scholarly journals Herd Immunity to SARS-CoV-2 among the Population in Saint-Petersburg during the COVID-19 Epidemic

Author(s):  
A. Yu. Popova ◽  
E. B. Ezhlova ◽  
A. A. Mel’nikova ◽  
N. S. Bashketova ◽  
R. K. Fridman ◽  
...  

The first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in St. Petersburg on March 2, 2020; the period of increase in the incidence lasted for 10 weeks, the maximum rates were recorded in mid-May, and subsequently there was a statistically significant decrease in the incidence.Objective: to determine the level and structure of community immunity to SARS-CoV-2 among the population of St. Petersburg during the period of intensive spread of COVID-19.Materials and methods. Selection of volunteers for the study was carried out through interviewing and randomization. The exclusion criterion was active COVID-19 infection at the time of the survey. 2713 people aged 1 to 70 years and above were  examined for the presence of specific antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Antibodies were detected by enzyme immunoassay.Results and discussion. Studies have shown that in St. Petersburg, in the active phase of COVID-19 epidemic, there was a moderate seroprevalence to SARS-CoV-2, which amounted to 26 %, against the background of a high frequency (84.5 %) of asymptomatic infection in seropositive individuals who did not have a history of COVID-19 disease, positive PCR result and ARI symptoms on the day of examination. The maximum indicators of herd immunity were established in children 1–6 years old (31.1 %), 7–13 years old (37.7 %) and people over 70 years old (30.4 %). Differences in the level of seroprevalence in the age groups of 18–49 years are statistically significant. The highest level of seroprevalence was found among the unemployed (29.7 %), healthcare workers (27.1 %), education sector (26.4 %) and business sector personnel (25 %). In convalescents, COVID-19 antibodies are produced in 75 % of cases. In individuals with positive result of PCR analysis carried out earlier, antibodies are detected in 70 % of the cases. The results of the study of herd immunity to SARS-CoV-2 are essential to forecast the development of the epidemiological situation, as well as to plan measures for specific and non-specific prevention of COVID-19. 

2021 ◽  
Vol 97 (6) ◽  
pp. 518-528
Author(s):  
A. Yu. Popova ◽  
E. B. Ezhlova ◽  
A. A. Melnikova ◽  
M. A. Patyashina ◽  
E. P. Sizova ◽  
...  

In late 2019, there were reports of an outbreak of infection caused by a new strain of beta coronavirus SARSCoV-2, the WHO identified the disease as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In Tatarstan, the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed on March 16, 2020, it was an imported case from France. The period of increase in the incidence lasted during the 12th to the 19th week, when the highest rate was recorded, amounting to 16.7 per 100 thousand population. Subsequently, a statistically significant decrease in the incidence was noted. Seroprevalence study was conducted at week 27 (8th week of decline of morbidity).The purpose of the seroepidemiological study was to measure the level and to identify the structure of herd immunity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus among the population of the Republic of Tatarstan during the rapid spread of the COVID-19 outbreak.Materials and methods. The selection of volunteers for the study was carried out by the method of questionnaires and randomization by random sampling. The exclusion criterion was active COVID-19 infection at the time of the survey. 2,946 people were examined for the presence of specific antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. The age of the surveyed volunteers ranged from 1 year to 70 years and older.Results. The results of the study showed that in the Republic of Tatarstan during the period of COVID-19 incidence, there was a moderate seroprevalence to SARS-CoV-2, which amounted to 31.3%, against the background of a high frequency (94.5%) of asymptomatic infection in seropositive individuals who did not have a history of past COVID-19 disease, positive PCR result and ARVI symptoms on the day of the examination. The maximum indicators of herd immunity were established in children aged 7–13 years (42.0%), children 14–17 years old (40.3%), with a simultaneous decrease in seroprevalence in persons aged 70 and older (24.0%). In different regions of the Republic of Tatarstan, there was a wide variation in seropositivity results from the minimum in the Zainsky district (8.6%) to the maximum in the Arsky district (74.3%). In 21 out of 38 surveyed districts, the results were unrepresentative due to the small sample size. In COVID-19 convalescents, antibodies are produced in 83.3% of cases. In persons with a positive result of the PCR analysis carried out earlier, antibodies were detected in 100% of cases. Among the volunteers who had contact with patients with COVID-19, the proportion of seropositive is 37%Conclusion. The dynamics of seroprevalence among the population of the Republic of Tatarstan can be qualified as positive, the results obtained can be used to develop a forecast for the development of the epidemiological situation, as well as to plan measures for specific and non-specific prevention of COVID-19.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 8-16
Author(s):  
A.Yu. Popova ◽  
◽  
E.B. Yezhlova ◽  
A.A. Melnikova ◽  
E.E. Andreeva ◽  
...  

The coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19) was announced by WHO in February 2020. In Moscow, the first case of the disease was detected on March 2, 2020 in a man who arrived from Italy. Two weeks after the first case, there was an exponential increase in the number of cases. The incidence peaked in the 19th week of the year, followed by a steady decline, lasting 16 weeks. Objective. To investigate the level and structure of population immunity to the SARS-CoV-2 virus among the population of Moscow against the background of the incidence of COVID-19. Patients and methods. The study of population immunity of Moscow residents to SARS-CoV-2 was carried out in the period from July 1, 2020 to July 30, 2020 against the background of stabilization of the incidence rate. The work was conducted as part of the first stage of the Rospotrebnadzor project to assess population immunity to the SARS-CoV-2 virus among the population of the Russian Federation, taking into account the protocol recommended by WHO. Volunteers for the study were selected by the method of questioning and randomization. The results of the survey of 2688 people were included in the analysis. The number of volunteers in all age groups was 384–385 people. The content of specific IgG to the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid was determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assya using a kit produced by FBIS SRCAMB according to the manufacturer's instructions. Results. During the survey of volunteers it was found that the share of seroprevalent residents of Moscow was 22.1%. By age groups, the highest proportion of seroprevalent was found among children aged 14–17 years (44.6%), the lowest (15.9%) – among people aged 18–29 years. Seroprevalence had no gender differences. The lowest level of herd immunity was revealed in the North-Western Administrative District (16.8%), the highest – in the South-Eastern Administrative District, as well as in the Troitsky and Novomoskovsky Administrative Districts of Moscow (in both, 24.1%). The smallest number of seropositive persons was among cultural workers (5.8%), the largest – among medical workers (27.0%). In the presence of contacts with patients with COVID-19, the probability of seroconversion increases by 1.5 times, and among convalescing persons COVID-19 antibodies were detected in 60.0% of cases. The proportion of people with asymptomatic infection among seropositive residents was 82.4%. Conclusion. The results obtained make it possible to characterize the population immunity of Moscow residents and are essential for the planning and implementation of anti-epidemic measures during the incidence of COVID-19. Key words: coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2, seroprevalence, population, COVID-19


Author(s):  
A. Yu. Popova ◽  
E. B. Ezhlova ◽  
A. A. Mel’nikova ◽  
V. V. Kutyrev ◽  
O. I. Kozhanova ◽  
...  

The global community is experiencing one of the largest infectious disease outbreaks in the 21st century. In the Saratov Region, the first case of new coronavirus infection was confirmed on March 19, 2020.The maximum increase in cases was noted between May 15 and June 30, during that time the total number of infected people in the region increased from 1526 to 6444. Since July 2020, a stable incidence level of new coronavirus infection has been observed in the Saratov Region, without a steady decline.The aim of the study was to assess the status of population immunity to the SARS-CoV-2 virus among residents of Saratov and the Saratov Region under the COVID-19 epidemic.Materials and methods. In the period from June 23 to July 26, 2020, a serological study of blood samples from 3372 volunteers of different age groups was conducted. The content of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 was determined by ELISA using a set of reagents “ELISA anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG” produced by the State Scientific Center of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology of the Rospotrebnadzor (Russia).Results and discussion. In general, the incidence of COVID-19 in the Saratov Region is taking place against the background of moderate seroprevalence to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, accompanied by a high incidence of non-apparent (asymptomatic) forms of the infectious process. The absence of clinical symptoms of the disease, in the context of the limited use of methods for determining the RNA of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in PCR (11 % of the region’s population) makes it difficult to assess the real spread of the virus in the population and to establish the timing of the formation of persistent herd immunity. A low rate of antibody response among individuals with a positive result of PCR analysis, as well as among volunteers who had an infection in May, June 2020, indicates a weak formation of the immune response, or the prevalence of individuals reacting mainly by activating the cellular link of the immune system in the population. The obtained results, although they need to be explained in a number of respects, can be applied to the organization of preventive measures, including vaccination, in the region. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 62-71
Author(s):  
A. Yu. Popova ◽  
E. B. Ezhlova ◽  
A. A. Melnikova ◽  
E. A. Babura ◽  
O. P. Mikheenko ◽  
...  

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic was announced by WHO in February 2020. In the Kaliningrad region, the first case (imported) was registered in early March 2020, the beginning of the epidemic increase fell on the 14th week. 2020, and the peak incidence was reached in the 22nd week of the year, after which there was a steady decrease in the number of cases. The study of population immunity was carried out at the 32nd week during the period of the lowest level of intensity of the epidemic process.Purpose of the study. Assessment of the assessment of the level of population immunity to the SARS-CoV-2 virus among the population of the Kaliningrad region during the period of the epidemic incidence of the population of COVID-19.Materials and methods. The study was carried out as part of the first stage of the Rospotrebnadzor program to assess population immunity to SARS-CoV-2 among the population of the Russian Federation. The selection of volunteers for the study was carried out by a questionnaire survey and subsequent randomization. The analysis includes the results of a survey of 2675 people. The number of volunteers in age groups ranged from 314 to 493 people. The results obtained were processed by the methods of variation statistics.Results. The results obtained showed that the average seroprevalence in the population was 50.2%, while the highest seroprevalence was found in the child age group 1-17 years (66.9%) and among persons aged 18-29 (57.0). No significant gender differences were found (men – 48,3 ± 1,6%, women – 51,1 ± 1,1%). The distribution of the proportion of seropositive people in the settlements of the region varied from 33,9% to 59.6%. The largest share of seroprevalence in the representative samples was found among people engaged in art / creativity (55,3%), the smallest – among educational workers (42,0%). Among COVID-19 convalescents, the level of humoral immunity reached 94,6%. Most of the seropositive volunteers (95,2%) did not have any symptoms of COVID-19, that is, they belonged to the category of asymptomatic carriers.Output. The results of a survey of a representative cohort of volunteers in the Kaliningrad region showed that they are characterized by a high level of population immunity, which makes it possible to expect a decrease in.


Author(s):  
Dr. Abhishek Kumar ◽  
◽  
Dr. Nilu Kumari ◽  
Dr. Ranjeet Kumar Singh ◽  
Dr. Alok Kumar ◽  
...  

Objective: Information regarding clinical characteristics and the natural course of COVID-19amongst individuals without comorbidities is scarce. We therefore conducted a retrospectiveobservational study to decipher the disease profile in two different age groups, middle-aged (40-59years) and children (up to 12 years). Method: Study was conducted by reviewing the medicalrecords of all patients in the desired age groups and excluding all those with preexisting illness(called comorbidities). Result: A total of 154 and 27 patients were enrolled and studied in themiddle-aged adults and children group respectively. Males dominated in both groups with a sex ratioof 2.9 in adults and 1.7 in children. Most of the children (92.5%) had a history of exposure from aninfected family member, while in the adult group history of contact was present in 71.4% ofpatients.62.9% of children had an asymptomatic infection which was significantly higher than 22.8%in adults. Cough and fever were the most common symptoms in both age groups, but adults weremore likely to have respiratory complaints when compared with children.11 (7.1%) patients in theadult group had severe disease while in the children group none had severe disease. Similarly in theadult group 11 patients required ICU admission, but none in the children group. The mean durationof RTPCR positivity was similar in both groups. There was 1 (0.6%) expiry in the adult groupwhereas none in children. Conclusion: Healthy individuals in both middle-aged and children grouptend to have milder disease and both harbour the virus for the almost same duration but adults aremore symptomatic in comparison to children and hence children are more likely to be potentialasymptomatic carrier and transmitter of infection.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 17-26
Author(s):  
A.Yu. Popova ◽  
◽  
E.B. Ezhlova ◽  
A.A. Melnikova ◽  
O.M. Mikailova ◽  
...  

A pandemic of the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (hereinafter referred to as COVID-19) was announced by WHO in February 2020. In the Moscow Region (MR), the first case of the disease was detected on March 7, 2020 in a woman who arrived from Switzerland. Four weeks later, a rapid rise began, the peak of which fell on the 20th week (May 11, 2020 – May 17, 2020), which was replaced by a gradual steady decline that lasted for 13 weeks. Objective. To determine the level and structure of population immunity to the SARS-CoV-2 virus among the population of the Moscow Region between June 22, 2020 and July 11, 2020. Patients and methods. A serological study of seroprevalence among residents of MR to COVID-19 was carried out from June 22, 2020 till July 11, 2020 during the period of a steady decline in the incidence. The work was conducted as part of the first stage of the large-scale Rospotrebnadzor program to assess population immunity to the COVID-19 virus among the population of the Russian Federation. Volunteers for the study were selected by the method of questioning and randomization. The analysis included the results of a survey of 2688 people. The number of volunteers in all age groups was equal. The content of specific IgG to the COVID-19 nucleocapsid was determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a test system manufactured by the FBIS SRCAMB according to the manufacturer's instructions. Results. The results of the study showed that the collective immunity of the total population of the Moscow Region was 21.0%. The maximum level of population immunity was established in children aged 14–17 years (30.7%) and 1–6 years old (25.2%). There were no statistically significant differences in the level of seroprevalence between men and women. As a result of seroepidemiological research, it was shown that in the medical center, in the presence of contacts with patients with COVID-19, the risk of infection increases by 2.5 times. After infection with COVID-19, antibodies were detected in 78.7% of cases. In persons with a positive result of the PCR analysis obtained earlier, antibodies were detected in 82.8% of cases. A high proportion of asymptomatic infection among seropositive volunteers was found, which amounted to 83.4%. Key words: coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2, incidence, seroprevalence, the Moscow Region, population, COVID-19


2020 ◽  
pp. 112067212093208
Author(s):  
Lucia Mata-Moret ◽  
Clara Monferrer-Adsuara ◽  
Laura Hernández-Bel ◽  
Marisa Hernández-Garfella ◽  
Miriam Torrecillas-Muelas ◽  
...  

Significance: Fungal endogenous endophthalmitis is an uncommon and potentially blinding infection. Aspergillus is a causative organism in immunocompromized although is virulent enough to afflict immunocompetents. Their propensity to affect macula usually results in a dismal prognosis; thus, improving visual outcome has always been challenging to clinicians. A. nidulans has only rarely been implicated in exogenous endophthalmitis. Purpose: To report the first case of A. nidulans endogenous endophthalmitis. Case report: An asthmatic 42-year-old female presented with sudden unilateral vision loss due to a submacular abscess that progressively worsened in a matter of days. Vitreous PCR analysis after an urgent vitrectomy was positive for A. nidulans with no active systemic foci found. Oral and intravitreal Voriconazole was prescribed but multiple reactivations led to three vitrectomies in total alongside with subretinal Voriconazole, abscess aspiration, and endolaser. There was complete resolution of the infection and, although visual acuity was poor due to macular scar, enucleation was avoided. Conclusion: Although uncommon, we must consider Aspergillus as the causative organism in apparently immunocompetent patients with history of recent systemic corticosteroids treatment, especially if they suffer a broncopulmonary disorder. Aspergillus is an aggressive organism so a high index of suspicion along with early diagnosis and prompt treatment is the key for better outcomes. We highlight A. nidulans as the causative agent as there are no other reported cases.


Author(s):  
Hogir Mohammed Shukri Saadi ◽  
Ahmed Jumaa Ahmed

Recently has been observed globally that toxoplasmosis disease was caused by Toxoplasma gondii and generally its asymptomatic infection in people except pregnant women. Many previous studies were suggested this pathogen transmits by ingesting of undercooked or raw meat contaminated with the oocytes of this parasite. The study aimed to show the seroreactivity of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies among pregnant women and to evaluate association of studied risk factors with infected cases. ELISA technique used for detection of anti-toxoplasma specific IgG and IgM antibodies. A biography form interview for participant was performed to estimate between the risk factors and  toxoplasmosis. The present study was carried out from the beginning of October 2018 to the end of March 2019 and included 90 pregnant women visited Akre general hospital. Out of 90 tested samples, 49 (54.46%) and 4 (4.44%) were positive for IgG and IgM respectively. According to residency factor, pregnant women from villages had higher percentages of IgG (57.14%) and IgM (4.08%) than those lived in the city which were recorded 0% and 48.48%of IgM and IgG respectively. A high percentage of IgG (65.64%) and IgM (7.27%) were found among pregnant women with history of miscarriage. Seropositivity for both IgG (61.90 %) and IgM (9.52%) was higher among pregnant women who had cats compared to those without cat. Seroprevalence of IgM and IgG was 9.67% and 54.83% among population who had undercooked meat, while 1.69% and 59.23% were positive for IgM and IgG respectively, in those well cooked meat meal. Highest positive percentage of IgG (77.77%) was recorded at ages 40-50 years while the lowest rate was (40%) at ages <20 year. Through a seropositive reaction was found that age groups as a possible risk factor by ELISA IgG in which risk increased by rising of age categories. Significant correlation was detected between consumption of undercooked meat and cases positive for IgM. It revealed the association between third trimester and cases with positive IgM. In the conclusion, toxoplasmosis is widespread in the area which requires raising awareness among pregnant women to decrease T. gondii infection and subsequently minimize possibilities of congenital transmission.


Author(s):  
Hayrettin Temel ◽  
Mehmet Gündüz ◽  
Hüseyin Arslan ◽  
Füsun Ünal ◽  
Emine Atağ ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Data on the prognosis of clinical features of pediatric patients affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is insufficient. This study aimed to examine the clinical, laboratory, and radiology findings of pediatric patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods A total of 81 pediatric patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 who were admitted to the pediatric clinics of our tertiary care hospital in Istanbul between March 22 and May 1, 2020, were included in the study. Results Of the patients, 40 (49.6%) were boys and 41 (50.6%) were girls. The mean age of the patients was 9.3 ± 5.5 years (range: 1 month–16 years). The most common symptoms were cough (28.4%) and fever (25.9%). A total of 26 patients (32.1%) had pharyngeal erythema. There was no significant difference between age groups in terms of symptoms, findings, clinical picture, history of contact, and clinical course (p > 0.001 for each). Abnormal findings were observed in seven (8.6%) patients on chest X-ray, and in four patients (4.9%) on thorax computed tomography. Only three of the patients were hospitalized and all of them discharged with healing. Conclusion The present study is the most comprehensive study on children diagnosed with COVID-19 in our country, which showed that the COVID-19 picture was mild in pediatric patients, but the signs and symptoms in children were not specific to the disease. Our findings also showed that the rate of asymptomatic infection in children was high and that it was difficult to recognize COVID-19 in children.


2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Semiramis Zizlavsky ◽  
Tara Candida Mariska

Latar belakang: Corpus callosum (CC) merupakan jalur utama yang menghubungkan hemisfer cerebral. Fungsinya adalah mentransfer informasi dari satu hemifer ke hemisfer lainnya dengan menyediakan sarana untuk mengintegrasi informasi dari setiap hemisfer untuk menerima, memahami dan bertindak sepenuhnya atas masukan sensori termasuk auditori yang berdampak pada proses perkembangan bicara. Tujuan: Mengetahui adakah gangguan pendengaran dan proses perkembangan bicara pada anak sebagai Agenesis Corpus Callosum (AgCC) serta penanganannya. Laporan kasus: Dilaporkan dua kasus yang terdiagnosis sebagai agenesis corpus callosum dan dirujuk untuk mengetahui adakah gangguan pendengaran yang diperkirakan akan berdampak pada perkembangan bicara. Pada kasus pertama terdapat Otitis Media Efusi bilateral dengan adanya keterlambatan bicara dan motorik, sedangkan kasus kedua tidak ditemukan adanya gangguan pendengaran. Metode: Berdasarkan telaah literatur berbasis bukti melalui Pubmed, Science Direct, Springer Link, Clinical Key dengan kata kunci agenesis corpus callosum, pemeriksaan pendengaran, gangguan bicara diperoleh 161 literatur. Skrining dilakukan dan diperoleh 12 literatur yang relevan. Pemilihan jurnal 5 tahun terakhir dengan memasukkan kata kunci maka diperoleh 2 jurnal yang sesuai. Kesimpulan: Penegakan diagnosis agenesis CC sering luput karena gejala yang ditimbulkan tidak khas, sehingga kebanyakan kasus baru terdiagnosis bila ada riwayat kejang yang perlu dicari etiologinya, atau adanya dugaan hidrosefalus. Gangguan pendengaran tidak selalu terjadi tetapi permasalahan yang utama adalah tidak terjadinya integrasi informasi sensorik antar hemisfer yang memengaruhi perkembangan bicara. Oleh karena itu kedua kasus tersebut perlu dievaluasi lanjut. Penanganan kasus agenesis CC bervariasi tergantung kelainan yang dialami.Kata kunci: Agenesis corpus callosum, gangguan pendengaran, perkembangan bicaraABSTRACT Background: The corpus callosum is the main pathway connecting the cerebral hemispheres. Its function is to transfer information from one hemisphere to another by providing a means to integrate information from each hemisphere to receive, understand and act fully on sensory input including auditory which has an impact on the process of speech development. Objective: To identify hearing loss and speech development impairment in children as agenesis CC (AgCC) and provide recommendations regarding the treatment needed. Case Report: Two AgCC cases were reported and referred to identify hearing loss that could interfere with speech development. On the first case, bilateral otitis media with effusion was found along with speech and motoric delay. On the second case, hearing problem was not identified. Methods: Evidence-based literature review was performed through Pubmed, Science Direct, Springer Link, Clinical Key with agenesis corpus callosum, hearing examination, speech disorders as keywords produced 161 literatures. Screening was carried out, resulting in 12 relevant literatures. Selection of the last 5 years by entering keywords produced 2 appropriate journals. Conclusion: Diagnosis of CC is often missed because the symptoms are not typical. Most cases are diagnosed when a history of seizures appeared that need to be sought for etiology or the presence of hydrocephalus. Hearing loss is not always the case but the main problem is its impact on speech development. Therefore both cases need to be further evaluated. Treatment of AgCC cases varies depend on the abnormality found.


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