scholarly journals Sero-pravelence of SARS CoV-2 IgM and IgG Antibodies Amongst Blood Donors in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ijeoma Ifeorah ◽  
Emmanuel Nna ◽  
Uchenna Okeke ◽  
Emo Ivo ◽  
Ojor Ayemoba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Donors ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Bank Staff ◽  
Blood Banks ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Test Result ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Abstract Background: Currently in Nigeria, SARS CoV-2 infection control measures rely solely on RT-PCR testing of cases with high index of suspicion for COVID-19. The sero-prevalence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies in the populations remains unknown. We aimed to determine the sero-prevalence of SARS CoV-2 IgM and IgG in screened blood donors in two selected cities in Nigeria. Methods: A total of 113 blood samples from screened and accepted blood donors were tested for both SARS CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies using NOVATECH ELISA kits from Eurofins Germany. Results: The age range of donor was 21-48 years. Males were 96 %. Of the 113 blood donors 42% were positive for SARS CoV-2 IgG while 41% were positive for SARS CoV-2 IgM respectively. Only 11% and 19% of blood donors had equivocal test result for IgG and IgM respectively.Conclusions: Nearly a half of accepted blood donors in Nigeria had been exposed to SARS CoV-2 infection. Although it is not a blood transmissible infection, the blood banks must take adequate preventive measures to prevent spread amongst the bank staff and potential donors. It also implies a wider spread of the infection in Nigeria.Trial Registration: The study does not require registration.

scholarly journals Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies among dental teams in Germany

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Mksoud ◽  
Till Ittermann ◽  
Birte Holtfreter ◽  
Andreas Söhnel ◽  
Carmen Söhnel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Mixed Effects ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Mixed Effects Models ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Pcr Test

Abstract Objectives During the corona pandemic, dental practices temporarily closed their doors to patients except for emergency treatments. Due to the daily occupational exposure, the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission among dentists and their team is presumed to be higher than that in the general population. This study examined this issue among dental teams across Germany. Materials and methods In total, 2784 participants provided usable questionnaires and dry blood samples. Dry blood samples were used to detect IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The questionnaires were analyzed to investigate demographic data and working conditions during the pandemic. Multivariable logistic mixed-effects models were applied. Results We observed 146 participants with positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies (5.2%) and 30 subjects with a borderline finding (1.1%). Seventy-four out of the 146 participants with SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies did not report a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test (50.7%), while 27 participants without SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies reported a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test (1.1%). Combining the laboratory and self-reported information, the number of participants with a SARS-CoV-2 infection was 179 (6.5%). Though after adjustment for region, mixed-effects models indicated associations of use of rubber dams (OR 1.65; 95% CI: 1.01–2.72) and the number of protective measures (OR 1.16; 95% CI: 1.01–1.34) with increased risk for positive SARS-CoV-2 status, none of those variables was significantly associated with a SARS-CoV-2 status in fully adjusted models. Conclusions The risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission was not higher among the dental team compared to the general population. Clinical relevance. Following hygienic regulations and infection control measures ensures the safety of the dental team and their patients.

scholarly journals An Evaluation of Staff Engagement with Infectious Healthcare Waste Management Policies: A Case Study of Tunisia

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 1704
Author(s):  
Kaouther Maaroufi ◽  
Terry Tudor ◽  
Mentore Vaccari ◽  
Afef Siala ◽  
Ezzeddine Mahmoudi
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Training And Education ◽  
Healthcare Waste ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Healthcare Waste Management ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Staff Engagement

This study evaluated the engagement of staff regarding infectious healthcare waste management, in two case-study universities in Tunisia. Using a questionnaire survey, it was found that the most significant reported factors that influenced engagement were the availability of technical sheets and posters, training and education programs, and the age range of the staff. While there was some accordance with the Tunisian Decree application n° 2008–2745 of July 28th, 2008, as well as international guidelines and best practice (e.g. the use of color coded bins, waste management teams, and infection control measures), there were also limitations in the provision of training. This limitation in training and, to a lesser extent, awareness impacted on the beliefs about infectious healthcare waste management of staff and their practices. Recommendations for addressing these issues are suggested.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Care Clinic in a Medical Center: Lessons Learned

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110567
Author(s):  
Sidna M. Tulledge-Scheitel ◽  
Thomas A. Billings ◽  
Karen M. Fischer ◽  
Jason H. Homme ◽  
Jennifer M. Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Care Clinic ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Patient Demographics ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Primary Care Practices ◽  
Age Range

Objective: The purpose of this report is to describe the elements of a Covid-19 Care Clinic (CCC), patient demographics, and outcomes. Methods: Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes. This report is based on 4934 unique patients seen in the CCC who provided research authorization within a 10-month period of time (April 1, 2020-January 31, 2021). The CCC infection control processes consisted of a rooming process that mitigated SARS-COV-2 transmission, preparing examination rooms, using PPE by staff, in room lab drawing, and escorting services to minimize the time in clinic. Results: Of the 4934 unique patients seen (age range newborn-102 years), 76.8% were tested for COVID-19. Of those tested, 11.8% were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Ninety-two percent of the patients with the reason for the visit documented had COVID-19 type symptoms. Cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain were the most common presenting symptom in those with COVID-19. At the time of the visit in the CCC, 5.8% of the patients were actively contagious. Thirty days after being seen in the CCC, 9.1% of the patients were seen in the emergency department (ED) and 0.2% died. During the 10-month period there were no known occupationally related COVID-19 infections. Conclusion: The COVID-19 Care Clinic provided face-to-face access for all ages with COVID-19 type symptoms. A minority of patients had COVID-19 who were seen in the clinic. The clinic provided an additional venue of care outside of the ED. The infectious control measures employed were highly effective in protecting the staff. Lessons learned allow for decentralization of COVID-19 symptom care to the primary care practices employing the infection control measures.

scholarly journals Molecular Screening for Malaria among Blood Donors in a WHO Claimed Region of Egypt, Fayoum Governorate

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e2017065 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salwa Bakr Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Blood Transfusion ◽  
Malaria Control ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Plasmodium Infection ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Blood Banks ◽  
Fayoum Governorate

ABSTRACT Background: Transfusion transmitted malaria is undoubtedly a potential health hazard for blood recipients. Egypt is still on the prevention of reintroduction phase of malaria control program. Fayoum Governorate is considered one of the high risk foci due to its geology in Egypt, however no studies have been reported to evaluate the current status of subclinical Plasmodium infection based on sensitive molecular techniques. Moreover, screening of malaria is not listed within screening protocols of blood-borne pathogens in Fayoum blood banks. Objective: To assess the current prevalence of subclinical Plasmodium infection among blood donors of Fayoum inhabitants for transfusion biosafety. To predict if there is any possibility of reemergence of malaria in the governorate and effectiveness of malaria control measures. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted on 400 apparently healthy blood-donors in blood transfusion center of Fayoum University hospital from Jun 2012 to Jan 2013. Conventional PCR was used to detect the 18 S ssrRNA Plasmodium gene. Results: All Fayoum inhabitants’ blood donors’ samples were negative for Plasmodium infection. Conclusions: Current applied control and preventive measures are effective in the context of blood transfusion biosafety in Fayoum blood banks and, therefore, the implementation of a routine malaria screening test in Fayoum blood banks is not merited at this time. In light of our study, we can assume that malaria has been successfully eliminated, at present, from Fayoum Governorate. However further comprehensive study is recommended to screen and stratify the results according to age, substantiate the assume eradication of the infection. Regular monitoring is still needed. Keywords: Malaria, Fayoum, Transfusion biosafety, Plasmodium.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in adolescent students and their teachers in Saxony, Germany (SchoolCoviDD19): persistent low seroprevalence and transmission rates between May and October 2020

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jakob P. Armann ◽  
Manja Unrath ◽  
Carolin Kirsten ◽  
Christian Lück ◽  
Alexander H. Dalpke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Measures ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Positive Serology ◽  
School Closures ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Adolescent Students ◽  
History Of ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Test Result

AbstractIntroductionSchool closures have been part of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic control measures in many countries, based on the assumption that children play a similar role in transmitting SARS-CoV-2 as they do in transmitting influenza virus. The contribution of schools in driving the pandemic, however, is still unclear. We therefore performed a SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence study in students and teachers at two time points in June and October 2020, respectively.MethodsStudents grade 8–11 and their teachers in 13 secondary schools in eastern Saxony, Germany, were invited to participate in the SchoolCoviDD19 study. Blood samples were collected in May/June 2020 after the reopening of the schools following the March 2020 lockdown, and again in September/October 2020, 4 weeks after the end of the summer holidays. SARS-CoV-2 IgG were assed using chemiluminescence immunoassay technology and all samples with a positive or equivocal test result were retested with two additional serological tests.Results1538 students and 507 teachers were initially enrolled, and 1334 students and 445 teachers completed both study visits. The seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 0.6% in May/June and the same in September/October. Even in schools with reported Covid-19 cases before the lockdown of March 13th no clusters could be identified. Of 12 persons with positive serology 5 had a known history of confirmed COVID-19; 23 out of 24 participants with a household history of COVID-91 were seronegative. By using a combination of three different immunoassays we could exclude 16 participants with a positive or equivocal results after initial testing.ConclusionsSchools do not play a crucial role in driving the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in a low prevalence setting. Transmission in families occurs very infrequently, and the number of unreported cases is low in this age group. These observations do not support school closures as a strategy fighting the pandemic in a low prevalence setting.

scholarly journals Malaria Transfusional Transmission: Epidemiological Review, Screening Protocols and Prevention Mechanisms

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (7) ◽  
pp. 624-631
Author(s):  
Marcia Maria Ferreira-Silva ◽  
Aline Menezes Carlos ◽  
Glaucia Aparecida Domingos Resende
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Blood Component ◽  
Asymptomatic Malaria ◽  
Regulatory Policies ◽  
Blood Banks ◽  
The World

Malaria is a neglected tropical disease, whose main form of transmission occurs through the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito infected by the parasite Plasmodium sp. Its clinical symptoms range from asymptomatic cases to more severe and fatal conditions. Added to this natural transmission mechanism, many studies report that Malaria is one of the main infectious diseases transmitted by transfusion. There are reports of prevalence among blood donors in the five continents, with the highest number of cases in Africa, Asia and South America, regions of high endemicity. Factors such as the high prevalence rate of asymptomatic malaria carriers, as well as deficient regulation in the screening of blood donors and an ineffective hemovigilance policy make the risk of Transfusion-Transmitted Malaria (TTM) worse, exposing millions of people possible contamination by transfusion, especially in underdeveloped countries. Patients with underlying diseases or immunosuppressed who require polytransfusions are the most susceptible to TTM. After an eventual transfusion of bags contaminated by Plasmodium sp, these patients can develop the most severe form of the disease, presenting high-risk clinical complications that can culminate in fatal outcomes. In view of the facts and aiming at greater transfusion safety, it is observed that stricter regulatory policies aimed at preventing TTM are needed; such policies will be more comprehensive if coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and more effective if they are adequate to the reality of endemic and non-endemic countries. In blood banks, control measures should focus mainly on broad serological coverage with high performance tests, in addition to active hemovigilance programs and encouragement of research and implementation of methods of inactivation of pathogens in blood component bags. Given the above, this study was carried out with the aim of providing knowledge of the current panorama of the prevalence of malaria among blood donors and of documented cases of TTM around the world, as well as demonstrating the disease tracking methodologies in use in different countries, and present possibilities for adopting mechanisms that allow better control of the transfusional transmission of malaria in blood banks.

Outcome of Patch Test on Crack Sole among Bangladeshi Population

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 64-67
Author(s):  
Abu Sayeed Mohammad ◽  
Shahadat Hossain ◽  
Zulfiqur Hossain Khan
Keyword(s):  
Patch Test ◽  
Clinical History ◽  
Significant Morbidity ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Bangladeshi Population ◽  
One Year ◽  
Medical University ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Test Result

Background: Crack sole may produce significant morbidity among the physical labourer. Objective: The purpose of this study was to find out the patch test result in crack sole which was due to allergic contactants. Methodology: This test was conducted in the Department at Dermatology and Venereology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2001 to June 2002 for a period of one year. Patients with crack sole were selected as study population. All patients were asked about the details clinical history. Patch test was done by individually prepared alminium Finn Chamber mounted on scanpore tape. Result: A total number of 15 patients were recruited for this study after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The age range was 8 years to 70 years. Among 15 patients 3 patients were patch test positive remaining 12 patients were patch test negative. Two patient were female and one was male. Conclusion: In conclusion patch test is positive among the crack sole patients. Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research 2020;7(2): 64-67

Coronavirus: Towards controlling of the pandemic - Indian scenario

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 462-468
Author(s):  
Latika kothari ◽  
Sanskruti Wadatkar ◽  
Roshni Taori ◽  
Pavan Bajaj ◽  
Diksha Agrawal
Keyword(s):  
Control Measures ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Medical Treatments ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
The Public ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
The Social ◽  
Asking Questions ◽  
The Government ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a communicable infection caused by the novel coronavirus resulting in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV). It was recognized to be a health crisis for the general population of international concern on 30th January 2020 and conceded as a pandemic on 11th March 2020. India is taking various measures to fight this invisible enemy by adopting different strategies and policies. To stop the COVID-19 from spreading, the Home Affairs Ministry and the health ministry, of India, has issued the nCoV 19 guidelines on travel. Screening for COVID-19 by asking questions about any symptoms, recent travel history, and exposure. India has been trying to get testing kits available. The government of India has enforced various laws like the social distancing, Janata curfew, strict lockdowns, screening door to door to control the spread of novel coronavirus. In this pandemic, innovative medical treatments are being explored, and a proper vaccine is being hunted to deal with the situation. Infection control measures are necessary to prevent the virus from further spreading and to help control the current situation. Thus, this review illustrates and explains the criteria provided by the government of India to the awareness of the public to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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