 patients in relation to antibody response. Method We performed a cross-sectional study of 36 COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Karolinska University Hospital. Patients with more than 8 days of symptom duration were sampled from airways, for PCR analysis of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and in vitro culture of replicating virus. Serum SARS-CoV-2-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and neutralizing antibodies titers were assessed by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and microneutralization assay. Results SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in airway samples in 23 patients (symptom duration median 15 days, range 9–53 days), whereas 13 patients were SARS-CoV-2 RNA negative (symptom duration median 21 days, range 10–37 days). Replicating virus was detected in samples from 4 patients at 9–16 days. All but two patients had detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG in serum, and SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies were detected in 33 out of 36 patients. Total SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG titers and neutralizing antibody titers were positively correlated. High levels of both total IgG and neutralizing antibody titers were observed in patients sampled later after symptom onset and in patients where replicating virus could not be detected. Conclusions Our data suggest that the presence of SARS-Cov-2 specific antibodies in serum may indicate a lower risk of shedding infectious SARS-CoV-2 by hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

scholarly journals Cotinine Test in Evaluating Smoking Cessation at the Day of Bariatric Surgery

2019 ◽  
Vol 109 (3) ◽  
pp. 265-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Gormsen ◽  
F. Hjørne ◽  
F. Helgstrand
Keyword(s):  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Smoking History ◽  
Preoperative Period ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Single Center Study ◽  
History Of ◽  
Complications After Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Test Result

Background and Aims: Smoking increases the risk of postoperative complications after bariatric surgery. Therefore, preoperative smoking cessation is mandatory according to Danish guidelines before elective bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate if patients scheduled for bariatric surgery continue to smoke on the day of their operation despite recommendations. Materials and Methods: A prospective single-center study including all patients scheduled for bariatric surgery from June to December 2017 at Zealand University Hospital in Denmark. Urine samples were collected on the day of surgery to test for cotinine. During the minimum preoperative period of 3 months, patients were repeatedly informed of the increased risk of complications, that smoking cessation was mandatory, that rescheduling of the surgery was possible if more time to achieve smoking cessation was necessary, and if tested positive on the day of surgery, the operation would be canceled. Results: Of the 71 patients included, 9 patients (13%) were tested positive. After confrontation with the test result, all but 1 patient confessed to smoking. Overall, 6 out of 12 patients (50%) who were actively smoking at the time of referral tested positive, and 2 out of 25 patients (8%) who claimed to have smoked previously tested positive. No patients claiming no smoking history tested positive. Conclusion: Despite information that smoking cessation was mandatory, and the scheduled bariatric operation would be canceled in case of smoking, up to 50% of patients with a history of smoking still smoked on the day of surgery.

scholarly journals Impact of social contacts on SARS-CoV-2 exposure among healthcare workers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
A N Emecen ◽  
S Keskin ◽  
E Boncukcu Eren ◽  
B Yildirim Ustuner ◽  
S G Celik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Conditional Logistic Regression ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Risk Exposure ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) have an increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection due to occupational exposure. Strict measures generally focus on the patient-to-HCW contacts. However, interactions between the HCWs also pose a high risk for SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Aims This study was aimed to investigate the effect of social contacts on the level of SARS-CoV-2 exposure risk among workers by broadening the current risk assessment algorithm. Methods Contact tracing records of the workers in a large university hospital between 19th March and 31st December 2020 were analysed. Multivariate conditional logistic regression models were estimated to evaluate factors associated with high-risk exposure for contacts among workers. Results Of the 329 exposed clusters, 260 (79%) were HCW-to-HCW contacted clusters. High-risk exposure was higher in the HCW-to-HCW contacts (44%), when compared to the patient-to-HCW contacts (5%) (P < 0.001). A total of 1827 HCWs contacted a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19-positive co-worker. Among the HCW-to-HCW contacts, high-risk exposure was higher in the support staff (49%, P < 0.001), in non-patient care settings (47%, P < 0.001) and in the social contacts (57%, P < 0.001). Social contacts between workers increased the high-risk exposure (adjusted odds ratio: 3.50, 95% confidence interval 2.62–4.69) in multivariate analysis. Conclusions A significant association between social contacts among workers and high-risk exposure of SARS-CoV-2 was observed. The results of the study emphasize the need for policies regarding the improved protection of HCWs in social settings in addition to patient care services.

Epidemiological Trends in Attempted Suicide in Adolescents and Young Adults Between 1996 and 2004

Crisis ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie De Munck ◽  
Gwendolyn Portzky ◽  
Kees Van Heeringen
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Attempted Suicide ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Suicide Attempters ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Epidemiological Trends

Background: Notwithstanding the epidemiological studies indicating an increased risk of attempted suicide among adolescents and young adults, there is a scarcity of international studies that examine long-term epidemiological trends in rates and characteristics of this vulnerable group. Aims: This article describes the results of a 9-year monitoring study of suicide attempts in adolescents and young adults referred to the Accident and Emergency Department of the Gent University Hospital (Belgium). Methods: Between January 1996 and December 2004, trends, sociodemographic, and methodrelated characteristics of suicide attempts were assessed by a psychiatrist on data sheets. Results: Attempted suicide rates declined from 1996 to 2001 and then rose until 2004, but did not exceed previous rates. During the 9 years of monitoring, there was a preponderance of female suicide attempters, except for 1997. Rates of attempts and of fatal suicide were negatively correlated. Significantly more males than females deliberately injured themselves. Younger attempters, especially females, significantly more often poisoned themselves with analgesics. In nearly one in five attempts, alcohol was used in combination with other methods, and alcohol intake was more commonly observed in older suicide attempters. Nearly half of the adolescents were identified as repeaters. Conclusions: The results of this study warrant further monitoring of trends and characteristics of young suicide attempters.

The Inducing Roles of the New Isolated Bursal Hexapeptide and Pentapeptide on the Immune Response of AIV Vaccine in Mice

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 542-549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shan Shan Hao ◽  
Man Man Zong ◽  
Ze Zhang ◽  
Jia Xi Cai ◽  
Yang Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Dendritic Cells ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Antigen Presentation ◽  
Amino Acid Sequences ◽  
Cell Subpopulation ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
Specific Igg

Background: Bursa of Fabricius is the acknowledged central humoral immune organ. The bursal-derived peptides play the important roles on the immature B cell development and antibody production. Objective: Here we explored the functions of the new isolated bursal hexapeptide and pentapeptide on the humoral, cellular immune response and antigen presentation to Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) vaccine in mice immunization. Methods: The bursa extract samples were purified following RP HPLC method, and were analyzed with MS/MS to identify the amino acid sequences. Mice were twice subcutaneously injected with AIV inactivated vaccine plus with two new isolated bursal peptides at three dosages, respectively. On two weeks after the second immunization, sera samples were collected from the immunized mice to measure AIV-specific IgG antibody levels and HI antibody titers. Also, on 7th day after the second immunization, lymphocytes were isolated from the immunized mice to detect T cell subtype and lymphocyte viabilities, and the expressions of co-stimulatory molecule on dendritic cells in the immunized mice. Results: Two new bursal hexapeptide and pentapeptide with amino acid sequences KGNRVY and MPPTH were isolated, respectively. Our investigation proved the strong regulatory roles of bursal hexapeptide on AIV-specific IgG levels and HI antibody titers, and lymphocyte viabilities, and the significant increased T cells subpopulation and expressions of MHCII molecule on dendritic cells in the immunized mice. Moreover, our findings verified the significantly enhanced AIV-specific IgG antibody and HI titers, and the strong increased T cell subpopulation and expressions of CD40 molecule on dendritic cells in the mice immunized with AIV vaccine and bursal pentapeptide. Conclusion: We isolated and identified two new hexapeptide and pentapeptide from bursa, and proved that these two bursal peptides effectively induced the AIV-specific antibody, T cell and antigen presentation immune responses, which provided an experimental basis for the further clinical application of the bursal derived active peptide on the vaccine improvement.

scholarly journals Causes of death and comorbidities in hospitalized patients with COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sefer Elezkurtaj ◽  
Selina Greuel ◽  
Jana Ihlow ◽  
Edward Georg Michaelis ◽  
Philip Bischoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cause Of Death ◽  
Causes Of Death ◽  
Pulmonary Infection ◽  
Diffuse Alveolar Damage ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Teaching Hospitals ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Clinical Records ◽  
Full Body

AbstractInfection by the new corona virus strain SARS-CoV-2 and its related syndrome COVID-19 has been associated with more than two million deaths worldwide. Patients of higher age and with preexisting chronic health conditions are at an increased risk of fatal disease outcome. However, detailed information on causes of death and the contribution of pre-existing health conditions to death yet is missing, which can be reliably established by autopsy only. We performed full body autopsies on 26 patients that had died after SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 at the Charité University Hospital Berlin, Germany, or at associated teaching hospitals. We systematically evaluated causes of death and pre-existing health conditions. Additionally, clinical records and death certificates were evaluated. We report findings on causes of death and comorbidities of 26 decedents that had clinically presented with severe COVID-19. We found that septic shock and multi organ failure was the most common immediate cause of death, often due to suppurative pulmonary infection. Respiratory failure due to diffuse alveolar damage presented as immediate cause of death in fewer cases. Several comorbidities, such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and obesity were present in the vast majority of patients. Our findings reveal that causes of death were directly related to COVID-19 in the majority of decedents, while they appear not to be an immediate result of preexisting health conditions and comorbidities. We therefore suggest that the majority of patients had died of COVID-19 with only contributory implications of preexisting health conditions to the mechanism of death.

scholarly journals Patients with infective endocarditis and history of injection drug use in a Swedish referral hospital during 10 years

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Damlin ◽  
Katarina Westling
Keyword(s):  
Infective Endocarditis ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Injection Drug Use ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
National Registry ◽  
Injection Drug ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Prosthetic Heart Valves ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of

Abstract Background Patients with injection drug use (IDU) have increased risk of developing infective endocarditis (IE). Previous studies have reported recurrent IE, increased duration of hospital stay, poor adherence and compliance as well as higher mortality and worse outcomes after surgery in the IDU-IE patient group. Further studies are needed to provide a basis for optimized care and prevention of readmissions in this population. This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes among patients with IDU-IE. Methods Data of adults with IDU-IE and non-IDU-IE, treated between 2008 and 2017 at the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm were obtained from the Swedish National Registry of Infective Endocarditis. Clinical characteristics, microbiological results, treatment durations, results from echocardiography and in-hospital mortality were compared between the groups. Results Of the total 522 patients, 165 (32%) had IDU-IE. Patients with IDU-IE were younger than the patients with non-IDU-IE (mean age IDU-IE: 41.6 years, SD 11.9 years; non-IDU-IE: 64.3 years, SD 16.4 years; P <  0.01). No difference in distribution of gender was observed, 33% were females in both the IDU-IE and the non-IDU-IE group. History of previous IE (IDU-IE: n = 49, 30%; non-IDU-IE: n = 34, 10%; P <  0.01) and vascular phenomena (IDU-IE: n = 101, 61%; non-IDU-IE: n = 120, 34%; P <  0.01) were more common among patients with IDU-IE while prosthetic heart valves (IDU-IE: n = 12, 7%; non-IDU-IE: n = 83, 23%; P <  0.01) and known valvular disease (IDU-IE: n = 3, 2%; non-IDU-IE: n = 78, 22%; P <  0.01) were more common among patients with non-IDU-IE. Aetiology of Staphylococcus aureus (IDU-IE: n = 123, 75%; non-IDU-IE: n = 118, 33%; P <  0.01) as well as tricuspid (IDU-IE: n = 91, 55%; non-IDU-IE: n = 23, 6%; P <  0.01) or pulmonary valve vegetations (IDU-IE: n = 7, 4%; non-IDU-IE: n = 2, 1%; P <  0.01) were more common in the IDU-IE group. The overall incidence of IDU-IE decreased during the study period, while the incidence of definite IE increased (P <  0.01). Conclusions This study presents that patients with IDU-IE were younger, less frequently treated with surgery and had higher prevalence of vascular phenomena and history of previous IE, aspects that are important for improved management of this population.

WED 027 Acute neurology in glasgow

2018 ◽  
Vol 89 (10) ◽  
pp. A4.4-A4
Author(s):  
Brennan M ◽  
Tyagi A ◽  
Leach JP
Keyword(s):  
Patient Care ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Neurological Illness ◽  
Medical Inpatients ◽  
Medical Wards

Provision of acute liaison in-patient neurology reduces demand on neurology out patient services, reduces unnecessary investigations and use of medical beds by patients waiting on in-patient neurology review and allows speedier access to necessary neurological services for those with a neurological illness.The pressure on acute neurology beds at QEUH Glasgow is immense and there is considerable delay in patients waiting for admission to the ward. An audit of the acute on call service in mid 2015 showed a 100% increase in the number of phone calls received by the on call registrar when compared to a similar audit in 2008. The number of requests for ward visiting to review medical inpatients at the Queen Elizabeth University hospital increased by more than 100% over the previous year.In June 2016 an Acute Neurology rota was introduced whereby a Consultant Neurologist supervised and delivered patient care for the acute neurology wards, referrals from medical wards and acute receiving, as well as twice a week acute neurology clinics. This has led to a significantly improved care for patients referred with neurological problems as perceived by trainees, consultants and referring medical physicians, as evident on a survey carried out in 2017.

scholarly journals Individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia have increased risk of re-hospitalization after acute myocardial infarction compared with controls

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Svendsen ◽  
H.W Krogh ◽  
J Igland ◽  
G.S Tell ◽  
L.J Mundal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Acute Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Familial Hypercholesterolemia ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Public Institution ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Hazard Ratios ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
University Of Oslo

Abstract Background and aim We have previously reported that individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) have a two-fold increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared with the general population. The consequences of having an AMI on re-hospitalization and mortality are however less known. The aim of the present study was to compare the risk of re-hospitalization with AMI and CHD and risk of mortality after incident (first) AMI-hospitalization between persons with and without FH (controls). Methods The original study population comprised 5691 persons diagnosed with FH during 1992–2014 and 119511 age and sex matched controls randomly selected from the general Norwegian population. We identified 221 individuals with FH and 1947 controls with an incident AMI registered in the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR) or the Cardiovascular Disease in Norway Project during 2001–2017. Persons with incident AMI were followed until December 31st 2017 for re-hospitalization with AMI or coronary heart disease (CHD) registered in the NPR, and for mortality through linkage to the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry. Risk of re-hospitalization was compared with sub-hazard ratios (SHR) from competing risk regression with death as competing event, and mortality was compared using hazard ratios (HR) from Cox regression. All models were adjusted for age. Results Risk of re-hospitalization was 2-fold increased both for AMI [SHR=2.53 (95% CI: 1.88–3.41)] and CHD [SHR=1.82 (95% CI: 1.44–2.28)]. However, persons with FH did not have increased 28-day mortality following an incident AMI (HR=1.05 (95% CI: 0.62–1.78), but the longer-term (&gt;28 days) mortality after first AMI was increased in FH [HR=1.45 (95% CI: 1.07–1.95]. Conclusion This study yields the important finding that persons with FH have increased risk of re-hospitalization of both AMI and CHD after incident AMI. These findings call for more intensive follow-up of individuals with FH after an AMI. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital

scholarly journals Assessment of exposure to influenza A viruses in pigs between weaning and market age

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Bonin Ferreira ◽  
Zvonimir Poljak ◽  
Robert Friendship ◽  
Éva Nagy ◽  
Greg Wideman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Influenza A Viruses ◽  
Ha Gene ◽  
Testing Strategies ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
Nasal Swabs ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
2009 H1n1 ◽  
Low Prevalence

AbstractInfluenza A viruses (IAVs) are common causes of respiratory infection in pigs. The objective of this study was to characterize the circulation of IAVs between weaning and market age on the basis of development of antibody response and molecular epidemiology of detected viruses. Two batches of weaned pigs were followed in the nursery and finisher barns with a sample of 81 and 75 pigs. Nasal swabs and blood samples were collected from individual pigs for virological and serological analyses. A H3N2 subtype virus, of cluster IV, was detected in Study 1, with a maximum of 97.9% identity to HA gene of viruses previously isolated in Ontario. In Study 2, a H1N1 subtype virus, of 2009 H1N1 pandemic lineage, was detected, with a maximum of 97.8% identity to HA gene of viruses previously isolated in Ontario. On the basis of HA gene, it was observed that pigs were being detected with the same virus over time. The existence of antibody titers for IAV other than the isolated one confirmed that more than one subtype can circulate in the same population. In Study 1, pigs with higher numbers of IAV detection had lower serological titers for the same virus that was confirmed to circulate in the nursery (P < 0.01). Thorough knowledge of all endemic viral strains is fundamental for development of infection and disease control, particularly in complex production systems. This may include consideration of sampling and testing strategies which could detect circulation of all IAV variants, even if they have low prevalence.

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