scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Screening in Healthcare Workers in Non-Infectious Hospitals in Two Different Regions of Southern Poland (Upper Silesia and Opole Voivodeships): A Prospective Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4376
Author(s):  
Rafał Jakub Bułdak ◽  
Elżbieta Woźniak-Grygiel ◽  
Marta Wąsik ◽  
Janusz Kasperczyk ◽  
Ewa Gawrylak-Dryja ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Elisa Test ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Blood Collection ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Local Surgery ◽  
The University ◽  
Pcr Test

(1) Background: Detection of asymptomatic or subclinical human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers (HCWs) is crucial for understanding the overall prevalence of the new coronavirus and its infection potential in public (non-infectious) healthcare units with emergency wards. (2) Methods: We evaluated the host serologic responses, measured with semi-quantitative ELISA tests (IgA, IgG, IgM abs) in sera of 90 individuals in Hospital no. 4 in Bytom, 84 HCWs in the University Hospital in Opole and 25 in a Miasteczko Śląskie local surgery. All volunteers had negative RT-PCR test results or had not had the RT-PCR test performed within 30 days before sampling. The ELISA test was made at two different time points (July/August 2020) with a 2-weeks gap between blood collections to avoid the “serological window” period. (3) Results: The IgG seropositivity of asymptomatic HCWs varied between 1.2% to 10% (Opole vs. Bytom, p < 0.05; all without any symptoms). IgA seropositivity in HCWs was 8.8% in Opole and 7.14% in Bytom. IgM positive levels in HCWs in Opole and Bytom was 1.11% vs. 2.38%, respectively. Individuals with IgA and IgM seropositivity results were observed only in Opole (1.19%). More studies are needed to determine whether these results are generalizable to other populations and geographic as well as socio-demographic locations. (4) Conclusions: 100% of IgG(+) volunteers were free from any symptoms of infection in the 30 days before first or second blood collection and they had no awareness of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Asymptomatic HCWs could spread SARS-CoV-2 infection to other employees and patients. Only regular HCWs RT-PCR testing can reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 spreading in a hospital environment. The benefit of combining the detection of specific IgA with that of combined specific IgM/IgG is still uncertain.

scholarly journals Surveillance on Healthcare Workers During the First Wave of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Italy: The Experience of a Tertiary Care Pediatric Hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Guarnieri ◽  
Maria Moriondo ◽  
Mattia Giovannini ◽  
Lorenzo Lodi ◽  
Silvia Ricci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Positive Individual ◽  
Efficient Screening

Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a central role in handling the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Monitoring HCWs, both symptomatic and asymptomatic, through screening programs, are critical to avoid the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in the hospital environment to rapidly identify and isolate infected individuals and to allow their prompt return to work as soon as necessary. We aim to describe our healthcare surveillance experience (April 2–May 6, 2020) based on a combined screening consisting of real-time PCR (RT-PCR) on nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs and rapid serologic tests (RST) for SARS-CoV-2 in all HCWs of Meyer Children's University Hospital in Florence. Among the analyzed workers, 13/1690 (0.8%), all of them without clinical manifestations, was found positive for SARS-CoV-2 by using RT-PCR on NP swab: 8/1472 (0.5%) were found positive during the screening, 1/188 (0.5%) during contact with a positive individual (p &gt; 0.05 vs. screening group), while 4/30 (13.3%) were found positive on the day of re-admission at work after an influenza-like-illness (p &lt; 0.05). Concerning working areas, the majority of RT-PCR positivity (12/13) and serologic positivity (34/42) was found in non-COVID-19 dedicated areas (p &gt; 0.05 vs. COVID-19 dedicated areas). No cases were registered among non-patients-facing workers (p = 0.04 vs. patient-facing group). Nurses and residents represented, respectively, the working role with the highest and lowest percentage of RT-PCR positivity. In conclusion, accurate surveillance is essential to reduce virus spread among HCWs, patients, and the community and to limit the shortage of skilled professionals. The implementation of the surveillance system through an efficient screening program was offered to all professionals, regardless of the presence of clinical manifestations and the level of working exposure risk, maybe wise and relevant.

scholarly journals The role of CT imaging for management of COVID-19 in epidemic area: early experience from a University Hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikram rao Bollineni ◽  
Koenraad Hans Nieboer ◽  
Seema Döring ◽  
Nico Buls ◽  
Johan de Mey
Keyword(s):  
Ct Scan ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Ct Imaging ◽  
Chest Ct ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Ct Findings ◽  
Epidemic Area ◽  
Chest Ct Scan ◽  
Pcr Test

Abstract Background To evaluate the clinical value of the chest CT scan compared to the reference standard real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in COVID-19 patients. Methods From March 29th to April 15th of 2020, a total of 240 patients with respiratory distress underwent both a low-dose chest CT scan and RT-PCR tests. The performance of chest CT in diagnosing COVID-19 was assessed with reference to the RT-PCR result. Two board-certified radiologists (mean 24 years of experience chest CT), blinded for the RT-PCR result, reviewed all scans and decided positive or negative chest CT findings by consensus. Results Out of 240 patients, 60% (144/240) had positive RT-PCR results and 89% (213/240) had a positive chest CT scans. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of chest CT in suggesting COVID-19 were 100% (95% CI: 97–100%, 144/240), 28% (95% CI: 19–38%, 27/240), 68% (95% CI: 65–70%) and 100%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of the chest CT suggesting COVID-19 was 71% (95% CI: 65–77%). Thirty-three patients with positive chest CT scan and negative RT-PCR test at baseline underwent repeat RT-PCR assay. In this subgroup, 21.2% (7/33) cases became RT-PCR positive. Conclusion Chest CT imaging has high sensitivity and high NPV for diagnosing COVID-19 and can be considered as an alternative primary screening tool for COVID-19 in epidemic areas. In addition, a negative RT-PCR test, but positive CT findings can still be suggestive of COVID-19 infection.

Death and COVID-19 Anxiety in Home-Quarantined Individuals Aged 65 and Over During the Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 003022282110598
Author(s):  
Hümeyra Aslaner ◽  
Betül Özen ◽  
Zeliha K. Erten ◽  
Mebrure Beyza Gökçek
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Death Anxiety ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Anxiety Score ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Test Result ◽  
Pcr Test

Urgent measures were taken for those at the age of 65 and over who were at the risk group all over the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is known that many individuals at the age of 65 and over have experienced anxiety due to the uncertainties. This study aimed to determine the anxiety and death anxiety in individuals aged 65 and over who were isolation at home due to being diagnosed with COVID-19 or being in contact during the pandemic process. The study is descriptive and cross-sectional. It was performed with 656 home-quarantined individuals aged between 65–80 years with positive or negative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result. A form including questions about the death anxiety and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale Short Form prepared by the researchers were administered to the individuals by phone call. Of the participants, 49.5% were male. Median COVID-19 anxiety score was 4 (0–18). Anxiety scores of the male and female participants were similar. Participants with negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results and those with death anxiety had higher COVID anxiety scores. Death anxiety has increased by 1.661 times in male gender, 1.983 times in RT-PCR positivity and 0.146 times in the presence of symptoms. Individuals with positive COVID-19 test results or those aged 65 and over who had death anxiety and negative COVID-19 test result but who were in home-isolation due to being a contact had higher anxiety score. For this reason, those with death anxiety can be supported in line with their religious beliefs to reduce anxiety. Those with negative PCR test results in quarantine can be adequately informed about the COVID-19.

Accuracy of Computed Tomography for Detection of COVID-19 among Suspected Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 2474-2476
Author(s):  
Maham Munir Awan ◽  
Afshan Noreen ◽  
Farah Kalsoom ◽  
Muhammad Tahir ◽  
Umaima Majeed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Gold Standard ◽  
Radiology Department ◽  
True Positive ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Radiological Society ◽  
Medical University ◽  
Pcr Test

Objective: To determine the accuracy of CT chest in diagnosis of COVID-19 taking RT-PCR-testing as gold standard. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 patients of suspicion of COVID-19 who were referred for CT Chest in Radiology Department of Nishtar Medical University Multan from June-2020 to May-2021 were included. In all patients, two RT-PCR test results were obtained with 7 days of admission in hospital. Presence of any of these positive was labelled as COVID-19 infection. CT chest was performed in all patients within 2 days of admission in hospital using 128 slices CT scan machine. The diagnosis of COVID-19 infection was made according to the recommendations by Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) protocol. Results: Mean age was 51.3±14.7 years. 78 (52%) patients were male and 72 (48%) patients were female. RTPCR test was positive in 89 (59.3%) patients. While the CT chest findings were suggestive of COVID-19 infection in 130 (86.7%) patients. The sensitivity of CT chest was 95.5%, specificity 26.2%, PPV wad 65.4% and NPV was 80.0%. Conclusion: CT chest has a very good sensitivity for detection of COVID-19, it can be used as a rapid diagnostic tool especially in areas of pandemic. However, the specificity of CT chest is low, that can limit its use in low COVID-19 affected areas. Keywords: COVID-19, Computed tomography, False Positive, True Positive, Positive Predictive Value, Negative Predictive Value.

DIAGNOSTIC ROLE OF CHEST CT USING CO-RADS CATEGORIZATION IN SARS-COV-2 INFECTION WITH EMPHASIS ON IMPACT OF CT IN PATIENTS WITH DELAYED OR NEGATIVE INITIAL RTPCR TEST

2021 ◽  
pp. 51-52
Author(s):  
Tharani Putta ◽  
Kaushik Deconda
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Performance ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Chest Ct ◽  
Lung Involvement ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Diagnostic Role ◽  
Pcr Test

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Role of chest CT in diagnosis of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of chest CT when utilizing COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS). METHODOLOGY: Retrospective study including consecutive patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test (initial or repeat test) and chest CT done in our institute between June and September 2020. Spectrum of CT ndings, CO-RADS score and 25 point CT severity score (CTSS) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 300 consecutive patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in the analysis. Out of the 168 patients who underwent CT prior to positive RT-PCR result, 125 (74.4%) had CO-RADS 3, 4 or 5 score on chest CT. 32 study patients (10.6%) had initial negative RT-PCR of which 24 (75%) had CO-RADS 4 or 5 score. Of the total patients with CO-RADS 3 to 5 score (227), 20 (8.8%) had severe lung involvement (CTSS 18-25), 83 (36.6%) had moderate lung involvement (CTSS 8-17) and 124 (54.6%) had mild lung involvement (CTSS 1-7). The mean CTSS was 7.9 with mean lobar score being higher in lower lobes (RLL=1.82, LLL=1.78) compared to the upper and middle lobes (RUL=1.61, RML=1.19, LUL=1.53). CONCLUSION:CT using CO-RADS scoring system has good diagnostic performance. In addition to assessing disease severity, it plays a vital role in triage of patients with suspected COVID-19 especially when there is limited availability of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR tests, delay in RT-PCR test results or in negative RT-PCR cases when there is high index of clinical suspicion.

scholarly journals Role of SatO2, PaO2/FiO2 Ratio and PaO2 to Predict Adverse Outcome in COVID-19: A Retrospective, Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11534
Author(s):  
Stefano Sartini ◽  
Laura Massobrio ◽  
Ombretta Cutuli ◽  
Paola Campodonico ◽  
Cristina Bernini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Failure ◽  
Adverse Outcome ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The University

COVID-19 respiratory failure is a life-threatening condition. Oxygenation targets were evaluated in a non-ICU setting. In this retrospective, observational study, we enrolled all patients admitted to the University Hospital of Genoa, Italy, between 1 February and 31 May 2020 with an RT-PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2. PaO2, PaO2/FiO2 and SatO2% were collected and analyzed at time 0 and in case of admission, patients who required or not C-PAP (groups A and B) were categorized. Each measurement was correlated to adverse outcome. A total of 483 patients were enrolled, and 369 were admitted to hospital. Of these, 153 required C-PAP and 266 had an adverse outcome. Patients with PaO2 <60 and >100 had a higher rate of adverse outcome at time 0, in groups A and B (OR 2.52, 3.45, 2.01, respectively). About the PaO2/FiO2 ratio, the OR for < 300 was 3.10 at time 0, 4.01 in group A and 4.79 in group B. Similar odds were found for < 200 in any groups and < 100 except for group B (OR 11.57). SatO2 < 94% showed OR 1.34, 3.52 and 19.12 at time 0, in groups A and B, respectively. PaO2 < 60 and >100, SatO2 < 94% and PaO2/FiO2 ratio < 300 showed at least two- to three-fold correlation to adverse outcome. This may provide simple but clear targets for clinicians facing COVID-19 respiratory failure in a non ICU-setting.

scholarly journals Serologic SARS-CoV-2 testing in healthcare workers with positive RT-PCR test or Covid-19 related symptoms

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Visci ◽  
Vittorio Lodi ◽  
Roberta Bonfiglioli ◽  
Tiziana Lazzarotto ◽  
Francesco S. Violante ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Lateral Flow ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Lateral Flow Immunoassay ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Positive Serology ◽  
Serologic Response ◽  
Pcr Test

AbstractBackgroundLimited information is available on prevalence and determinants of serologic response to SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers (HCWs).MethodsWe analyzed the results of serologic testing with chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer (CLIA), lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test among 544 HCWs with at least one positive RT-PCR test and 157 HCWs with Covid-19 related symptoms without a positive RT-PCR test from public hospitals in Bologna, Northern Italy. Tests were performed between March and August 2020. We fitted multivariate logistic regression models to identify determinants of positive serology.ResultsThe sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 was 75.2% (LFIA) and 90.6% (CLIA). No differences in seropositivity were observed by sex, while older HCWs had higher positivity than other groups, and nurses had higher positivity compared to physicians, but not other HCWs. An estimated 73.4% of HCWs with Covid-19 symptoms without RT-PCR test were not infected with SARS-CoV-2.ConclusionsOur study provides the best available data on sensitivity of serologic tests and on determinants of serologic response among HCWs positive for SARS-CoV-2, and provide evidence on the low specificity of Covid-19 related symptoms to identify infected HCWs.SummaryThe sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 lateral flow immunoassay serology in healthcare workers (HCWs) was 75.2%. Older HCWs and nurses had higher positivity than other groups. An estimated 73.4% of HCWs with Covid-19 symptoms without RT-PCR test were not infected with SARS-CoV-2.

scholarly journals Evaluation Of Clinical, Laboratory And Radiological Findings In Pediatric Covid-19 Cases And Their Relation With RT-PCR Result

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammet Asena ◽  
ilyas yolbaş ◽  
murat Kanğın
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Respiratory Distress ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Radiological Findings ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Pcr Test

Background: The pandemic of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to be a major health problem globally. In this study, clinical findings, radiological findings, laboratory findings and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results were evaluated according to age groups in pediatric patients with COVID-19. Methods: In this study, PCR (+) and PCR (-) 278 cases diagnosed with COVID-19 between March 15, 2020 and September 30, 2020 were assessed considering clinical symptoms, radiological and laboratory findings and RT-PCR test results. Results: 43.9% of the cases consisted of RT-PCR (+) and 56.1% of RT-PCR (-) cases. Fever was observed at the rate of 64.7%, cough 53.2%, respiratory distress 12.2%, myalgia 24.5%, diarrhea 12.9%, chest X-ray findings 48.2% and computed tomography findings 43.6%. Diarrhea and cough, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, leukocyte and lymphocyte elevation were determined as significantly higher in younger age group cases, while high myalgia and neutrophilia was observed in older age group children (p <0.05). Fever, high CRP, leukocytosis frequency, high neutrophil, were significantly higher in PCR(-) cases and the frequency of respiratory distress, high lymphocyte and chest computed tomography findings in PCR(+) cases (p <0.05). Conclusion: COVID-19 infection may indicate different nonspecific clinical, laboratory and radiological findings in children according to both adults and pediatric age groups. In addition, the results of the PCR test may give erroneous results in cases due to conditions such as fever, respiratory distress, high CRP, leukocytosis, high neutrophil and CT finding. Keywords: pediatric, COVID-19, RT-PCR

scholarly journals Association of Underlying Diseases and Clinical Characteristics with Mortality in Patients with 2019 Novel Coronavirus in Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammadhossein Zamanian ◽  
Zohre Foroozanfar ◽  
Zhila Izadi ◽  
Samira Jafari ◽  
Hossein Derakhshankhah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Disease ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Underlying Disease ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
History Of ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Underlying Diseases ◽  
Pcr Test

Objectives: The first case of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was reported in Iran in February 2020. Here, we report the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 and factors associated with mortality in these patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from February 22, 2020, to March 24, 2020, in Golestan Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran. Demographic data including underlying diseases and clinical data including the presenting symptoms, chest computed tomography (CT) scan, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results, and outcomes were extracted from electronic medical records. Simple and multiple logistic regression methods were used to explore the factors associated with mortality. Results: Of 245 patients admitted with COVID-19, 155 (63.30%) were male. The mean age of the subjects was 54.68 ± 19.21. Forty-five (18.48%) patients had underlying diseases. Common symptoms were dyspnea (n = 137; 55.9%), cough (n = 93; 38.0%), and fever (n = 78; 31.8%). All patients had pneumonia with abnormal findings on chest CT scan (100%), and RT-PCR test results were positive in 87 (35.50%) patients. Of the total admitted cases, 38 (15.5%) patients died during hospitalization. An old age (OR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.06), history of heart disease (OR = 5.07; 95% CI: 1.46 to 17.58), hypertension (OR = 5.82; 95% CI: 1.13 to 30.04), smoking (OR = 11.44; 95% CI: 1.01 to 29.53), history of at least one underlying disease (OR = 3.31; 95%CI: 1.54 to 7.09), and symptoms of decreased consciousness at the time of admission (OR = 24.23; 95% CI: 2.62 to 223.39) were associated with mortality. Also, the symptoms of cough (OR = 0.383; 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.88) and fever (OR = 0.278; 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.74) had a negative association with mortality. Conclusions: In the current study, factors including old age, smoking, symptoms of decreased consciousness, and underlying diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, and history of at least one underlying disease were associated with mortality. Factors associated with mortality should be considered so that we can better manage patients with COVID-19.

scholarly journals Antibodies to SARS-CoV2 detectable for less than 50 days in polymerase chain reaction confirmed COVID-19 patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 3378
Author(s):  
Nishant Kumar ◽  
Shibal Bhartiya ◽  
Tarundeep Singh
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Natural Infection ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Roche Diagnostics ◽  
Pcr Test

Background: A seroprevalence study for COVID-19 antibodies was conducted amongst health workers in Mumbai, India, in June 2020.Methods: Healthcare workers (n=801) underwent a cross sectional survey through electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (Roche diagnostics’ Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay, Roche diagnostics, Rotkreuz, Switzerland).Results: Of the 801 healthcare workers, 62 who had been previously diagnosed with a real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) proven SARS-CoV-2 infection, 45 (73.6%) were found to be seronegative during the study. The duration between the positive RT-PCR test and the serological testing ranged from 15 to 49 days for 34 (54.8%), and was >50 days in 28 subjects. Up to 28 days after a positive PCR test, 90% of the subjects were found to be seropositive, but this reduced to less than half over the next two weeks (38.5% between 29 and 42 days).Conclusions: Our findings are in agreement with previous reports that demonstrate a peak antibody formation after 3 weeks, and also an early antibody decay that is almost exponential. This may also have a significant effect on the protection vaccines are able to provide considering that a natural infection has such a transient antibody response. 

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