scholarly journals COVID-19 among Healthcare Workers: A Prospective Serological-Epidemiological Cohort Study in a Standard Care Hospital in Rural Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10999
Author(s):  
Stephanie Hoffmann ◽  
Juliane Schiebel ◽  
Frank Hufert ◽  
Heinz-Detlef Gremmels ◽  
Jacob Spallek
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Care Level ◽  
Primary Care Level ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Frequent Exposure ◽  
Epidemiological Cohort

Healthcare workers (HCW) play a vital role in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic control. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and the risk of COVID-19 infections in a cohort of HCW from four different risk groups (from intensive care unit to administration) of a hospital of a primary care level in rural Germany. The outcomes were monthly measures of antibody seroprevalence over a period of 6 months. Overall, a seroprevalence of 13.41% was determined, with significantly higher prevalence rates among HCW working in areas with more frequent contact to confirmed or suspected cases (30.30%, p = 0.003). The group specific differences in the risk of infection from COVID-19 were detected, as HCW groups with frequent exposure seemed to have an increased risk (RR = 3.18, p = 0.02; CI95 1.09–9.24). The findings contribute to the epidemiological understanding of the virus spread in an unvaccinated population group, which is highly relevant for the pandemic management.

scholarly journals Testing the backbone of the healthcare system: a prospective serological-epidemiological cohort study of healthcare workers in rural Germany.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Hoffmann ◽  
Jacob Spallek ◽  
Heinz-Detlef Gremmels ◽  
Juliane Schiebel ◽  
Frank Hufert
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare System ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Exposed Population ◽  
Qualitative Detection ◽  
History Test

Abstract Healthcare workers are of a high priority in SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and epidemiological control strategies due to their relevance for the healthcare system and high exposure levels that might result in symptomatic and asymptomatic courses. Aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in a cohort of 171 healthcare workers in a standard care hospital in a rural German area. The outcomes are monthly measures of antibody prevalence over a 6-month period. Using univariate statistics, baseline characteristics will be analysed considering risk groups, exposure history, test frequencies, symptoms, and antibody distribution.At T0 tests for qualitative detection of antibodies (Ig) against SARS-CoV-2 revealed a seroprevalence of 1.3%.The data contribute to the understanding of the virus spread in a particularly exposed population group and will be relevant for management of the pandemic. Longitudinal analyses will reveal the progression of seroprevalence of antibodies and immunity over the time.

Study of sharp injuries and blood splash exposures among healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in Bangalore

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shalini Sivananjiah Pradeep ◽  
Suman Gadicherla Raghu ◽  
Prathab A G ◽  
Banashankari G Rudresh ◽  
Radhika Kunnavil
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Post Exposure ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Management Procedures ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Sharps Injury ◽  
Sharps Injuries

The working environment of healthcare workers (HCW) exposes them to sharp injuries. This communication attempts to examine the injury registers, incidence of sharps injuries and blood splash exposures, and the post-exposure prophylaxis status of employees in a tertiary care hospital. Analysis included records form 54 locations of two units of a tertiary hospital attached to a Medical College. Maintenance of the injury register overall was highly satisfactory in both units. Two hundred and nine injuries were recorded from both units of the hospital. The majority of injuries (60.5%) occurred in the age group of 20-30 years with 70% among females. Waste handlers were at increased risk during waste management procedures. Thirty two percent of sharps injury injuries occurred in wards. Of the ward nursing staff, 25.3% received sharps injuries. Post-exposure prophylaxis for Hepatitis B (primary dose) was given to 25 HCWs; 11 received booster doses. The basic regimen for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis was given to 4 HCWs. Awareness about records maintenance, regular documentation, awareness and training, and implementation of appropriate preventive measures can reduce the incidence of injuries. Key words: Sharps, injury register, Health care workers (HCW),Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

Pandemic 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) Virus among Japanese Healthcare Workers: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors

2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoko Nukui ◽  
Shuji Hatakeyama ◽  
Takatoshi Kitazawa ◽  
Tamami Mahira ◽  
Yoshizumi Shintani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
H1n1 Virus ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Occupational Risk Factors ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Influenza A H1n1 ◽  
2009 H1n1

Objective.To evaluate the seroprevalence and risk factors for 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus infection among healthcare personnel.Design.Observational cross-sectional study.Patients and Setting.Healthcare workers (HCWs) in an acute care hospital.Methods.Between September 14 and October 4, 2009, before 2009 H1N1 vaccination, we collected serological samples from 461 healthy HCWs. Hemagglutination-inhibition antibody assays were conducted. To evaluate the risk factors of seropositivity for 2009 H1N1 virus, gender, age, profession, work department, usage of personal protective equipment, and seasonal influenza vaccination status data were gathered via questionnaires.Results.Our survey showed that doctors and nurses were at highest risk of seropositivity for the 2009 H1N1 virus (odds ratio [OR], 5.25 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.21–22.7]). An increased risk of seropositivity was observed among pediatric, emergency room, and internal medicine staff (adjusted OR, 1.98 [95% CI, 1.07–3.65]). Risk was also higher among HCWs who had high titers of antibodies against the seasonal H1N1 virus (adjusted OR, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.02–2.48]).Conclusions.Seropositivity for the 2009 H1N1 virus was associated with occupational risk factors among HCWs.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(1):58-62

scholarly journals Risk Groups for SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Healthcare Workers: Community Versus Hospital Transmission

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 724-729
Author(s):  
Fatihan Pınarlık ◽  
Zeliha Genç ◽  
Mahir Kapmaz ◽  
Süda Tekin ◽  
Önder Ergönül
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Hospital Infection Control ◽  
Household Members ◽  
Increasing Risk ◽  
Antibody Levels ◽  
Hospital Transmission

Background: We aimed to detect the risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers (HCWs) in 2020 before the vaccination era. Methods: We surveyed SARS-CoV-2 infection among the HCWs in a hospital through screening for antibody levels and the detection of viral RNA by RT-PCR between May 2020 and December 2020. Occupational and non-occupational potential predictors of disease were surveyed for the HCWs included in this study. Results: Among 1925 personnel in the hospital, 1732 were included to the study with a response rate of 90%. The overall infection rate of HCWs was 16.3% at the end of 2020, before vaccinations started. In the multivariate analysis, being janitorial staff (OR: 2.24, CI: 1.21–4.14, p = 0.011), being a medical secretary (OR: 4.17, CI: 2.12–8.18, p < 0.001), having at least one household member with a COVID-19 diagnosis (OR: 8.98, CI: 6.64–12.15, p < 0.001), and number of household members > 3 (OR: 1.67, CI: 1.26–2.22, p < 0.001) were found to be significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions: Medical secretaries and janitorial staff were under increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The community-hospital gradient can explain the mode of transmission for infection among HCWs. In the setting of this study, community measures were less strict, whereas hospital infection control was adequate and provided necessary personal protective equipment. Increasing risk in larger households and households with diagnosed COVID-19 patient indicates the community-acquired transmission of the infection.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 vaccine Alpha and Delta variant breakthrough infections are rare and mild, but happen relative early after vaccination

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelissa Katharina Peter ◽  
Fanny Wegner ◽  
Severin Gsponer ◽  
Fabrice Helfenstein ◽  
Tim Roloff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Breakthrough Infection ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Increased Risk

Introduction: COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce SARS-CoV-2 (SCoV2)-related hospitalization and mortality in randomized controlled clinical trials, as well as in real-world effectiveness against different circulating SCoV2-lineages. However, some vaccine recipients show breakthrough infection and it remains unknown, which host and viral factors contribute to this risk and how many resulted in severe outcomes. Our aim was to identify demographic and clinical risk factors for SCoV2 breakthrough infections and severe disease in fully vaccinated individuals and to compare patient characteristics in breakthrough infections caused by SCoV2 Alpha or Delta variant. Methods: We conducted an exploratory retrospective case-control study from 28th of December to 25th of October 2021 dominated by the Delta SCoV2 variant. All cases of infection had to be reported by law to the local health authorities. Vaccine recipients data was anonymously available from the national Vaccination Monitoring Data Lake and the main local vaccine center. We compared anonymized patients characteristics of breakthrough infection (n=492) to two overlapping control groups including all vaccine recipients from the Canton of Basel-City (group 1 n=126586 and group 2 n=109382). We also compared patients with breakthrough infection caused by the Alpha to Delta variant. We used different multivariate generalized linear models (GLM). Results: We found only 492/126586 (0.39%) vaccine recipients with a breakthrough infection after vaccination during the 10 months observational period. Most cases were asymptomatic or mild (478/492 97.2%) and only very few required hospitalization (14/492, 2.8%). The time to a positive SCoV2 test shows that most breakthrough infections occurred between a few days to about 170 days after full vaccination, with a median of 78 days (interquartile range, IQR 47-124 days). Factors associated with a lower odds for breakthrough infection were: age (OR 0.987, 95%CI 0.983-0.992), previous COVID-19 infection prior to vaccination (OR 0.296, 95%CI 0.117-0.606), and (self-declared) serious side-effects from previous vaccines (OR 0.289, 95%CI 0.033-1.035). Factors associated with a higher odds for breakthrough infection were: vaccination with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine (OR 1.459, 95%CI 1.238-1.612), chronic disease as vaccine indication (OR 2.109, 95%CI 1.692-2.620), and healthcare workers (OR 1.404, 95%CI 1.042-1.860). We did not observe a significantly increased risk for immunosuppressed patients (OR 1.248, 95% CI 0.806-1.849). Conclusions: Our study shows that breakthrough infections are rare and show mild illness, but that it occurs early after vaccination with more than 50% of cases within 70 to 80 days post-full vaccination. This clearly implies that boost vaccination should be much earlier initiated compared to the currently communicated 180-day threshold. This has important implications especially for risk groups associated with more frequent breakthrough infections such as healthcare workers, and people in high-risk care facilities. Due to changes in the epidemiological dynamic with new variants emerging, continuous monitoring of breakthrough infections is helpful to provide evidence on booster vaccines and patient groups at risk for potential complications.

scholarly journals COVID19 infection in health care professionals: risks, work-safety and psychological issues.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yogesh Dabholkar ◽  
Bhagyashree Sagane ◽  
Twinkle Dabholkar ◽  
Shivakumar Divity
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Health ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Work Place ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Psychological Parameters

Abstract Introduction: (COVID-19) infection has spread widely over past 5 months to become a pandemic of global proportions affecting almost every country. While HCPs are expected to tackle this crisis by working in hospital and intensive care setting, there is real risk of them contracting infection and even dying. This article aims to report cases of healthcare personnel (HCPs) contracting COVID19 in various settings in a tertiary care hospital, a designated COVID centre, with view to disseminate information and review safety and psychological health issues of healthcare professionals.Methods: This study is a cross-sectional hospital-based survey from April 2020-June 2020. Data on demographics, workplace safety and psychological parameters from HCPs was collected by both interview and an online questionnaire form.Results: A total of 40 healthcare workers were infected in the hospital in a period of 2 months since the first COVID case was admitted in the hospital. Almost 57.5 % reported positive on several psychological parameters like anxiety, fear, anger, irritability and insomnia. About 42.5 % had no psychological counselling after testing positive.Discussion: These cases illustrate work-place risks for healthcare workers of acquiring COVID19 and highlight the problems faced in terms of risks of transmission to patients and colleagues, isolation of contacts in departments leading to near-breakdown of services and psychological stress to healthcare workers.Conclusion: Healthcare workers being at frontline of exposure to corona patients are at increased risk of developing COVID19 infections. Healthcare workers are working under tremendous stress in this pandemic and it is necessary to combat fear with facts and work towards safe work atmosphere so that they can discharge their duties to best of their ability.

scholarly journals Scabies outbreak among healthcare workers in a German acute care hospital

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 189-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasmus Leistner ◽  
Dirk Buchwald ◽  
Marc Beyer ◽  
Sandra Philipp
Keyword(s):  
Acute Care ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Acute Care Hospital ◽  
Index Patient ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
P Value ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Crusted Scabies

Background: This article reports on a scabies outbreak among healthcare workers (HCW) in an acute care hospital. The outbreak was associated with a patient suffering from a chronic skin disease that was later diagnosed as crusted scabies. Objective: The objective was to determine the outbreak drivers and define a prevention strategy against future outbreaks. Methods: All staff that had contact with the patient were treated with 5% permethrin ointment. An interdisciplinary outbreak investigation team was established. The team conducted a questionnaire-based case-control study. Findings: After the permethrin treatment, no further case was found. Twenty-seven HCWs who had contact with the index patient answered the questionnaire (response rate 73%). The outbreak questionnaire revealed 13 cases of secondary scabies among HCWs. In the multivariable analysis, a lack of glove use (odds ratio [OR], 9.8; P value = 0.036) and frequent close physical contact (OR, 8.151; P value = 0.038) were associated with increased risk of scabies acquisition. Discussion: The scabies outbreak was most likely driven by three factors: an index patient with crusted scabies; a delayed diagnosis of this patient; and close physical contact without gloves during his hospital stay. The use of disposable gloves for patients with unclear dermatological diagnosis have the potential to limit future scabies outbreaks.

Risk of Tuberculous Infection Among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary-Care Hospital in Ankara, Turkey

2004 ◽  
Vol 25 (12) ◽  
pp. 1067-1071 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramazan Keskiner ◽  
Önder Ergönül ◽  
Ziya Demiroglu ◽  
Sebnem Eren ◽  
Nurcan Baykam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Tertiary Care Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Tuberculous Infection ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Work Duration ◽  
History Of ◽  
Community Exposure ◽  
Radiology Technicians

AbstractObjective:To determine risk factors for tuberculin skin test (TST) positivity among healthcare workers (HCWs).Design:Two-step TST was performed in 2002.Setting:Tertiary-care hospital in Ankara, Turkey.Participants:A sample of 491 hospital HCWs were included. Information related to demographics, profession, work duration, department, and individual and family history of tuberculosis (TB) was obtained by a structured questionnaire.Results:Four hundred eight (83%) had two-step TST positivity. On multivariate analysis, male physicians (relative risk [RR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI95], 1.23–1.69; P = .001), nurses (RR, 1.5; CI95, 1.29–1.66; P = .005), radiology technicians (RR, 1.7; CI95, 1.35–1.73; P = .002), laboratory technicians (RR, 1.6; CI95, 1.3–1.74; P = .007), and male housekeepers (RR, 1.6; CI95, 1.38–1.7; P < .001) had a higher risk than did female physicians. Among laboratory technicians, radiology technicians had the highest TST positivity (85%). HCWs working for less than 1 year (RR, 0.8; CI95, 0.72–0.98; P = .027) had a lower risk of infection. The HCWs having bacille Calmette–Guérin vaccination (RR, 1.12; CI95, 1.08–1.45) had higher TST positivity.Conclusion:Male physicians, nurses, and laboratory technicians had increased risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in this setting, but community exposure likely accounted for most infections.

Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in hospitalized patients at a tertiary referral center in North India (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr. Animesh Ray ◽  
Dr. Komal Singh ◽  
Souvick Chattopadhyay ◽  
Farha Mehdi ◽  
Dr. Gaurav Batra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
North India ◽  
P Value ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference

BACKGROUND Seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is an important tool to estimate the true extent of infection in a population. However, seroprevalence studies have been scarce in South East Asia including India, which, as of now, carries the third largest burden of confirmed cases in the world. The present study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody among hospitalized patients at one of the largest government hospital in India OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study is to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody among patients admitted to the Medicine ward and ICU METHODS This cross-sectional study, conducted at a tertiary care hospital in North India, recruited consecutive patients who were negative for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR or CB-NAAT. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels targeting recombinant spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) protein of SARS CoV-2 were estimated in serum sample by the ELISA method RESULTS A total of 212 hospitalized patients were recruited in the study with mean age (±SD) of 41.2 (±15.4) years and 55% male population. Positive serology against SARS CoV-2 was detected in 19.8%patients(95% CI 14.7-25.8). Residency in Delhi conferred a higher frequency of seropositivity 26.5% (95% CI 19.3-34.7) as compared to that of other states 8% (95% CI 3.0-16.4) with p-value 0.001. No particular age groups or socio-economic strata showed a higher proportion of seropositivity CONCLUSIONS Around, one-fifth of hospitalized patients, who were not diagnosed with COVID-19 before, demonstrated seropositivity against SARS-CoV-2. While there was no significant difference in the different age groups and socio-economic classes; residence in Delhi was associated with increased risk (relative risk of 3.62, 95% CI 1.59-8.21)

The healthcare delivery system: an overview

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Abel Olsen
Keyword(s):  
Delivery System ◽  
Chronic Care ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Healthcare Delivery System ◽  
Care Level ◽  
Primary Care Level ◽  
Internal Markets ◽  
System A ◽  
Policy Challenge

This chapter provides an overview of the healthcare delivery system. A figure illustrates how six different parts of the system relate to each other. The primary care level plays a key role in many countries by representing the gate, in which referrals to secondary care are being made. Tertiary care is principally of two types depending on patients’ prognosis: chronic care or rehabilitation. In addition to the three care levels, there are two parts with quite different roles: pharmacies provide pharmaceuticals, and sickness benefit schemes compensate the sick for their income losses. A recurrent policy challenge is to make each provider level take into account the resource implications of their isolated decisions outside of their own budgets. A brief discussion is included on the scope for ‘internal markets’.

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