scholarly journals In-Depth Longitudinal Comparison of Clinical Specimens to Detect SARS-CoV-2

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1362
Author(s):  
Justine Defêche ◽  
Samira Azarzar ◽  
Alyssia Mesdagh ◽  
Patricia Dellot ◽  
Amandine Tytgat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gold Standard ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Symptom Duration ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Throat Wash ◽  
Washing Method ◽  
Longitudinal Comparison ◽  
First Time ◽  
Throat Washing

The testing and isolation of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are indispensable tools to control the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. PCR tests are considered the “gold standard” of COVID-19 testing and mostly involve testing nasopharyngeal swab specimens. Our study aimed to compare the sensitivity of tests for various sample specimens. Seventy-five participants with confirmed COVID-19 were included in the study. Nasopharyngeal swabs, oropharyngeal swabs, Oracol-collected saliva, throat washes and rectal specimens were collected along with pooled swabs. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire to correlate specific clinical symptoms and the symptom duration with the sensitivity of detecting COVID-19 in various sample specimens. Sampling was repeated after 7 to 10 days (T2), then after 14 to 20 days (T3) to perform a longitudinal analysis of sample specimen sensitivity. At the first time point, the highest percentages of SARS-CoV-2-positive samples were observed for nasopharyngeal samples (84.3%), while 74%, 68.2%, 58.8% and 3.5% of throat washing, Oracol-collected saliva, oropharyngeal and rectal samples tested positive, respectively. The sensitivity of all sampling methods except throat wash samples decreased rapidly at later time points compared to the first collection. The throat washing method exhibited better performance than the gold standard nasopharyngeal swab at the second and third time points after the first positive test date. Nasopharyngeal swabs were the most sensitive specimens for early detection after symptom onset. Throat washing is a sensitive alternative method. It was found that SARS-CoV-2 persists longer in the throat and saliva than in the nasopharynx.

Scoring System for the Diagnosis of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 413-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Farouk Allam
Keyword(s):  
Scoring System ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
False Negative Results ◽  
Symptoms And Signs

Due to the international spread of COVID-19, the difficulty of collecting nasopharyngeal swab specimen from all suspected patients, the costs of RT-PCR and CT, and the false negative results of RT-PCR assay in 41% of COVID-19 patients, a scoring system is needed to classify the suspected patients in order to determine the need for follow-up, home isolation, quarantine or the conduction of further investigations. A scoring system is proposed as a diagnostic tool for suspected patients. It includes Epidemiological Evidence of Exposure, Clinical Symptoms and Signs, and Investigations (if available). This scoring system is simple, could be calculated in a few minutes, and incorporates the main possible data/findings of any patient.

scholarly journals Limits and Opportunities of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Tests: An Experienced-Based Perspective

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Verena Schildgen ◽  
Sabrina Demuth ◽  
Jessica Lüsebrink ◽  
Oliver Schildgen
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Setting ◽  
Gold Standard ◽  
Antigen Test ◽  
Public Attention ◽  
High Expectations ◽  
Test Strategy ◽  
Rapid Tests ◽  
Pilot Sample ◽  
Lateral Flow Tests ◽  
Throat Washing

Background: Due to the steadily rising case numbers of SARS-CoV-2 infections worldwide, there is an increasing need for reliable rapid diagnostic devices in addition to existing gold standard PCR methods. Actually, public attention is focused on antigen assays including lateral flow tests (LFTs) as a diagnostic alternative. Therefore, different LFTs were analyzed regarding their performance in a clinical setting. Material and Methods: A pilot sample panel of 13 bronchoalveolar fluids (BALFs) and 60 throat washing (TW) samples with confirmed PCR results, as well as eight throat washes invalid by PCR, were tested with the BIOCREDIT test (RapiGEN), the PanbioTM assay (Abbott), and the SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test (Roche). Conclusion: The analyzed antigen test showed an interassay correlation of 27.4%, with overall specificities ranging from 19.4% to 87.1%, while sensitivities of the respective tests ranged between 33.3% and 88.1%. Because these assays did not entirely meet all high expectations, their benefit has to be carefully evaluated for the respective test strategy and setting.

scholarly journals Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 antigen-based rapid diagnostic kits in Pakistan: formulation of COVID-19 national testing strategy

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Umar Saeed ◽  
Sara Rizwan Uppal ◽  
Zahra Zahid Piracha ◽  
Azhar Rasheed ◽  
Zubair Aftab ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gold Standard ◽  
Injection Drug Users ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Results

AbstractRapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 during pandemic enables timely treatment and prevention of COVID-19. Evaluating the accuracy and reliability of rapid diagnostic testing kits is crucial for surveillance and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infections in general population, injection drug users, multi-transfused populations, healthcare workers, prisoners, barbers and other high risk populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate performance and effectiveness of nasopharyngeal swab (NSP) and saliva based rapid antigen detection testing kits in comparison with USFDA approved triple target gold standard real-time polymerase chain reaction. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 33,000 COVID-19 suspected patients. From RT-PCR positive patients, nasopharyngeal swab (NSP) and saliva samples were obtained for evaluation of rapid COVID-19 testing kits (RDT). 100/33,000 (0.3%) of specimens were RT-PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2. Among RT-PCR positive, 62% were males, 34% were females, and 4% were children. The NSP-RDT (Lepu Medical China) analysis revealed 53% reactivity among males, 58% reactivity among females, and 25% reactivity among children. However saliva based RDT (Lepu Medical China) analysis showed 21% reactivity among males and 23% among females, and no reactivity in children. False negative results were significantly more pronounced in saliva based RDT as compared to NSP-RDT. The sensitivity of these NSP-RDT and saliva based RDT were 52% and 21% respectively. The RDTs evaluated in this study showed limited sensitivities in comparison to gold standard RT-PCR, indicating that there is a dire need in Pakistan for development of suitable testing to improve accurate COVID-19 diagnosis in line with national demands.

scholarly journals Genetic and Antigenic Characterization of Avian Avulavirus Type 6 (AAvV-6) Circulating in Canadian Wild Birds (2005–2017)

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 543
Author(s):  
Tamiko Hisanaga ◽  
Catherine Soos ◽  
Nicola Lewis ◽  
Oliver Lung ◽  
Matthew Suderman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Fusion Gene ◽  
Full Genome ◽  
Genome Sequences ◽  
Viral Shedding ◽  
Genetic Groups ◽  
Antigenic Characterization ◽  
Specific Pathogen ◽  
First Time

We describe for the first time the genetic and antigenic characterization of 18 avian avulavirus type-6 viruses (AAvV-6) that were isolated from wild waterfowl in the Americas over the span of 12 years. Only one of the AAvV-6 viruses isolated failed to hemagglutinate chicken red blood cells. We were able to obtain full genome sequences of 16 and 2 fusion gene sequences from the remaining 2 isolates. This is more than double the number of full genome sequences available at the NCBI database. These AAvV-6 viruses phylogenetically grouped into the 2 existing AAvV-6 genotype subgroups indicating the existence of an intercontinental epidemiological link with other AAvV-6 viruses isolated from migratory waterfowl from different Eurasian countries. Antigenic maps made using HI assay data for these isolates showed that the two genetic groups were also antigenically distinct. An isolate representing each genotype was inoculated in specific pathogen free (SPF) chickens, however, no clinical symptoms were observed. A duplex fusion gene based real-time assay for the detection and genotyping of AAvV-6 to genotype 1 and 2 was developed. Using the developed assay, the viral shedding pattern in the infected chickens was examined. The chickens infected with both genotypes were able to shed the virus orally for about a week, however, no significant cloacal shedding was detected in chickens of both groups. Chickens in both groups developed detectable levels of anti-hemagglutinin antibodies 7 days after infection.

Recognition of Sleep-disordered Breathing in Children

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
pp. 871-882 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Guilleminault ◽  
Rafael Pelayo ◽  
Damien Leger ◽  
Alex Clerk ◽  
Robert C. Z. Bocian
Keyword(s):  
Gold Standard ◽  
Sleep Disordered Breathing ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Upper Airway ◽  
Esophageal Pressure ◽  
Respiratory Events ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Abnormal Breathing ◽  
Polygraphic Recording ◽  
Disordered Breathing

Objective. To determine whether upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) can be recognized and distinguished from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in prepubertal children based on clinical evaluations, and, in a subgroup of the population, to compare the efficacy of esophageal pressure (Pes) monitoring to that of transcutaneous carbon dioxide pressure (tcPco2) and expired carbon dioxide (CO2) measurements in identifying UARS in children. Study Design. A retrospective study was performed on children, 12 years and younger, seen at our clinic since 1985. Children with diagnoses of sleep-disordered breathing were drawn from our database and sorted by age and initial symptoms. Clinical findings, based on interviews and questionnaires, an orocraniofacial scale, and nocturnal polygraphic recordings were tabulated and compared. If the results of the first polygraphic recording were inconclusive, a second night's recording was performed with the addition of Pes monitoring. In addition, simultaneous measurements of tcPco2 and endtidal CO2 with sampling through a catheter were performed on this second night in 76 children. These 76 recordings were used as our gold standard, because they were the most comprehensive. For this group, 1848 apneic events and 7040 abnormal respiratory events were identified based on airflow, thoracoabdominal effort, and Pes recordings. We then analyzed the simultaneously measured tcPCo2 and expired CO2 levels to ascertain their ability to identify these same events. Results. The first night of polygraphic recording was inconclusive enough to warrant a second recording in 316 of 411 children. Children were identified as having either UARS (n = 259), OSAS (n = 83), or other sleep disorders (n = 69). Children with small triangular chins, retroposition of the mandible, steep mandibular plane, high hard palate, long oval-shaped face, or long soft palate were highly likely to have sleep-disordered breathing of some type. If large tonsils were associated with these features, OSAS was much more frequently noted than UARS. In the 76 gold standard children, Pes, tcPco2, and expired CO2 measurements were in agreement for 1512 of the 1848 apneas and hypopneas that were analyzed. Of the 7040 upper airway resistance events, only 2314 events were consonant in all three measures. tcPco2 identified only 33% of the increased respiratory events identified by Pes; expired CO2 identified only 53% of the same events. Conclusions. UARS is a subtle form of sleep-disordered breathing that leads to significant clinical symptoms and day and nighttime disturbances. When clinical symptoms suggest abnormal breathing during sleep but obstructive sleep apneas are not found, physicians may, mistakenly, assume an absence of breathing-related sleep problems. Symptoms and orocraniofacial information were not useful in distinguishing UARS from OSAS but were useful in distinguishing sleep-disordered breathing (UARS and OSAS) from other sleep disorders. The analysis of esophageal pressure patterns during sleep was the most revealing of the three techniques used for recognizing abnormal breathing patterns during sleep.

ULTRASONIC STUDY IN DIAGNOSTICS OF PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHIES (CASE FROM PRACTICE)

2021 ◽  
pp. 144-146
Author(s):  
Hamanovich A.I. ◽  
◽  
Baida A.G. ◽  
Koyalo L.G. ◽  
Levantsevich V.V. ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Gold Standard ◽  
Peripheral Nerves ◽  
Peroneal Nerve ◽  
Clinical Case ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Nerve Trunk ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathies ◽  
Ultrasound Scanning ◽  
Electrophysiological Methods

Electrophysiological methods, such as electromyography and neuromyography, are traditionally recognized as the "gold standard" for detecting pathology of the peripheral nervous system. It should be noted, however, that the information obtained during the above examinations does not give an idea of the state of the surrounding tissues, does not indicate the nature and cause of damage to the nerve trunk, and does not always accurately reflect the localization of changes. At the same time, it is this information that helps to determine the tactics of conservative or surgical treatment of the patient. Ultrasound scanning is quite successfully used in the diagnosis of damage and diseases of the peripheral nerves. The article presents a clinical case of a diagnostic search for a causative disease in a patient with clinical symptoms of neuropathy of the peroneal nerve.

scholarly journals Bovine ephemeral fever epidemics in Kingdom Saudi Arabia: clinical, epidemiological and molecular investigation

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 854-860 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed A Zaghawa ◽  
Fadhel Housawi ◽  
Abdulmohsen Al-Naeem ◽  
Ahmed Elsify ◽  
Yamen Mohammed Hegazy
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Water Buffalo ◽  
Virus Isolation ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Bovine Ephemeral Fever ◽  
Geographical Regions ◽  
Epidemiological Pattern ◽  
First Time

Introduction: Bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) is an arthropod borne Rhabdovirus affects cattle and water buffalo causes acute febrile disease. Methodology: The clinical picture and epidemiological pattern of BEF were described among cattle in epidemics of 2007, 2009 and 2011 in four geographical regions of Kingdom Saudi Arabia (Eastern, Jizan, Qasim, and Riyadh). Serum samples were tested using VNT. Virus isolation and molecular characterization were carried out for the first time in KSA. Results: The main clinical symptoms were fever, stiffness, lameness, salivation and subcutaneous emphysema. The prevalence and the mortality rate of BEF have decreased from 70% and 4.6% in 2007 to 30% and 0.6% in 2011, respectively in the 4 studied areas. There was no region association with higher prevalence of BEF. The intracluster correlation (ICC) was estimated for the first time in KSA as 0.0034. BEFV had been isolated from 11 out of 20 samples (55%) and isolation was confirmed by VNT. The molecular detection of BEFV by RT-PCR and real- time RT-qPCR were found more sensitive for diagnosis of the disease than virus isolation; 80% and 90% for the former tests and 55% for the latter. Three isolates were sequenced, they showed 84.7% - 100% identities in between and shared 90.4%-96.5% sequence identity with a previously published sequence from Australia (KF679404). The generated sequences belonged to 3rd cluster of BEFV glycoprotein. Conclusions: BEF occurrence has cyclic nature and the efficacy of vaccines prepared from local strains has to be evaluated and considered in diseases control.

scholarly journals New Insight into the Prevalence and Risk Factors for Three Distinct Hoof Conformation Traits in UK Commercial Sheep Flocks

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 176
Author(s):  
Caroline M. Best ◽  
Janet Roden ◽  
Kate Phillips ◽  
Alison Z. Pyatt ◽  
Malgorzata C. Behnke
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Prospective Studies ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Predisposing Factors ◽  
Farm Level ◽  
Time Points ◽  
First Time ◽  
Insight Into

Lameness in sheep continues to be a global health, welfare and economic concern. Damaged, misshapen or overgrown feet have the potential to cause lameness either directly, or indirectly. There is a lack of understanding of the predisposing factors for different hoof conformation traits in sheep. Our exploratory study aimed to investigate the prevalence of, and risk factors for, three distinct hoof conformation traits relating to the sole and heel, hoof wall, and hoof wall overgrowth. Feet of 400 ewes from four UK commercial sheep farms were inspected at four time points across 12 months. For each conformation trait, a four-point ordinal system was used to score each individual claw, and foot-level scores were calculated. We present 92.4% of foot-level observations to be affected by ≥1 conformation traits. Whilst hoof conformation traits were correlated to some degree, a unique set of sheep-, foot- and farm-level factors were associated with each distinct conformation trait. We provide, for the first time, key insight into the multifaceted and multifactorial aetiology of hoof conformation in sheep, building upon previous landmark studies. Our results inform hypotheses for future prospective studies investigating the risk factors for adverse hoof conformation in sheep.

scholarly journals Spinal Versus General Anesthesia for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 55-58
Author(s):  
SMA Taher ◽  
Jamil Raihan ◽  
M Abu Zahid ◽  
AK Azad ◽  
MI Alam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy ◽  
General Anesthesia ◽  
Spinal Anesthesia ◽  
Regional Anesthesia ◽  
Gold Standard ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Gall Stone ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
First Time ◽  
Symptomatic Gall Stone

Laparascopic Cholecystectomy under regional anesthesia alone has been reported only with severe chronic obstructive airway disease1,2. In a randomised trial, epidural with general anesthesia have been found to be more effective in lessening postoperative pain compare with general anesthesia alone3. Regional anesthesia has been successfully used for laparascopic cholecystectomy in patient. Hamad and Ibrahim El-Khatter4 used spinal anesthesia for laparoscopic for the first time. We performing Laparascopic Cholecystectomy with carbondioxide pneumoperitoneum under spinal anesthesia alone of healthy patients with symptomatic gall stone disease5. We design a control randomized trial to compare spinal anesthesthesia with the Gold standard general anesthesia for elective Laparascopic Cholecystectomy in healty patients.TAJ 2012; 25: 55-58

scholarly journals Rigid ventilating video bronchoscope with forceps for bronchoscopic foreign body removal in children

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 1129
Author(s):  
Sagar Jawale ◽  
Parthapratim Gupta ◽  
Bharti Kulkarni
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Body ◽  
Gold Standard ◽  
Medical Literature ◽  
Rigid Bronchoscopy ◽  
Foreign Body Aspiration ◽  
Indian Children ◽  
Foreign Body Removal ◽  
Rigid Tube ◽  
Pass Through ◽  
First Time

<p>Bronchoscopic foreign body removal is a potentially dangerous and challenging procedure in pediatric surgery. bronchoscopy under general anaesthesia is the gold standard of diagnosis and management of foreign body aspiration. A large ventilating channel and better control over the tip of the instrument and cheaper instrument are the merits of rigid bronchoscopy over flexible one. Traditionally a rigid tube alone is used for this purpose which has extreme limitations of vision and it is risky. Foreign body aspiration typically occurs in 6 to 18 month age and the size of glottis is very small at this age. In Indian children who are small and malnourished the large assembly of sheath and telescope mounted forceps does not pass through the glottis. To overcome the limitations of the traditional equipment I designed my own bronchoscopy equipment by my 15 year of experience in bronchoscopy. This type of device is reported for the first time in medical literature and patent is filed for it at Mumbai office.</p><p> </p>

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