scholarly journals Persistence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Long Term Care Residents Over Seven Months After Two COVID-19 Outbreaks

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guadalein Tanunliong ◽  
Aaron Liu ◽  
Rohit Vijh ◽  
Tamara Pidduck ◽  
Jesse Kustra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Receptor Binding ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Humoral Response ◽  
Binding Domain ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Multiplexed Immunoassay ◽  
Antibody Levels

BackgroundAs part of the public health outbreak investigations, serological surveys were carried out following two COVID-19 outbreaks in April 2020 and October 2020 in one long term care facility (LTCF) in British Columbia, Canada. This study describes the serostatus of the LTCF residents and monitors changes in their humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 and other human coronaviruses (HCoV) over seven months.MethodsA total of 132 serum samples were collected from all 106 consenting residents (aged 54-102) post-first outbreak (N=87) and post-second outbreak (N=45) in one LTCF; 26/106 participants provided their serum following both COVID-19 outbreaks, permitting longitudinal comparisons between surveys. Health-Canada approved commercial serologic tests and a pan-coronavirus multiplexed immunoassay were used to evaluate antibody levels against the spike protein, nucleocapsid, and receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2, as well as the spike proteins of HCoV-229E, HCoV-HKU1, HCoV-NL63, and HCoV-OC43. Statistical analyses were performed to describe the humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 among residents longitudinally.FindingsSurvey findings demonstrated that among the 26 individuals that participated in both surveys, all 10 individuals seropositive after the first outbreak continued to be seropositive following the second outbreak, with no reinfections identified among them. SARS-CoV-2 attack rate in the second outbreak was lower (28.6%) than in the first outbreak (40.2%), though not statistically significant (P>0.05). Gradual waning of anti-nucleocapsid antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 was observed on commercial (median Δ=-3.7, P=0.0098) and multiplexed immunoassay (median Δ=-169579, P=0.014) platforms; however, anti-spike and anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies did not exhibit a statistically significant decline over 7 months. Elevated antibody levels for beta-HCoVs OC43 (P<0.0001) and HKU1 (P=0.0027) were observed among individuals seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 compared to seronegative individuals.ConclusionOur study utilized well-validated serological platforms to demonstrate that humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 persisted for at least 7 months. Elevated OC43 and HKU1 antibodies among SARS-CoV-2 seropositive individuals may be attributed to cross reaction and/or boosting of humoral response.

scholarly journals Antibody Response 3 Months after 2 Doses of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities

Gerontology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Roberta Causa ◽  
Diego Almagro-Nievas ◽  
Mario Rivera-Izquierdo ◽  
Nicolás Benítez-Muñoz ◽  
Begoña López-Hernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Humoral Response ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Vaccination Response ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
Antibody Levels

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are at increased risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 and were identified as a priority group in COVID-19 vaccination strategies. Emerging evidence suggests vaccine effectiveness in LTCF populations, but data about median and long-term durability of immune response after vaccination are still limited. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> In this study, we assessed the humoral response to BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine 3 months after the second dose, in a cohort of 495 residents aged ≥65 years from 11 LTCF in Granada, Spain. <b><i>Method:</i></b> Between April 19 and April 30, 2021, we measured anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike IgG to evaluate the humoral vaccination response. Antibody titers were reported in binding antibody units (BAU/mL). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to investigate the impact of age, sex, underlying health conditions, and prior COVID-19 infection on the antibody levels. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Over 96% of the participants developed an adequate humoral response. We detected higher antibody titers in previously infected individuals, compared with those previously uninfected (<i>B</i>: 1,150.059 BAU/mL, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). Moreover, we found a significant inverse association between age and antibody levels (<i>B</i>: −7.943 BAU/mL, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). This negative age-dependent response was more noticeable among residents over 85 years old. In contrast, baseline health conditions and cognitive status were not associated with different antibody levels. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> These findings support monitoring COVID-19 vaccination response trend in older adults, in order to optimize future disease prevention and control strategies in this vulnerable population.

scholarly journals Risk factors for COVID-19 diagnosis, hospitalization, and subsequent all-cause mortality in Sweden: a nationwide study

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 287-298
Author(s):  
Jonathan Bergman ◽  
Marcel Ballin ◽  
Anna Nordström ◽  
Peter Nordström
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Prescription Medication ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Term Care Facility ◽  
Long Term Care Facility ◽  
All Cause Mortality

AbstractWe conducted a nationwide, registry-based study to investigate the importance of 34 potential risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis, hospitalization (with or without intensive care unit [ICU] admission), and subsequent all-cause mortality. The study population comprised all COVID-19 cases confirmed in Sweden by mid-September 2020 (68,575 non-hospitalized, 2494 ICU hospitalized, and 13,589 non-ICU hospitalized) and 434,081 randomly sampled general-population controls. Older age was the strongest risk factor for hospitalization, although the odds of ICU hospitalization decreased after 60–69 years and, after controlling for other risk factors, the odds of non-ICU hospitalization showed no trend after 40–49 years. Residence in a long-term care facility was associated with non-ICU hospitalization. Male sex and the presence of at least one investigated comorbidity or prescription medication were associated with both ICU and non-ICU hospitalization. Three comorbidities associated with both ICU and non-ICU hospitalization were asthma, hypertension, and Down syndrome. History of cancer was not associated with COVID-19 hospitalization, but cancer in the past year was associated with non-ICU hospitalization, after controlling for other risk factors. Cardiovascular disease was weakly associated with non-ICU hospitalization for COVID-19, but not with ICU hospitalization, after adjustment for other risk factors. Excess mortality was observed in both hospitalized and non-hospitalized COVID-19 cases. These results confirm that severe COVID-19 is related to age, sex, and comorbidity in general. The study provides new evidence that hypertension, asthma, Down syndrome, and residence in a long-term care facility are associated with severe COVID-19.

scholarly journals COVID-19: first long-term care facility outbreak in the Netherlands following cross-border introduction from Germany, March 2020

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitch van Hensbergen ◽  
Casper D. J. den Heijer ◽  
Petra Wolffs ◽  
Volker Hackert ◽  
Henriëtte L. G. ter Waarbeek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Border Region ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Term Care Facility ◽  
Long Term Care Facility ◽  
Cross Border

Abstract Background The Dutch province of Limburg borders the German district of Heinsberg, which had a large cluster of COVID-19 cases linked to local carnival activities before any cases were reported in the Netherlands. However, Heinsberg was not included as an area reporting local or community transmission per the national case definition at the time. In early March, two residents from a long-term care facility (LTCF) in Sittard, a Dutch town located in close vicinity to the district of Heinsberg, tested positive for COVID-19. In this study we aimed to determine whether cross-border introduction of the virus took place by analysing the LTCF outbreak in Sittard, both epidemiologically and microbiologically. Methods Surveys and semi-structured oral interviews were conducted with all present LTCF residents by health care workers during regular points of care for information on new or unusual signs and symptoms of disease. Both throat and nasopharyngeal swabs were taken from residents suspect of COVID-19, based on regional criteria, for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 by Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction. Additionally, whole genome sequencing was performed using a SARS-CoV-2 specific amplicon-based Nanopore sequencing approach. Moreover, twelve random residents were sampled for possible asymptomatic infections. Results Out of 99 residents, 46 got tested for COVID-19. Out of the 46 tested residents, nineteen (41%) tested positive for COVID-19, including 3 asymptomatic residents. CT-values for asymptomatic residents seemed higher compared to symptomatic residents. Eleven samples were sequenced, along with three random samples from COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the regional hospital at the time of the LTCF outbreak. All samples were linked to COVID-19 cases from the cross-border region of Heinsberg, Germany. Conclusions Sequencing combined with epidemiological data was able to virtually prove cross-border transmission at the start of the Dutch COVID-19 epidemic. Our results highlight the need for cross-border collaboration and adjustment of national policy to emerging region-specific needs along borders in order to establish coordinated implementation of infection control measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Digital Technologies To Enhance Social Connectedness in Long-Term Care Facilities During COVID-19: A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 942-943
Author(s):  
Shannon Freeman ◽  
Aderonke Abgoji ◽  
Alanna Koopmans ◽  
Christopher Ross
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities

Abstract A consequence of the strict visitor restrictions implemented by many Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs), during the COVID-19 pandemic, was the exacerbation of loneliness and social isolation felt by older adult residents. While there had been a shift by some persons to utilize digital solutions to mitigate the effects of the imposed social isolation, many facilities did not have sufficient information regarding available solutions to implement institutional strategies to support social connectedness through digital solutions. To support our partners in evidence-based policy-making we conducted a scoping review to identify existing virtual technology solutions, apps, and platforms feasible to promote social connectedness among persons residing in a long-term care facility context during times of lockdown such as experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial identification of relevant literature involved a combination of keywords and subject headings searches within 5 databases (PubMed, CINAHL EBSCO, PsychINFO EBSCO, Embase OVIDSP, and Web of Science ISI). DistillerSR was used to screen, chart and summarize the data. There is growth in the availability of technologies focused on promoting health and well-being in later life for persons in long-term care facilities however a gap remains in widespread uptake. We will describe the breadth of technologies identified in this review and discuss how they vary in utility in smaller scale facilities common in rural areas. Of the technologies that can be used to mitigate the impacts of social isolation felt by long-term care residents, many “solutions” depend on stable highspeed internet, which remains a challenge in rural and northern areas.

scholarly journals Outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a long-term care facility after COVID-19 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Martinot ◽  
Stéphane Carnein ◽  
Christian Kempf ◽  
Pierre Gantner ◽  
Floriane Gallais ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Term Care Facility ◽  
Long Term Care Facility

scholarly journals Investigation of a Prolonged Group A Streptococcus Outbreak Among Residents and Outpatients Receiving Wound Care at a Long-Term Care Facility (LTCF)

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s305-s306
Author(s):  
Alana Cilwick ◽  
April Burdorf ◽  
Wendy Bamberg ◽  
Christopher Czaja ◽  
Alexis Burakoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Staff Member ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Wound Care ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Term Care Facility ◽  
Long Term Care Facility ◽  
Group A

Background: In February 2019, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) identified a cluster of 3 invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections in residents receiving wound care in a long-term care facility (LTCF). An investigation revealed a larger outbreak that extended to nonresidents receiving outpatient wound care at the LTCF. Methods: A case was defined as a positive culture for GAS emm type 82 from an individual with exposure to the LTCF between January and June 2019. Cases were categorized as clinical (symptoms of GAS disease or GAS isolated from a wound or sterile site) or carriage (no symptoms). Carriers were identified via samples collected from throat and skin lesions. Screening occurred in 2 rounds and included residents of affected units followed by screening of all wound-care staff and residents facility-wide. Available isolates were sent for emm type testing and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) at the CDC. CDPHE staff performed infection control observations. Results: We identified 14 cases: 8 clinical and 6 carriage (from 5 residents and 1 staff member). Two patients with invasive GAS died. Of 8 patients with clinical GAS, 6 resided in the facility on or 1 day prior to symptom onset; 2 were not residents but received outpatient therapy at the LTCF. All 8 patients with clinical GAS (100%) and 3 carriers had received wound care. The staff member with emm 82 carriage had provided wound care and occupational therapy to the affected residents and the 2 outpatients. Two additional cases were detected with onset dates following staff member decolonization. Moreover, 13 of the 14 emm 82 isolates were found to be identical by WGS. Infection control observations identified lapses in staff wound care and hand hygiene practices in the residential and outpatient settings of the facility. Conclusions: This investigation details a large GAS outbreak in an LTCF associated with asymptomatic carriage in residents and staff that included patients who had only received care in the outpatient portion of the facility. The outbreak was halted following decolonization of a staff member and improvements in infection control, including in the outpatient setting. Outpatient services, particularly wound care, provided by LTCFs should be considered when investigating LTCF-related GAS cases and outbreaks.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

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