COVID-19 antibody testing: from hype to immunological reality

The potential role for serological tests in the current COVID-19 pandemic has generated very considerable recent interest across many sectors worldwide, inter alia pathologists seeking additional weapons for their armoury of diagnostic tests; epidemiologists seeking tools to gain seroprevalence data that will inform improved models of the spread of disease; research scientists seeking tools to study the natural history of COVID-19 disease; vaccine developers seeking tools to assess vaccine efficacy in clinical trials; and companies and governments seeking tools to aid return-to-work decision-making. However, much of the local debate to date has centred on questions surrounding whether regulatory approval processes are limiting access to serological tests, and has not paused to consider the intrinsically limiting impact of underlying fundamental biology and immunology on where and how different COVID-19 serological tests can usefully be deployed in the response to the current pandemic. We review, from an immunological perspective, recent experimental evidence on the time-dependency of adaptive immune responses following SARS-CoV-2 infection and the impact of this on the sensitivity and specificity of COVID-19 antibody tests made at different time points post infection. We interpret this scientific evidence in terms of mooted clinical applications for current COVID-19 antibody tests in identifying acute infections, in confirming recent or past infections at the individual and population level, and in detecting re-infection and protective immunity. We conclude with guidance on where current COVID-19 antibody tests can make a genuine impact in the pandemic

The mechanics of setting up a COVID-19 response: Experiences of the COVID-19 epidemic from Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the provision of healthcare in ways that are unprecedented in our lifetime. Planning for the sheer numbers expected during the surge has required public hospitals to de-escalate all non-essential clinical services to focus on COVID-19. Western Cape Province was the initial epicentre of the COVID-19 epidemic in South Africa (SA), and the Cape Town metro was its hardest-hit geographical region. We describe how we constructed our COVID-19 hospital-wide clinical service at Groote Schuur Hospital, the University of Cape Town's tertiary-level teaching hospital. By describing the barriers and enablers, we hope to provide guidance rather than a blueprint for hospitals elsewhere in SA and in low-resource countries that face similar challenges now or during subsequent waves

Increasing the Risk of Nosocomial Transmission of HIV: Pitfalls and Practices at a Busy Secondary Level Hospital with a High Burden of HIV

Healthcare professionals working in high HIV prevalence settings are at continuous risk of nosocomial acquisition of HIV. Risk factors for percutaneous injuries include recapping or manipulation of needles following venesection and improper disposal of sharps. Prompt risk assessment and access to antiretroviral post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is essential to reduce the risk of HIV seroconversion. This study audits the practice of doctors involved in high risk procedures for acquisition of blood-borne viruses. Forty-two doctors working at GF Jooste Hospital; Cape Town; were polled by anonymous questionnaire as to their venesection practice; sharps disposal; history of at-risk exposures and access to PEP. An observational study of sharps bin use was undertaken concurrently. Thirty-six doctors responded; 92of whom were misusing blood-taking equipment. Five times the number of sharps bins were available in medical wards compared to surgical. Twenty-four doctors sustained a total of 67 blood risk exposures since qualification. Less than half of exposures were reported and only 35of those who reported their incident received post-exposure counselling and appropriate management. Twenty-five exposures led to a course of PEP. Median delay to PEP was two hours and median duration of PEP was 21 days. Incorrect venesection practice; improper sharps disposal and inadequate post-exposure management are directly increasing the risk of nosocomial transmission of HIV. We believe that these practices are widespread within the South African health service and need to be addressed to adequately protect our doctors and nurses