scholarly journals Sero-Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in High-Risk Populations in Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6353
Author(s):  
Tasnim Hasan ◽  
Thach Ngoc Pham ◽  
Thu Anh Nguyen ◽  
Hien Thi Thu Le ◽  
Duyet Van Le ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Prevalence Survey ◽  
Household Contacts ◽  
Antibody Positivity ◽  
High Risk Populations ◽  
Low Prevalence

As a response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Vietnam enforced strict quarantine, contact tracing and physical distancing policies resulting in one of the lowest numbers of individuals infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) globally. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity among high-risk populations in Vietnam. A prevalence survey was undertaken within four communities in Vietnam, where at least two COVID-19 cases had been confirmed. Participants were classified according to the location of exposure: household contacts, close contacts, community members, and healthcare workers (HCWs) responsible for treating COVID-19 cases. Participants completed a baseline questionnaire and SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were quantified using a commercial assay. A total of 3049 community members and 149 health care workers consented to the study. Among 13 individuals who were seropositive (0.4%), five household contacts (5/27, 18.5%), one close contact (1/53, 1.9%), and seven community members (7/2954, 0.2%) had detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. All HCWs were negative for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Participants were tested a median of 15.1 (interquartile range from 14.9 to 15.2) weeks after exposure. Our study found a low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in high-risk communities and healthcare workers in communities in Vietnam with known COVID-19 cases.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Healthcare Workers in Germany: A Follow-Up Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4540
Author(s):  
Johannes Korth ◽  
Benjamin Wilde ◽  
Sebastian Dolff ◽  
Jasmin Frisch ◽  
Michael Jahn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Risk Group ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Intermediate Risk ◽  
Igg Antibody

SARS-CoV-2 is a worldwide challenge for the medical sector. Healthcare workers (HCW) are a cohort vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection due to frequent and close contact with COVID-19 patients. However, they are also well trained and equipped with protective gear. The SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody status was assessed at three different time points in 450 HCW of the University Hospital Essen in Germany. HCW were stratified according to contact frequencies with COVID-19 patients in (I) a high-risk group with daily contacts with known COVID-19 patients (n = 338), (II) an intermediate-risk group with daily contacts with non-COVID-19 patients (n = 78), and (III) a low-risk group without patient contacts (n = 34). The overall seroprevalence increased from 2.2% in March–May to 4.0% in June–July to 5.1% in October–December. The SARS-CoV-2 IgG detection rate was not significantly different between the high-risk group (1.8%; 3.8%; 5.5%), the intermediate-risk group (5.1%; 6.3%; 6.1%), and the low-risk group (0%, 0%, 0%). The overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence remained low in HCW in western Germany one year after the outbreak of COVID-19 in Germany, and hygiene standards seemed to be effective in preventing patient-to-staff virus transmission.

scholarly journals Point prevalence survey to evaluate the seropositivity for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among high-risk healthcare workers

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Norihiro Yogo ◽  
Kristina L. Greenwood ◽  
Leslie Thompson ◽  
Pamela J. Wells ◽  
Stephen Munday ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Point Prevalence ◽  
Prevalence Survey ◽  
Unit Type ◽  
Point Prevalence Survey ◽  
Positive Antibody ◽  
Respiratory Coronavirus ◽  
Antibody Tests

Abstract Among 1,770 healthcare workers serving in high-risk care areas for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), 39 (2.2%) were seropositive. Exposure to severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the community was associated with being seropositive. Job or unit type and percentage of time working with COVID-19 patients were not associated with positive antibody tests.

Preventing Healthcare Workers From Acquiring Influenza

2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 292-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tak Ching Ng ◽  
Nelson Lee ◽  
Shu-Cheong David Hui ◽  
Raymond Lai ◽  
Margaret Ip
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Influenza Season ◽  
Standard Precautions ◽  
Household Contacts ◽  
Suboptimal Adherence ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
To Receive

Our survey of 133 on-duty medical ward nurses showed that, during peak influenza season, 30 (23%) developed an influenza-like illness, despite wearing a mask at work. Suboptimal adherence to standard precautions, such as the use of a face shield (odds ratio, 3.56) during high-risk procedures, and failure to receive influenza vaccination (odds ratio, 4.82) were independent risk factors, adjusted for household contacts.

scholarly journals The Nightmare Disorder Index: development and initial validation in a sample of nurses

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica R Dietch ◽  
Daniel J Taylor ◽  
Kristi Pruiksma ◽  
Sophie Wardle-Pinkston ◽  
Danica C Slavish ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Sleep Diaries ◽  
Dsm 5 ◽  
High Risk Populations ◽  
Good Internal Consistency ◽  
Nightmare Disorder ◽  
Report Measure

Abstract Study Objectives Nurses are a group at high risk for nightmares, yet little is known about the rate of nightmare disorder and associated psychosocial factors in this group in part attributable to the lack of a self-report questionnaire to assess DSM-5 criteria for nightmare disorder. Aims of the current study were to (1) report on development and initial validity of a self-report measure of DSM-5 nightmare disorder, and (2) examine the rate and associated factors of nightmare disorder among nurses. Methods Nurses (N = 460) completed baseline measures online including Nightmare Disorder Index (NDI), psychosocial and demographic questionnaires. A subset (n = 400) completed 14 days of sleep diaries and actigraphy. Results NDI demonstrated satisfactory psychometric characteristics as indicated by good internal consistency (α = 0.80), medium inter-item correlations (r = 0.50), medium to large item-total (r = 0.55–0.85) and convergent correlations (0.32–0.45), and small to medium discriminant correlations (–0.12–0.33). Per NDI, 48.7% of nurses reported no nightmares in the past month, 43.9% met partial/subthreshold criteria and 7.4% met full criteria for probable nightmare disorder. Nurses with nightmare disorder demonstrated significantly poorer psychosocial functioning (i.e. posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety, stress) than those with subthreshold nightmare symptoms, who had poorer functioning than those with no nightmares. Conclusions NDI is an efficient and valid self-report assessment of nightmare disorder. Nurses have high rates of nightmares and nightmare disorder which are associated with poorer psychosocial functioning. We recommend increased nightmare screening particularly for high-risk populations such as healthcare workers.

The first 2 months of COVID-19 contact tracing in the Northern Territory of Australia, March–April 2020

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony DK Draper ◽  
Karen E Dempsey ◽  
Rowena H Boyd ◽  
Emma M Childs ◽  
Hayley M Black ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Control ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Cruise Ship ◽  
Disease Symptoms ◽  
Household Contacts ◽  
Close Contacts

The Northern Territory (NT) Centre for Disease Control (CDC) undertook contact tracing of all notified cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) within the Territory. There were 28 cases of COVID-19 notified in the NT between 1 March and 30 April 2020. In total 527 people were identified as close contacts over the same period; 493 were successfully contacted; 445 were located in the NT and were subsequently quarantined and monitored for disease symptoms daily for 14 days after contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case. Of these 445 close contacts, 4 tested positive for COVID-19 after developing symptoms; 2/46 contacts who were cruise ship passengers (4.3%, 95% CI 0.5–14.8%) and 2/51 household contacts (3.9%, 95% CI 0.5–13.5%). None of the 326 aircraft passengers or 4 healthcare workers who were being monitored in the NT as close contacts became cases.

scholarly journals Influenza Vaccination of Healthcare Workers and Vaccine Allocation for Healthcare Workers During Vaccine Shortages

2005 ◽  
Vol 26 (11) ◽  
pp. 882-890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas R. Talbot ◽  
Suzanne F. Bradley ◽  
Sara E. Cosgrove ◽  
Christian Ruef ◽  
Jane D. Siegel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
Vaccine Shortages

AbstractInfluenza causes substantial morbidity and mortality annually, particularly in high-risk groups such as the elderly, young children, immunosuppressed individuals, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Healthcare-associated transmission of influenza contributes to this burden but is often under-recognized except in the setting of large outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended annual influenza vaccination for healthcare workers (HCWs) with direct patient contact since 1984 and for all HCWs since 1993. The rationale for these recommendations is to reduce the chance that HCWs serve as vectors for healthcare-associated influenza due to their close contact with high-risk patients and to enhance both HCW and patient safety. Despite these recommendations as well as the effectiveness of interventions designed to increase HCW vaccination rates, the percentage of HCWs vaccinated annually remains unacceptably low. Ironically, at the same time that campaigns have sought to increase HCW vaccination rates, vaccine shortages, such as the shortage during the 2004-2005 influenza season, present challenges regarding allocation of available vaccine supplies to both patients and HCWs. This two-part document outlines the position of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America on influenza vaccination for HCWs and provides guidance for the allocation of influenza vaccine to HCWs during a vaccine shortage based on influenza transmission routes and the essential need for a practical and adaptive strategy for allocation. These recommendations apply to all types of healthcare facilities, including acute care hospitals, long-term-care facilities, and ambulatory care settings.

scholarly journals Implementation of a COVID-19 surveillance programme for healthcare workers in a teaching hospital in an upper-middle-income country

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0249394
Author(s):  
Kim Sui Wan ◽  
Peter Seah Keng Tok ◽  
Kishwen Kanna Yoga Ratnam ◽  
Nuraini Aziz ◽  
Marzuki Isahak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Sore Throat ◽  
Healthcare Worker ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Risk Category ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Surveillance Programme

Introduction The reporting of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) mortality among healthcare workers highlights their vulnerability in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Some low- and middle-income countries have highlighted the challenges with COVID-19 testing, such as inadequate capacity, untrained laboratory personnel, and inadequate funding. This article describes the components and implementation of a healthcare worker surveillance programme in a designated COVID-19 teaching hospital in Malaysia. In addition, the distribution and characteristics of healthcare workers placed under surveillance are described. Material and methods A COVID-19 healthcare worker surveillance programme was implemented in University Malaya Medical Centre. The programme involved four teams: contact tracing, risk assessment, surveillance and outbreak investigation. Daily symptom surveillance was conducted over fourteen days for healthcare workers who were assessed to have low-, moderate- and high-risk of contracting COVID-19. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted for data collected over 24 weeks, from the 6th of March 2020 to the 20th of August 2020. Results A total of 1,174 healthcare workers were placed under surveillance. The majority were females (71.6%), aged between 25 and 34 years old (64.7%), were nursing staff (46.9%) and had no comorbidities (88.8%). A total of 70.9% were categorised as low-risk, 25.7% were moderate-risk, and 3.4% were at high risk of contracting COVID-19. One-third (35.2%) were symptomatic, with the sore throat (23.6%), cough (19.8%) and fever (5.0%) being the most commonly reported symptoms. A total of 17 healthcare workers tested positive for COVID-19, with a prevalence of 0.3% among all the healthcare workers. Risk category and presence of symptoms were associated with a positive COVID-19 test (p<0.001). Fever (p<0.001), cough (p = 0.003), shortness of breath (p = 0.015) and sore throat (p = 0.002) were associated with case positivity. Conclusion COVID-19 symptom surveillance and risk-based assessment have merits to be included in a healthcare worker surveillance programme to safeguard the health of the workforce.

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 &lt; 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 &lt; 0.001), in non-patient care settings (47%, P &lt; 0.001) and in the social contacts (57%, P &lt; 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.

scholarly journals LB7. Contract Tracing Investigation Following First Case of Andes Virus in the United States

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S761-S762
Author(s):  
Aaron Kofman ◽  
Paula Eggers ◽  
Anne Kjemtrup ◽  
Rebecca Hall ◽  
Shelley Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Incubation Period ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
The United States ◽  
Body Fluids ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
First Case ◽  
Andes Virus

Abstract Background In January 2018, a patient admitted to a Delaware hospital tested positive for New World hantavirus by IgM and IgG ELISA. Subsequent testing by CDC’s Viral Special Pathogens Branch (VSPB) confirmed Andes virus (ANDV) by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequencing. ANDV is transmitted to humans through contact with long-tailed rice rats endemic to Argentina and Chile. Unlike other hantavirus species, ANDV can be transmitted person to person, but transmission is typically limited to close contacts of ill persons. Because of this risk, a contact tracing investigation was initiated by CDC, state and county health departments. Method A suspect case was defined as a person with close contact with the traveler who became ill within the maximum incubation period (42 days) following last contact. A high-risk contact was defined as a person with exposure to the traveler’s body fluids. A low-risk contact was defined as a person who had provided care or in-flight service to, or was seated near the traveler for at least 1 hour, in the absence of exposure to body fluids. All contacts were advised to self-monitor their temperature daily for 42 days from last contact, and to seek medical care for any of the specified symptoms. Contacts that developed symptoms were tested for ANDV by RT-PCR and serology by VSPB. Result Fifty-three contacts were identified in six states; 51 were successfully reached. Of these, 28 were healthcare workers, 15 were airline contacts, seven were acquaintances of the traveler, and one was a hospital roommate. Two high-risk contacts were identified, both of whom remained asymptomatic. Six low-risk contacts reported influenza-like illness, diarrhea, or mild rhinitis during the incubation period. All six symptomatic low-risk contacts tested negative for ANDV by PCR, IgM, and IgG. The remaining low-risk contacts remained asymptomatic. Conclusion Hospitalized patients with ANDV should be managed with standard, contact, and droplet precautions. While the risk of human-to-human transmission is low, contact tracing should be considered to identify potential cases and limit additional exposures. Health providers should consider ANDV in returning travelers with a nonspecific febrile or acute respiratory illness who have traveled to the Andes region of Argentina or Chile in the preceding 6 weeks. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Serotype and serovar distribution of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated from high-risk populations in Bangladesh

2013 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 114-118
Author(s):  
MA Alam ◽  
MZ Chowdhury ◽  
F Ahmed ◽  
A Alam ◽  
MA Hossain
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae ◽  
Control Strategy ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Gonococcal Infection ◽  
Sexual Network ◽  
High Risk Populations ◽  
Serotype B

Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of gonococcal infection, is known to frequently change their characteristics to evade host immune mechanism. Characterization of the clinical isolates of the organism can lead to identification of the circulating strains and often a sexual network in a community to help in designing the control strategy. Keeping in mind the above consideration, a total of 239 N. gonorrhoeae, isolated from high-risk populations, were characterized for serotypes and serovars by monoclonal antibodies against protein I of the organism. Majority of the serotypes were serotype B (142, 59.4%). Majority of the isolates showing resistance to at least one of the antibiotics tested were also serotype B (139, 59.2%), whereas, majority of the isolates showing resistance to any three of the antibiotics (multidrug resistant, MDR) (63%) was serotype A. A total of 41 different serovars were also identified and five of which (Arst, Bropt, Bopt, Arost, and Brop) included the highest percent (49.3%) of the isolates. Many serovars (23/41, 56.1%) were new emergent and included 58 (24.3%) of the isolates investigated. All of the new serovars were resistant to at least one of the antibiotics tested and the highest rate (40/102, 39.2%) was MDR. Serotyping and serovar determination was found contributory to understand the microepidemics of the N. gonorrhoeae isolates. Further studies including antibiogram and contact tracing can efficiently help in control of the disease. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v38i3.14339 Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2012; 38(3): 114-118 (December)

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