scholarly journals Direct and Indirect Proof of SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Indigenous Wiwa Communities in North-Eastern Colombia—A Cross-Sectional Assessment Providing Preliminary Surveillance Data

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1120
Author(s):  
Gustavo Concha ◽  
Hagen Frickmann ◽  
Anke Oey ◽  
Monika Strengert ◽  
Lothar Kreienbrock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Point Of Care ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Point Of Care Test ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Nasal Swabs ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Rapid Antibody

To provide initial data on local SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology and spread in indigenous communities in north-eastern Colombia, respiratory swabs and serum samples from volunteers of indigenous communities were examined in March and April 2021. Samples from non-indigenous Colombians from the same villages were included as well. While previous exposure to SARS-CoV-2 was assessed by analysing serum samples for IgG and IgM with a rapid antibody point-of-care-test (POCT), screening for active infections was carried out with an antigen POCT test and real-time PCR from nasal swabs. In 380 indigenous and 72 non-indigenous volunteers, 61 (13.5%) active infections and an additional 113 (25%) previous infections were identified using diagnostic serology and molecular assays. Previous infections were more frequent in non-indigenous volunteers, and relevant associations of clinical features with active or previous SARS-CoV-2 infections were not observed. Symptoms reported were mild to moderate. SARS-CoV-2 was frequent in the assessed Colombian indigenous communities, as 38.5% of the study participants showed signs of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, which confirms the need to include these indigenous communities in screening and vaccination programs.

scholarly journals Morbidity associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0009375
Author(s):  
Maurice M. Nigo ◽  
Peter Odermatt ◽  
David Wully Nigo ◽  
Georgette B. Salieb-Beugelaar ◽  
Manuel Battegay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Schistosoma Mansoni ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Liver Parenchyma ◽  
Abdominal Ultrasonography ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Study Participants

Background Reducing morbidity is the main target of schistosomiasis control efforts, yet only rarely do control programmes assess morbidity linked to Schistosoma sp. infection. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and particularly in north-eastern Ituri Province, little is known about morbidity associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection. For this reason, we aimed to assess intestinal and hepatosplenic morbidity associated with S. mansoni infection in Ituri Province. Methods/Principal findings In 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 13 villages in Ituri Province, DRC. S. mansoni infection was assessed with a Kato-Katz stool test (2 smears) and a point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) urine test. A questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data and information about experienced intestinal morbidity. Each participant underwent an abdominal ultrasonography examination to diagnose hepatosplenic morbidity. Of the 586 study participants, 76.6% tested positive for S. mansoni. Intestinal morbidity reported in the two preceding weeks was very frequent, and included abdominal pain (52.7%), diarrhoea (23.4%) and blood in the stool (21.5%). Hepatosplenic morbidity consisted of abnormal liver parenchyma patterns (42.8%), hepatomegaly (26.5%) and splenomegaly (25.3%). Liver pathology (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.37, p = 0.005) was positively and significantly associated with S. mansoni infection. Hepatomegaly (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 0.99–2.32, p = 0.053) and splenomegaly (aOR 1.12, 95% CI 0.73–1.72, p = 0.619) were positively but not significantly associated with S. mansoni infection at the individual level. At the village level, S. mansoni prevalence was positively associated with the prevalence of hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. High-intensity S. mansoni infections were associated with diarrhoea, blood in the stool, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and liver parenchyma (C, D, E and F pathology patterns). Four study participants were diagnosed with ascites and five reported hematemesis. Conclusions/Significance Our study documents a high burden of intestinal and hepatosplenic morbidity associated with S. mansoni infection status in Ituri Province. The findings call for targeted interventions to address both S. mansoni infection and related morbidity.

scholarly journals Validation of the SavvyCheckTM Vaginal Yeast Test for Screening Pregnant Women for Vulvovaginal Candidosis: A Prospective, Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 233
Author(s):  
Philipp Foessleitner ◽  
Herbert Kiss ◽  
Julia Deinsberger ◽  
Julia Ott ◽  
Lorenz Zierhut ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gram Stain ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Point Of Care Test ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Vulvovaginal Candidosis

Pregnant women have an increased risk of vulvovaginal candidosis. Recurrent candidosis is under debate as a contributor to preterm birth, and vertical transmission may cause diaper dermatitis and oral thrush in the newborn. Apart from cultural methods, the gold standard for diagnosing candidosis is Gram staining, which is time-consuming and requires laboratory facilities. The objective of this prospective study was to validate a point-of-care vaginal yeast detection assay (SavvyCheckÔ Vaginal Yeast Test) and to evaluate it in asymptomatic pregnant women. We enrolled 200 participants, 100 of whom had vulvovaginal candidosis according to Gram stain (study group) and 100 were healthy pregnant controls (control group). Of these, 22 participants (11%) had invalid test results. The point-of-care test of the remaining 85 and 93 study participants in the study and control groups, respectively, showed a sensitivity of 94.1%, specificity of 98.9%, positive predictive value of 90.3%, and negative predictive value of 99.4% when compared with Gram stain. In conclusion, we found a high correlation between the SavvyCheckÔ Vaginal Yeast Test and Gram-stained smears during pregnancy. This suggests a potential role of this point-of-care test as a screening tool for asymptomatic pregnant women in early gestation.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Field Utility of a Rapid Point-of-Care Test for SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in a Household Cohort

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehal Churiwal ◽  
Kelly D. Lin ◽  
Salman Khan ◽  
Srijana Chhetri ◽  
Meredith S. Muller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Natural Infection ◽  
Field Performance ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Asymptomatic Infection ◽  
Point Of Care Test ◽  
Antibody Tests ◽  
Rapid Antibody

Point-of-care (POC) tests to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies offer quick assessment of serostatus after natural infection or vaccination. We compared the field performance of the BioMedomics COVID-19 IgM/IgG Rapid Antibody Test against an ELISA in 303 participants enrolled in a SARS-CoV-2 household cohort study. The rapid antibody test was easily implemented with consistent interpretation across 14 users in a variety of field settings. Compared with ELISA, detection of seroconversion lagged by 5 to 10 days. However, it retained a sensitivity of 90% (160/177, 95% confidence interval [CI] 85–94%) and specificity of 100% (43/43, 95% CI 92–100%) for those tested 3 to 5 weeks after symptom onset. Sensitivity was diminished among those with asymptomatic infection (74% [14/19], 95% CI 49–91%) and early in infection (45% [29/64], 95% CI 33–58%). When used appropriately, rapid antibody tests offer a convenient way to detect symptomatic infections during convalescence.

scholarly journals Circulation of Toscana Virus in a Sample Population of Corsica, France

Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 39
Author(s):  
Shirley Masse ◽  
Nazli Ayhan ◽  
Lisandru Capai ◽  
Rémi Charrel ◽  
Alessandra Falchi
Keyword(s):  
Blood Donors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Toscana Virus ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Participants

Sandfly-borne phleboviruses pathogenic to humans, such as Toscana virus (TOSV) and sandfly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV), are endemic in the Mediterranean region. In France, several autochthonous cases of TOSV infection have been described which cause either meningitis or encephalitis. The aim of the present study was to estimate the seroprevalence of TOSV and SFSV antibodies in a healthy population from Corsica. In this cross-sectional study, participants were enrolled from the medical staff at University of Corsica Pasquale Paoli (UCPP) and from general practitioners of the Corsican Sentinelles Network. The seroprevalence study was based on virus microneutralization (MN). A total of 240 patients were tested for TOSV and SFSV. Altogether, 54 serum samples were confirmed for TOSV infection (seroprevalence = 22.5%). None of the samples were positive for SFSV (0/240). The main place of residence was significantly associated with TOSV seropositivity (p-value = 0.005). The overall rate of TOSV antibody seroprevalence observed in our study suggests a more intense circulation of TOSV in Corsica, with a rate significantly higher than the 8.7% reported in Corsica in 2007 from blood donors. The absence of seropositivity to SFSV seems to confirm the low circulation of this virus in Corsica and in continental France. The increasing circulation of TOSV reported here should encourage the implementation of surveillance systems to control phlebovirus infection.

scholarly journals OC 8277 IDENTIFICATION OF NEW CEREBROSPINAL FLUID AND BLOOD-BASED BIOMARKERS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF TUBERCULOUS MENINGITIS IN CHILDREN

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (Suppl 3) ◽  
pp. A3.2-A3
Author(s):  
Masilo Charles Manyelo ◽  
Regan S Solomons ◽  
Gerhard Walzl ◽  
Novel N Chegou
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Tuberculous Meningitis ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis ◽  
Diagnostic Delay ◽  
Severe Form ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Meningitis In Children ◽  
Study Participants

BackgroundTuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most severe form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB). It mostly affects young children and results in high morbidity and mortality, mainly due to diagnostic delay. There is an urgent need for new tests for the earlier and accurate diagnosis of the disease. We previously identified a 3-marker cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biosignature (VEGF, IL-13, and LL-37) with potential to diagnose TBM. In the present study, we show that CSF and blood-based biosignatures may be useful in the diagnosis of TBM.MethodsCSF and serum samples were consecutively collected from 47 children that were admitted to the Tygerberg Academic Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, on suspicion of having TBM. Using a multiplex platform, the concentrations of 69 host markers were evaluated in the CSF and serum samples from all the study participants, followed by statistical analysis to ascertain the usefulness of these biomarkers as diagnostic candidates for TBM disease.ResultsOut of the 47 study participants, 23 (48.9%) were finally diagnosed with TBM and 6 (12.8%) were infected with HIV. Several CSF and serum biomarkers showed potential individually as diagnostic candidates for TBM as ascertained by area under the receiver operator characteristics curve (AUC). However, the main findings of our study were the identification of a four-marker CSF biosignature which diagnosed TBM with an AUC of 0.97 (95% CI, 0.92–1.00), and a 3-marker serum biosignature which diagnosed TBM with an AUC of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.73–0.96). We also validated a previously identified 3-marker CSF biosignature (VEGF, IL13 and LL37) in the study.ConclusionCSF and serum biosignatures may be useful in the diagnosis of TBM in children. Our findings require further validation in larger, multi-site studies after which the biosignatures may be incorporated into point-of-care diagnostic tests for TBM.

scholarly journals Accuracy of Rapid Point-of-Care Antibody Test in patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rama Vancheeswaran ◽  
Merlin L Willcox ◽  
Beth Stuart ◽  
Matthew Knight ◽  
Hala Kandil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Point Of Care ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
List Type ◽  
Reference Standard ◽  
Point Of Care Test ◽  
History Of ◽  
Antibody Tests ◽  
Composite Reference Standard ◽  
Rapid Antibody

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the real-world diagnostic accuracy of the Livzon point-of-care rapid test for antibodies to SARS-COV-2DesignProspective cohort studySettingDistrict general hospital in EnglandParticipants173 Patients and 224 hospital staff with a history of COVID-19 symptoms, and who underwent PCR and/or reference antibody testing for COVID-19.InterventionsThe Livzon point-of-care (POC) lateral flow immunoassay rapid antibody test (IgM and IgG) was conducted at least 7 days after onset of symptoms and compared to the composite reference standard of PCR for SARS-COV-2 plus reference laboratory testing for antibodies to SARS-COV-2. The SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR was tested using the available molecular technology during the study time (PHE laboratories, GeneXpert® system Xpert, Xpress SARS-CoV-2 and Source bioscience laboratory). All molecular platforms/assays were PHE/NHSE approved. The reference antibody test was the Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay (Roche diagnostics GmBH).Main outcome measuresSensitivity and specificity of the rapid antibody testResultsThe reference antibody test was positive in 190/268 (70.9%) of participants with a history of symptoms suggestive of COVID-19; in the majority (n=312) the POC test was taken 35 days or more after onset of symptoms. The POC antibody test had an overall sensitivity of 90.1% (292/328, 95% CI 86.3 – 93.1) and specificity of 100% (68/68, 95% CI 94.7 - 100) for confirming prior SARS-CoV-2 infection when compared to the composite reference standard. Sensitivity was 97.8% (89/92, 95% CI 92.3% to 99.7%) in participants who had been admitted to hospital and 84.4% (124/147, 95% CI 77.5% to 89.8%) in those with milder illness who had never been seen in hospital.ConclusionsThe Livzon point-of-care antibody test had comparable sensitivity and specificity to the reference laboratory antibody test, so could be used in clinical settings to support decision-making about patients presenting with more than 10 days of symptoms of COVID-19.What is already known on this topic-Presence of IgG and IgM antibodies to SARS-COV-2 indicates that the person was infected at least 7 days previously and is usually no longer infectious.-Rapid point-of-care tests for antibodies to SARS-COV-2 are widely available, cheap and easy to use-Preliminary evaluations suggested that rapid antibody tests may have insufficient accuracy to be useful for testing individual patients.What this study adds-The rapid point-of-care test for antibodies to SARS-COV-2 was 90.1% sensitive and 100% specific compared to reference standards for prior infection with COVID-19.-This is comparable to reference antibody tests-The point-of-care test evaluated in this study could be used to support clinical decision-making in real time, for patients presenting with symptoms of possible COVID-19 with at least 10 days of symptoms.

scholarly journals Multicentric Evaluation of a Novel Point of Care Electrochemical ELISA Platform for SARS-CoV-2 Specific IgG and IgM Antibody Assay

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinay Kumar ◽  
Kanad Ghosh ◽  
Anagha Chandran ◽  
Sachin Panwar ◽  
Ananthram Bhat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Estimation ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Antibody Concentration ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Efficient Detection ◽  
Epidemiological Surveys ◽  
Specific Igg ◽  
Electrochemical Redox

New diagnostics technologies for the efficient detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies is very crucial to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the context of emerging vaccination paradigms. Herein, we report on a novel point-of-care Electrochemical ELISA platform with disposable screen printed electrodes functionalized with SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein S1, to enable fast and accurate quantitative estimation of total antibody concentration (IgG and IgM) in clinical samples. The quantification is performed with a comparison of electrochemical redox current against the current produced by the spiked monoclonal antibodies with known concentration. The assay is validated through multicentric evaluation against 3 different FDA authorized Laboratory standard techniques, using both EDTA whole blood and serum samples. We demonstrate that the proposed assay has excellent sensitivity and specificity, making it a suitable candidate for epidemiological surveys and quantification of antibodies in COVID-19 vaccination programs.

scholarly journals Awareness of HPV Infection and Vaccination Among Teens in Urban School, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Faith C. Diorgu ◽  
Kelechim N Diorgu
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Urban School ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Urban Adolescent ◽  
Study Participants

To assess the level of awareness and knowledge of HPV infection and vaccination among 648 Teens from secondary schools and colleges in four metro cities of Port Harcourt Nigeria. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted by from 1st March to 31st August, 2018. Girls of 13–19 years, with an average of 16 years are targeted. A written questionnaire with two parts has been applied. A preliminary written questionnaire included questions of HPV infection and vaccination awareness. Results: The study participants are poorly aware about HPV infection and vaccination but are intensely willing to know about it. 98% (n-632) are not aware of HPV infection, while, 98% (n–636) is not aware of the vaccination. Conclusions: This study brings out the unawareness about HPV infection and vaccination in urban adolescent in four metro cities in Port Harcourt Nigeria. Adolescent understanding and being aware of the HPV virus is needed to have successful vaccination programs in Nigeria.

scholarly journals Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among workers of the public higher education institutions of Porto, Portugal: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
pp. oemed-2021-107519
Author(s):  
Paula Meireles ◽  
Joana Amaro ◽  
Joana Pinto da Costa ◽  
Mariana Mendes Lopes ◽  
Tatiana Varandas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Public Higher Education ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
True Prevalence ◽  
Point Of Care Test ◽  
Apparent Prevalence

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgM and IgG antibodies among workers of the three public higher education institutions of Porto, Portugal, up to July 2020.MethodsA rapid point-of-care test for specific IgM and IgG antibodies of SARS-CoV-2 was offered to all workers (SD Biosensor STANDARD Q COVID-19 IgM/IgG Duo and STANDARD Q COVID-19 IgM/IgG Combo). Testing was performed and a questionnaire was completed by 4592 workers on a voluntary basis from 21 May to 31 July 2020. We computed the apparent IgM, IgG, and combined IgM or IgG prevalence, along with the true prevalence and 95% credible intervals (95% CrI) using Bayesian inference.ResultsWe found an apparent prevalence of 3.1% for IgM, 1.0% for IgG and 3.9% for either. The estimated true prevalence was 2.0% (95% CrI 0.1% to 4.3%) for IgM, 0.6% (95% CrI 0.0% to 1.3%) for IgG, and 2.5% (95% CrI 0.1% to 5.3%) for IgM or IgG. A SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnosis was reported by 21 (0.5%) workers; and of these, 90.5% had a reactive IgG result. Seroprevalence was higher among those reporting contacts with confirmed cases, having been quarantined, having a previous molecular negative test or having had symptoms.ConclusionsThe seroprevalence among workers from the three public higher education institutions of Porto after the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 infection was similar to national estimates for the same age working population. However, the estimated true seroprevalence was approximately five times higher than the reported SARS-CoV-2 infection based on a molecular test.

scholarly journals Clinical evaluation of BD Veritor SARS-CoV-2 point-of-care test performance compared to PCR-based testing and versus the Sofia 2 SARS Antigen point-of-care test.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Young ◽  
Stephanie Taylor ◽  
Catherine Cammarata ◽  
Celine Roger-Dalbert ◽  
Amanda Montano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Test Performance ◽  
Rapid Detection ◽  
Clinical Performance ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Point Estimate ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Point Of Care Test ◽  
Nasal Swabs ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Antigen Testing

Objectives The clinical performance of the BD Veritor System for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen (Veritor), a chromatographic immunoassay that detects the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen as a point-of-care test, was evaluated on nasal specimens from individuals with COVID-19 symptoms. Methods and Materials Two studies were completed to determine clinical performance. In the first study, nasal specimens and either nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal specimens from 251 participants with COVID-19 symptoms (<=7 days from symptom onset [DSO]), >=18 years of age, were utilized to compare Veritor with the Lyra SARS-CoV-2 PCR Assay (Lyra). In the second study, nasal specimens from 361 participants with COVID-19 symptoms (<=5 DSO), >=18 years of age, were utilized to compare performance of Veritor to that of the Sofia 2 SARS Antigen FIA test (Sofia 2). Positive, negative, and overall percent agreement (PPA, NPA, and OPA, respectively) were the primary outcomes. Results In study 1, PPA for Veritor, compared to Lyra, ranged from 81.8%-87.5% for 0-1 through 0-6 DSO ranges. In study 2, Veritor had a PPA, NPA, and OPA of 97.4%, 98.1%, and 98.1%, respectively, with Sofia 2. Discordant analysis showed one Lyra positive missed by Veritor and five Lyra positives missed by Sofia 2; one Veritor positive result was negative by Lyra. Conclusions Veritor met FDA-EUA acceptance criteria for SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing (>=80% PPA point estimate) for the 0-5 and 0-6 DSO ranges. Veritor and Sofia 2 showed a high degree of agreement for SARS-CoV-2 detection. The Veritor test should facilitate rapid and reliable results for COVID-19 diagnosis utilizing easy-to-collect nasal swabs.

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