Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G antibody during COVID-19 pandemic in Fayoum District, Egypt: a community-based pilot survey

Introduction: controlling the worldwide pandemic, coronavirus disease (COVID-19), could be impossible due to the hesitancy about the available vaccines and the difficulty to implement strict restrictions. Little information is available about herd immunity in the highly vulnerable region of North East Africa, Egypt. Objectives: to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic in one of the highly vulnerable populations in Egypt, Fayoum district of Fayoum Governorate. Additionally, to assess the predictive value of symptoms and other associated risk factors towards a positive COVID-19 test. Methods: in this cross-sectional community-based pilot study, immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies that are specific for the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S1-RBD) protein were tested during the period from February 2021 to July 2021. Results: out of 155 participants, 60.6% were SARS-CoV-2 seropositive. Out of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, 76.5% and 56.2% were seropositive, respectively. Surprisingly, only one individual had received the COVID-19 vaccine. Previous history of COVID-19; such as symptoms and gender are statistically significant predictors of high seroconversion independent of age, comorbidities, and level of education. Conclusion: this study which disclosed unexpectedly high SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion among the Egyptians, might provide a clear insight into COVID-19 transmission patterns and state of immunity. Further study with a larger sample size on a large scale is required to represent the whole local population.

Elevated unidentified antibodies in sickle cell anaemia patients receiving blood transfusions in Cape Town, South Africa

Background. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited haemoglobinopathy in which homozygous individuals suffer from numerous complications including vaso-occlusion, infection and haemolytic anaemia. Patients therefore often require blood transfusions, which may lead to elevated levels of allogeneic antibodies. In South Africa (SA), the number of patients with SCD has risen significantly owing to migration and changing demographics, leading to an increased need for blood products.Objectives. Against the above background, to determine the incidence of alloimmunisation and the presence of clinically significant antibodies in SCD patients requiring transfusions in Cape Town, SA.Methods. Information on SCD patients receiving blood products between 2010 and 2012, including demographics, number of units transfused and the presence and type of alloantibodies, was collected. The results were compared with those for non-SCD controls who had received a similar number of transfusions.Results. Of 182 patients analysed, 91 had SCD. Twenty-two percent of the SCD patients and 13.2% of the controls had become alloimmunised (p=0.12), while the proportions of those receiving transfusions and acquiring clinically significant antibodies were similar between the two groups (p=0.17 and p=0.19, respectively). However, the total number and amount of unidentified antibodies were significantly increased in patients with SCD (p=0.02 and p<0.001, respectively).Conclusions. This study concluded that patients with SCD develop increased numbers of unidentified antibodies, which may be important in the selection of suitable donors

A sero-survey to identify the window of vulnerability to measles in infants in North-Eastern Nigeria

As infants lose maternal measles antibodies (MMAs); they experience periods when their antibody levels are insufficient to protect them against measles. A prospective study was carried out at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Sera collected from neonates at birth; and at six weeks; three months; six months and nine months of age; were analysed for MMAs by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seventy-seven neonates were enrolled. Of these; 73 (94.8) had protective MMAs at birth. This figure declined to 36 (46.8); 28 (36.4); 13 (16.9) and 4 (5.2) at six weeks; three months; six months and nine months of age (?2 = 154.264; p-value = 0.000). Protective MMAs at birth waned rapidly; resulting in an early window of vulnerability to measles by the age of six months. Protecting infants with early measles immunisation with potent; safe vaccines are recommended

Seroprevalence of Antibodies (IgG) to Taenia Solium among Pig Rearers and Associated Risk Factors in Jos metropolis; Nigeria

Introduction: In Nigeria; Taenia solium cysticercosis is a problem in rural areas where most pigs are kept and in urban areas where infected pork can be consumed. Methodology: We performed enzyme linked immunosorbent assays on serum samples collected from pig rearers in Jos; Nigeria; to determine the prevalence of IgG antibodies. Results: Of 125 subjects tested; 12 (9.6) were positive for T. solium. Seroprevalence did not differ significantly (P0.05) according to education; age; occupation; study location; gender or whether the subjects consumed pork. However; a statistical difference (P0.05) in seroprevalence was observed according to type and availability of toilet used; personal hygiene after using the toilet; and type of pig management practiced. Females were about two times more likely to be seroprevalent than males (OR

Les anticorps anti CCP sont ils associés avec un âge de début précoce de la polyarthrite rhumatoïde ?

Objectifs: Déterminer les facteurs influenc¸ ant l'âge de début de la polyarthrite rhumatoïde (PR). Méthodes: Nous avons étudié un échantillon de 152 patients colombiens atteints de PR. Les rapports des risques instantanés (hazard ratio [HR]), qui mesurent l'effet taille des facteurs de risque sur l'âge de survenue de la PR ont été calculés en utilisant des modèles de régression de Cox. Résultats: La présence d'anticorps anti-CCP était associée avec une augmentation du risque de survenue d'un début précoce de la PR (HR = 1,60 ; IC95 % : 1,06­2,40). À l'inverse, la présence de la séquence protectrice 70DERAA74 était associée à un âge de début plus tardif de la PR (HR = 0,55 ; IC95 % : 0,33­0,92). Après ajustement pour les anti-CCP et la séquence 70DERAA74, les variables suivantes n'avaient pas d'influence significative sur l'âge de début de la PR : sexe, tabagisme, antécédent familial de PR, polymorphisme du gène TNF-308 A, épitope HLA partagé, présence du facteur rhumatoïde. Conclusion. ­ Les anticorps anti-CCP et la séquence 70DERAA74 de HLA-DRB1 influencent l'âge de début de la PR

Seroprevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 among Patients Attending the Sexually Transmitted Infections Clinic in Jos; Nigeria

Background: Infection with Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 (HSV-2) is the primary cause of genital herpes and the most common cause of genital ulcer disease (GUD) worldwide. There is little information on the prevalence of HSV-2 in Nigeria. Methodology: Specimens were collected from 162 volunteers attending Jos University Teaching Hospital and tested for HSV-2 antibodies using HSV-2 Type specific IgG EIA test kit (Globalemed LLC Alexandria VA; USA). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 13.0. P values = 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Out of the 162 individuals tested; 141 (87.0) were HSV-2 positive. Infected individuals were more likely to be male than female (92.8versus 86.4; P 0.05). There were high rates of infection in all age groups; and the prevalence increased with age. However; multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HSV-2 prevalence was not significantly associated with increasing age; sex; marital status; occupation; educational status; and number of sex partners (P 0.05). Conclusions: The results highlight the potential public health impact of HSV-2 in Nigeria where anti-HSV-2 testing is not generally performed in all populations; especially considering the risk of neonatal transmission and the attendant complications at birth

Determination of Antibodies to Hepatitis B Virus in Pregnant Women in Akure; Ondo State; Nigeria

The seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBsAg) antibodies in pregnant women were determined using the rapid kit with double sandwich antibody procedure. Eight hundred and sixty pregnant women were recruited for this study. Out of this number forty (4.7) were positive while eight hundred and twenty (95.3) were negative; indicating an overall prevalence of 4.7. It therefore implies that the area under study showed low endemicity for the infection. It was also observed that health status of the women and their history of travels outside Akure; Ondo State was not associated with HBsAg seropositivity. The significance of these findings is discussed

Antiphospholipids Antibodies and Migraine

Background: Antiphospholipids antibodies has been associated with non-thrombotic neurological conditions such as migraine. We set out to estimate the concentration of antiphospholipids antibody among patients with migraine and normal population. Methods: This is prospective case-control study of 158 subjects including 82 migraine patients who fulfilled the International Headache Society criteria for the diagnosis of migraine headache and 76 age and sex-matched controls who were mostly hospital staff and medical students. Blood samples were taken for quantification of antiphospholipids antibodies. Results: There were 28 males and 54 females among the migraine patients and 30 males and 46 females among the controls. Their mean ages were 28.8 + 8.4 years and 26.4 + 3.9 years; respectively. Migraine patients had increased level of aPL (lgG anti Beta2GP1) 27.76 + 14.47IU/ml compared to the normal healthy adults (21.43 + 9.4IU/ml) (p0.05). Similarly; antiphospholipid antibodies was significantly elevated in migraine patients with aura compared to those without aura; (?2

The Seroprevalence of Cytomegalovirus Antibodies among Prospective Blood Donors in Jos

"Background:Human cytomegalovirus; otherwise called human herpes virus type 5; is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnancy; and among immunocompromised patients like recipients of organ transplants. Cytomegalovirus is transmissible via blood transfusion; among other parenteral routes. This study therefore aims at establishing the seroprevalence of CMV antibodies among prospective blood donors in Jos. This is with a view to making recommendations on donor screening and transfusion protocols among susceptible patients. Methods: A total of 200 prospective blood donors were recruited into the study. Screening for CMV antibodies was done using ELISA kit; manufactured by ""DIALAB""; Austria (www.dialb.at) Results: Of the 200 prospective blood donors analysed; 184 donors were found to be positive for cytomegalovirus antibodies; representing a prevalence rate of 92.The peak age prevalence was in the 25-29 years age range; representing 0.4.Cytomegalovirus prevalence was lowest in the 15-19 years age range and above 50 years(1.6each). Conclusion: A cytomegalovirus antibody prevalence rate of 92indicates that screening for CMV should be included in screening algorithm for potentially susceptible recipients of blood and its products. Non infected susceptible persons should be transfused CMV negative or leucocyte depleted blood and blood products."

Estrogenic and Pregnancy Interceptory Effects of Achyranthes Aspera Linn. Root

Achyranthes aspera Linn. (Amaranthaceae) is an abundant indigenous herb in India. It is traditionally being used as an abortifacient. Four successive solvent extracts of the root were screened for antifertility activity in female albino rats. The chloroform and ethanol extracts exhibited 100anti-implantation activity when given orally at 200 mg/kg body weight. Both the extracts at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight also exhibited estrogenic activity. Histological studies of the uterus were carried out to confirm this estrogenic activity

Persistance d'une circulation endemique du virus West Nile a Madagascar

Persistence of an endemic circulation of the virus West Nile in Madagascar:The wide geographic distribution of the West Nile virus and the increase in virulence observedsince 1994 in the Mediterranean basin; central Europe and north America; with several outbreaks of lethal encephalitis; demonstrate the importance of regular surveillance of the epidemiological data regarding this virus in the world. The Institut Pasteur de Madagascar has shown between 1975 and 1990 that this arbovirus was most abundant in Madagascar; where it had an endemic circulation. There has been no further study since that time. In order to evaluate the level of circulation; the seroprevalence of nti-West Nile antibodies in children that are 15 or less was measured on two different collections of sera. These collections came from population studies realised respectively in the region of Ambositra in the Highlands in 1996 and in the city of Mahajanga on the north west coast in 1999. The seroprevalence were 2.1

Serum Hanganutziu and Deicher (HD) Antibody and Total Salic Acid Levels in Hepatoma Patients

A preliminary short follow-up study of Hanganutziu and Deicher (HD) antibody titre and sialic acid levels in sera from 7 patients with hepatoma was carried out. Weekly HD antibody titres were abnormal in 6 patients with titres of 4 of the 6 falling to normal in some weeks. Sialic acids levels; however were abnormal (3.830-6.82mmol/ l) compared to those of 33 normal sera (1.08-2.73 mmol/1) throughout the 8 week screening period. There was a poor correlation between the antibody tires and the sialic acid levels (r0.50) suggesting that at some stage of malignancy; the tumour was expressing N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc); the epitope of HD antigens as well as shedding into circulation; excess N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc). Neu5Gc is a tumor-associated antigen. Measurement of antibodies to this epitope have shown that the antibodies have a potential of offering an alternative method of determining tumor growth and/or metastases. A major follow-up study incorporating information on cancer type; disease stage; therapy and the immnunological status of the patient is called for

Anticorps anti-Pfs48/45 dans les serums de deux populations vivant en zone d'endemie palustre de niveaux de transmission differents

La presence d'anticorps antigamete (Pfs48/45) a ete recherchee par la technique d'ELISA competition chez deux groupes de populations vivant en zone d'endemie palustre de niveau de transmission differente. Le pour centage d'individus possedant les anticorps anti-Pfs/48/45 ainsi que les titres moyens obtenus ont ete faibles. L'age moyen d'apparition de ces anticorps etait tres eleve (37;4 ans). Ces observations indiquent que l'immunite naturelle antigamete (Pfs48/45) serait un phenomene qui s'acquiert tres lentement et necessite plusieurs episodes palustres

La cinetique des anticorps antirabiques chez 20 personnes avec le vaccin de cellules renales de foetus de bovin

La Cote d'Ivoire etant une zone de grande endemicite de la rage avec des souches sauvages entretenues par une importante population de chiens errants; toutes les vaccinations doivent etre soumises a un controle systematique des anticorps antirabiques. La vaccination de 20 personnes faite avec le vaccin de cellules renales de foetus de bovin de l'Institut Pasteur; donne une couverture satisfaisante

Sero-diagnosis of tuberculosis with A60 antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay: failure in HIV-infected individuals in Ghana

In order to assess the diagnostic usefulness of the A60 (ANDA Biological; Strassbourg; France) sero-diagnostic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for tuberculosis in Africa; sera of 53 pulmonary smear-positive tuberculosis (TB) patients; 30 apparently healthy control subjects and 6 AIDS suspects were sampled in Agogo Hospital in the forest area of Ghana. These sera were analyzed for antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2; and IgG-antibodies to the A60 BCG-antigen; while the non-HIV individuals were tested for total IgG levels. One healthy control subject; all of 6 AIDS suspects and 7 of the TB patients has HIV infections. In the non-HIV TB group; the sensitivity and specifity of the A60 ELISA was 78 per cent and 86 per cent; respectively; which was much poorer than expected from published reports about the A60 test. The A60 test failed; completely however; to discriminate between TB and non-TB in the HIV-positive group. In the non-HIV groups; total IgG levels were significantly higher in TB patients than in controls. It seems that the usefulness of the A60 ELISA test to diagnose tuberculosis is very limited in this high-incidence area; and that it seems to be of no value in patients infected with HIV