High SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence among Healthcare Workers in Bamako, Mali

In Mali, a country in West Africa, cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths among healthcare workers (HCWs) remain enigmatically low, despite a series of waves, circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants, the country’s weak healthcare system, and a general lack of adherence to public health mitigation measures. The goal of the study was to determine whether exposure is important by assessing the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in HCWs. The study was conducted between November 2020 and June 2021. HCWs in the major hospitals where COVID-19 cases were being cared for in the capital city, Bamako, Mali, were recruited. During the study period, vaccinations were not yet available. The ELISA of the IgG against the spike protein was optimized and quantitatively measured. A total of 240 HCWs were enrolled in the study, of which seropositivity was observed in 147 cases (61.8%). A continuous increase in the seropositivity was observed, over time, during the study period, from 50% at the beginning to 70% at the end of the study. HCWs who provided direct care to COVID-19 patients and were potentially highly exposed did not have the highest seropositivity rate. Vulnerable HCWs with comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and asthma had even higher seropositivity rates at 77.8%, 75.0%, and 66.7%, respectively. Overall, HCWs had high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, likely reflecting a “herd” immunity level, which could be protective at some degrees. These data suggest that the low number of cases and deaths among HCWs in Mali is not due to a lack of occupational exposure to the virus but rather related to other factors that need to be investigated.

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Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among staff at primary healthcare institutions in Prishtina

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-022-07038-6 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Rrezart Halili ◽

Jeta Bunjaku ◽

Bujar Gashi ◽

Teuta Hoxha ◽

Agron Kamberi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Healthcare ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Family Members ◽

Control Measures ◽

Capital City ◽

High Risk Population ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pcr Test

Abstract Background Many studies examined the spread of SARS-CoV-2 within populations using seroprevalence. Healthcare workers are a high-risk population due to patient contact, and studies are needed to examine seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers. Our study investigates the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among staff at primary healthcare institutions in Prishtina, and factors associated with seroprevalence. Methods We carried out a cross-sectional survey including SARS-CoV-2 serological testing and questionnaires with primary healthcare workers from primary healthcare facilities in the Prishtina, the capital city of Kosovo. We calculated prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, and of self-reported positive PCR test among primary healthcare workers, as well as crude and adjusted ORs for explanatory factors. Results Eighty-three of the healthcare workers (17.47%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies IgG or IgM, while 231 (48.63%) either had antibodies or a previous positive PCR test. Odds of seropositivity were affected by male gender (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.20, 3.61), and infected family members (OR 3.61, 95% CI 2.25, 5.79) of healthcare workers. Higher education, being part of larger families and having infected family members gave higher odds of positive PCR test and seropositivity. Other healthcare workers had lower odds of positive PCR test and seropositivity than physicians. Conclusion Over 17% of healthcare workers were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and close to half of them were either seropositive or PCR self-reported positive test. Several factors are associated with decreased and increased odds for such outcomes. These findings should be explored further and addressed to Kosovo policy makers, and assist them to intensify vaccination efforts, and maintain control measures until we achieve herd immunity.

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Comparing Dynamics and Determinants of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Transmissions Among Healthcare Workers of Adult and Pediatric Settings in Central Paris

Clinical Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/cid/ciaa977 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Adrien Contejean ◽

Jérémie Leporrier ◽

Etienne Canouï ◽

Fanny Alby-Laurent ◽

Emmanuel Lafont ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Home Care ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Direct Care ◽

University Hospital ◽

Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽

Continuous Increase ◽

Out Of Home Care ◽

Care Facilities

Abstract Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) have paid a heavy toll during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Routes of transmission remain to be fully understood. Methods This prospective study compared a 1500-bed adult and 600-bed pediatric setting of a tertiary-care university hospital located in central Paris. From 24 February until 10 April 2020, all symptomatic HCWs were screened for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on a nasopharyngeal swab. HCWs screened positive were questioned on their profession, symptoms, and occupational and nonoccupational exposures to SARS-CoV-2. Results Among 1344 HCWs tested, 373 were positive (28%) and 336 (90%) corresponding questionnaires were completed. Three hospitalizations and no deaths were reported. Most HCWs (70%) had patient-facing occupational activities (22% in COVID-19 dedicated units). The total number of HCW cases peaked on 23 March, then decreased slowly, concomitantly with a continuous increase of compliance to preventive measures (including universal medical masking and personal protective equipment [PPE] for direct care to COVID-19 patients). Attack rates were of 3.2% and 2.3% in the adult and pediatric settings, respectively (P = .0022). In the adult setting, HCWs more frequently reported exposure to COVID-19 patients without PPE (25% vs 15%, P = .046). Report of contacts with children attending out-of-home care facilities dramatically decreased over the study period. Conclusions Universal masking, reinforcement of hand hygiene, and PPE with medical masks for patients’ care allowed protection of HCWs and containment of the outbreak. Residual transmissions were related to persistent exposures with undiagnosed patients or colleagues and not to contacts with children attending out-of-home care facilities.

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SARS-CoV-2 vaccination with CoronaVac: seroconversion rate in healthcare workers after 40 days

10.1101/2021.05.20.21255825 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Lucas Bochnia-Bueno ◽

Sergio Monteiro De Almeida ◽

Sonia Mara Raboni ◽

Douglas Adamoski ◽

Ludmilla Louise Moreira Amadeu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immunoglobulin G ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Seroconversion Rate ◽

Spike Protein ◽

Southern Brazil ◽

Igg Antibodies ◽

Serum Samples ◽

N Protein ◽

Apparent Reason ◽

Administration Methods

Background: This study aimed to calculate the seroconversion rate of the CoronaVac vaccine in healthcare workers (HCWs) 40 days after administration. Methods: Serum samples from 133 HCWs from Southern Brazil were collected one day before (Day 0) and 10, 20, and 40 days after administering the vaccines first dose. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) was quantified using immunoassays for anti-N-protein antibodies (Abbott, Sligo, Ireland) and for anti-S1 (spike) protein antibodies (Euroimmun, Lubeck, Germany). Results: Seroconversion by D 40 (20 days after the second dose) occurred in 129 (97%) HCWs for the S1 protein, and in 69 (51.87%) HCWs for the N protein. An absence of IgG antibodies (by both methodologies), occurred in two (1.5%) HCWs undergoing semiannual rituximab administration, and also in another two (1.5%) HCWs with no apparent reason. Conclusion: This study showed that CoronaVac has a high seroconversion rate when evaluated in an HCW population.

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Seroprevalence of Mumps in Healthcare Workers in South Korea

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1017/ice.2020.1023 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. s387-s388

Author(s):

Sun Kyung Kim ◽

Jiwon Jung ◽

Sun Hee Kwak ◽

Min Jee Hong ◽

Eun Ok Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Korea ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Medical Center ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Antibody Test ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Birth Cohorts ◽

Antibody Testing ◽

Seropositivity Rate

Background: Mumps, a contagious disease, is transmissible by respiratory droplet particles and is preventable by vaccination. In South Korea, mandatory vaccination against mumps has markedly reduced its incidence. However, both the incidence and the number of reported cases of mumps have persistently increased in South Korea since 2007. Despite high vaccination rates, mumps outbreaks continue to occur, and many studies have been conducted on mumps seroprevalence in children and adolescents. In comparison, few reports have been published regarding mumps seroprevalence in healthcare workers (HCWs) in South Korea. Objective: We investigated the seroprevalence of HCWs in South Korea. Methods: This study was conducted at Asan Medical Center, a 2,705-bed tertiary-care hospital in Seoul, South Korea, with 8,329 HCWs. In 2018, we performed mumps antibody testing for HCWs. We administered MMR vaccination to all HCWs whose antibody test yielded equivocal or negative results. However, we did not repeat mumps antibody testing after MMR vaccination. Results: In total, 6,055 HCWs (73%) underwent mumps antibody testing. The overall mumps seropositivity rate was 87% (95% CI, 86%–87%). Seropositivity rates of all birth cohorts ranged from 72% to 92%. Mumps seropositivity rates were 88% in HCWs born before 1970, 87% in those born between 1970 and 1989, and 88% in those born between 1990 and 1995 (P = .59). Mumps seropositivity rates for both women and men HCWs were 87% (3,770 of 4,311 women and 1,517 of 1,744 men); the difference was not statistically significant (P = .62). The overall mumps seropositivity rate was 87%, which was above the herd immunity threshold of 75%–86%. Conclusions: Our results revealed that the overall mumps seropositivity rate in South Korean HCWs was above the herd immunity threshold. On the basis of this finding, we recommend that MMR vaccination after serologic testing may be a more reasonable approach than universal MMR vaccination alone in Korea.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

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Stable IgG-antibody levels in patients with mild SARS-CoV-2 infection

10.1101/2021.06.16.21258960 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Thomas Akerlund ◽

Katherina Zakikhany ◽

Charlotta Lofstrom ◽

Evelina Lindmark ◽

Henrik Kallberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nucleocapsid Protein ◽

Spike Protein ◽

Igg Antibodies ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Igg Antibody ◽

Time Period ◽

Specific Igg ◽

Antibody Levels ◽

Over Time ◽

Specific Igg Antibodies

More knowledge regarding persistence of antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 infections in the general population with mild symptoms is needed. We measured and compared levels of SARS-CoV-2 spike- and nucleocapsid-specific IgG-antibodies in serum samples from 145 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases and 324 non-cases. The IgG-antibody levels against the spike protein in cases were stable over the time-period studied (14 to 256 days), while antibody levels against the nucleocapsid protein decreased over time.

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Fire Risk Analysis Using Geospatial Approach and Mitigation Measures for South-West Delhi

International Journal of Emerging Research in Management and Technology ◽

10.23956/ijermt.v6i8.128 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (8) ◽

pp. 131

Author(s):

S. K. Tomar ◽

A. Kaur ◽

H. K. Dangi ◽

T. Ghawana ◽

K. Sarma

Keyword(s):

Risk Analysis ◽

Fire Risk ◽

Population Data ◽

Fire Service ◽

Capital City ◽

Mitigation Measures ◽

Fire Risk Analysis ◽

South West ◽

Geospatial Tools ◽

Fire Stations

One of the major challenge from unplanned growth in the cities is the fire incidents posing a serious threat to life and property. Delhi, the capital city of India, has seen unplanned growth of colonies resulting in a serious concern for the relevant agencies. This paper investigates the relation between potential causes of fire incidents during 2013-2016 in South-West Delhi Division of Delhi Fire Services as part of risk analysis using the data about fire stations & their jurisdictions, incidents of fire, water reservoirs available, landuse and population data along with the divisional & sub-divisional boundaries of South-West Delhi division under Delhi Fire Service. Statistical and Geospatial tools have been used together to perform the risk analysis. The analysis reveals that difference in actual occupancy and defined landuse as a part of unplanned growth of settlements is found to be the main reason behind the major fire incidents. The suggested mitigation measures focus on legal, policy, physical & technological aspects and highlight the need to bring the systemic changes with changing scenario of demographics and infrastructure to accommodate more aspects of ground reality.

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A Review on Methods of Face Masks Sterilization for Reuse Owing To Crisis During COVID-19

International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences ◽

10.26452/ijrps.v11ispl1.3604 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽

pp. 1240-1243

Author(s):

Pradyuman Singh Rajput ◽

Asish Kumar Saha ◽

Insiya Gangardiwala ◽

Anand Vijayakumar Palur Ramakrishnan

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Health Hazard ◽

Capital City ◽

Limited Resources ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

First Line ◽

Republic Of China ◽

Enormous Amount ◽

The Face ◽

The Common

The COVID-19 pandemic initially started from the Wuhan capital city of Hubei Province in the People's Republic of China had now led to a severe public health hazard across the globe, the recorded death is approximately 958 thousand globally and counting. With the enormous amount of spread of the disease, a severe crisis for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is being noticed across the globe. Face masks being the first line of defence for all the healthcare workers as well for the common public. It became mandatory to wear face masks before entering the patient care area. The countries who are not manufacturing it locally had to depend on other countries for the procurement. As there is a severe supply chain disruption due to the lockdown measures taken by all the countries to contain the disease, so it had become difficult to procure the face masks from the manufacturing countries. The price for these PPEs is also rising at an alarming rate with the increase in the COVID-19 cases and the huge rate of consumption by the healthcare and other sectors. Therefore, with limited resources, the hospital has to run its services. The CDC, WHO and ICMR have released several guidelines from time to time for sterilization and reuse of face masks. This article will discuss the various methods that can be utilized to sterilize the face masks and reuse of it.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Intention among Healthcare Workers in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9080835 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 835

Author(s):

Mohammed Noushad ◽

Mohammad Zakaria Nassani ◽

Anas B. Alsalhani ◽

Pradeep Koppolu ◽

Fayez Hussain Niazi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Healthcare System ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

Vaccination Campaign ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Positive Sign ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Public Health Strategies

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused largescale morbidity and mortality and a tremendous burden on the healthcare system. Healthcare workers (HCWs) require adequate protection to avoid onward transmission and minimize burden on the healthcare system. Moreover, HCWs can also influence the general public into accepting the COVID-19 vaccine. Therefore, determining COVID-19 vaccine intention among HCWs is of paramount importance to plan tailor-made public health strategies to maximize vaccine coverage. A structured questionnaire was administered in February and March 2021 among HCWs in Saudi Arabia using convenience sampling, proceeding the launch of the vaccination campaign. HCWs from all administrative regions of Saudi Arabia were included in the study. In total, 674 out of 1124 HCWs responded and completed the survey (response rate 59.9%). About 65 percent of the HCWs intended to get vaccinated. The intention to vaccinate was significantly higher among HCWs 50 years of age or older, Saudi nationals and those who followed the updates about COVID-19 vaccines (p < 0.05). The high percentage (26 percent) of those who were undecided in getting vaccinated is a positive sign. As the vaccination campaign gathers pace, the attitude is expected to change over time. Emphasis should be on planning healthcare strategies to convince the undecided HCWs into accepting the vaccine in order to achieve the coverage required to achieve herd immunity.

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Prevalence and Course of IgA and IgG Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Healthcare Workers during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Outbreak in Germany: Interim Results from an Ongoing Observational Cohort Study

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9050498 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 498

Author(s):

Mark Reinwald ◽

Peter Markus Deckert ◽

Oliver Ritter ◽

Henrike Andresen ◽

Andreas G. Schreyer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Significant Proportion ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Observational Cohort Study ◽

Igg Antibodies ◽

University Hospitals ◽

Observational Cohort

(1) Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are prone to intensified exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in the ongoing pandemic. We prospectively analyzed the prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in HCWs at baseline and follow up with regard to clinical signs and symptoms in two university hospitals in Brandenburg, Germany. (2) Methods: Screening for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgG antibodies was offered to HCWs at baseline and follow up two months thereafter in two hospitals of Brandenburg Medical School during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany in an ongoing observational cohort study. Medical history and signs and symptoms were recorded by questionnaires and analyzed. (3) Results: Baseline seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA was 11.7% and increased to 15% at follow up, whereas IgG seropositivity was 2.1% at baseline and 2.2% at follow up. The rate of asymptomatic seropositive cases was 39.5%. Symptoms were not associated with general seropositivity for anti-SARS-CoV-2; however, class switch from IgA to IgG was associated with increased symptom burden. (4) Conclusions: The seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was low in HCWs but higher compared to population data and increased over time. Screening for antibodies detected a significant proportion of seropositive participants cases without symptoms.

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Longitudinal Patterns of Ethical Organisational Culture as a Context for Leaders’ Well-Being: Cumulative Effects Over 6 Years

Journal of Business Ethics ◽

10.1007/s10551-021-04744-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mari Huhtala ◽

Muel Kaptein ◽

Joona Muotka ◽

Taru Feldt

Keyword(s):

Latent Profile Analysis ◽

Temporal Dynamics ◽

Ethical Dilemmas ◽

Extended Period ◽

Well Being ◽

Organisational Culture ◽

Cumulative Effects ◽

Ethical Culture ◽

Continuous Increase ◽

Over Time

AbstractThe aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate the temporal dynamics of ethical organisational culture and how it associates with well-being at work when potential changes in ethical culture are measured over an extended period of 6 years. We used a person-centred study design, which allowed us to detect both typical and atypical patterns of ethical culture stability as well as change among a sample of leaders. Based on latent profile analysis and hierarchical linear modelling we found longitudinal, concurrent relations and cumulative gain and loss cycles between different ethical culture patterns and leaders’ well-being. Leaders in the strongest ethical culture pattern experienced the highest level of work engagement and a decreasing level of ethical dilemmas and stress. Leaders who gave the lowest ratings on ethical culture which also decreased over time reported the highest level of ethical dilemmas, stress, and burnout. They also showed a continuous increase in these negative outcomes over time. Thus, ethical culture has significant cumulative effects on well-being, and these longitudinal effects can be both negative and positive, depending on the experienced strength of the culture’s ethicality.

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