ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, numerous infections have been observed with various symptoms and degrees of severity. Not all patients have had a confirmation of infection made using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or antigen tests. It has been observed that some people, including convalescents or those without knowledge of a past infection, perform serological tests to detect anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in a cohort of convalescents and in individuals not previously infected, who were willing to get vaccinated. We also aimed to assess several socio-clinical factors associated with participants' humoral responses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We recruited 298 individuals from the region of Lower Silesia who were willing to get vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2. The participants were divided into 2 groups: convalescents (group I) and participants without a past infection (group II). Several seropositive individuals in group II were identified, and they were transferred to group I, resulting in a final distribution of 171 individuals in group I and 127 individuals in group II. For serological testing, the QuantiVac anti-SARS-CoV-2 (IgG) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used. RESULTS: The results showed the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in participants from group I, with an average number of 190.3 IU/mL. Twenty-three participants (13.45%) did not have a detectable level of antibodies despite a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. In 21 participants (12.28%), antibodies were detected despite no previous symptoms of infection (average level: 145.0 IU/mL). CONCLUSION: Older participants were more likely to experience a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the severity of the symptoms was related to higher antibody titers seen later after COVID-19. Numerous individuals from group II were unaware of past SARS-CoV-2 infections. In several participants, antibodies were not detected despite a previous infection.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19 , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Poland/epidemiology , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , SARS-CoV-2 , Vaccination , Immunoglobulin G , Antibodies, ViralABSTRACT
COVID-19 is a contagious disease that has spread globally, killing millions of people around the world. In order to reduce the likelihood of in-hospital death due to COVID-19, it is reasonable to select a group of patients with a low probability of survival and to implement measures in advance to minimize the risk of death. One way to do this is to establish cut-off values for the most commonly performed blood laboratory tests, above or below which the likelihood of death increases significantly. The aim of the study was to determine the basic laboratory parameters among unvaccinated patients hospitalized for COVID-19 with concomitant cardiovascular disease, which are the predictors of in-hospital death. Out of 1234 patients, 446 people who met the specific inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. The multivariate regression analysis has shown that the independent predictors of death are: troponin levels of at least 0.033 µg/L (OR = 2.04 [1.10; 3.79]), creatinine of at least 1.88 mg/dL (OR = 2.88 [1.57; 5.30]), D-dimers of at least 0.97 g/L (OR = 2.04 [1.02; 4.07]), and C-reactive protein minimum of 0.89 mg/L (OR = 2.28 [1.24; 4.18]).
ABSTRACT
Since the end of December 2020, it has been possible to vaccinate against COVID-19. Our aim was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of the vaccines available at the time of the mass vaccination program in Poland and also to look into the most common adverse side effects. Patients' anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies levels were checked before vaccination and after the first and after the second/last dose by the anti-SARS-CoV-2 QuantiVac ELISA (IgG) (EUROIMMUN MedicinischeLabordiagnostica AG; Luebeck; Germany) test. Before each blood collection, all patients filled out a questionnaire regarding experienced side effects. We observed that 100% of patients responded to the vaccinations. After the first dose, convalescents had much higher levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies than naive patients, although after the second dose, 61 out of 162 convalescents (37.7%) had lower results than before. The comparison of immunological responses in the convalescents group after the first dose and in the naive group after the second dose showed that convalescents had higher antibody titers, which may suggest the possibility of changing the vaccination schedule for convalescents. The highest antibody titers after both the first and second doses were observed after Moderna shots. Fever was identified as a significant factor regarding higher levels of antibodies after the first and second doses of the vaccine.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus which has caused a global pandemic. Due to the lack of available treatment for COVID-19 infections, prevention plays the most important role in combating the virus. Educational programs among students of medical faculties is necessary, because in the future they will act as health educators in the healthcare system. The aim of the study is to assess the students' knowledge as an initial stage to the implementation of further preventive strategies against the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus infections and to the evaluation of the effectiveness of the implemented preventive measures by continuous monitoring of the number of implemented administrative procedures. METHODS: The study involved 482 students of medical faculties. Participants completed a questionnaire based on knowledge about the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Additionally, a number of preventive measures were introduced, including vaccination against COVID-19. During the entire period of the study, the number of administrative procedures (isolation and quarantine) were monitored. RESULTS: The results of the knowledge test about COVID-19 were generally low and amounted to 11.0 (SD = 2.2). Significant differences in knowledge about COVID-19 between students of particular medical faculties were found. The most appropriate answers to questions about the incubation time of the SARS-CoV-2 virus were given by students of medicine (55%), followed by nursing (42.14%) and pharmacy (26%) students. Nursing students were the most correct in identifying the 3 main symptoms of COVID-19 (91.07%), followed by students of medicine (85.83%), and finally dentistry (77.27%) and pharmacy (76.67%) students. The Median (IQR) of students quarantined or isolating during steps 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 117,5 (142); 40 (43); 38, (20); and 9,5 (15), respectively. CONCLUSION: Students of certain faculties showed a low level of knowledge about transmission routes and procedures for dealing with a person suspected of being infected with SARS-CoV-2 or who has tested positive for COVID-19. Additional educational programs were conducted among medical students, along with other prevention strategies, which contributed to a decrease in the number of applied administrative procedures (isolation or quarantine).
ABSTRACT
The role of medical personnel in promoting vaccination and pro-health attitudes seems to be of key importance for protection against COVID-19. The aim of the study was to assess the attitudes of health care workers and students of medical faculties towards preventive vaccinations against COVID-19. A cross-sectional online self-administered survey was conducted among 497 people. The questions concerned attitudes towards vaccination as well as concerns about the side effects of the vaccine and contracting COVID-19. A positive attitude to vaccination was observed in 82% of the respondents. More than 54% respondents were concerned about side effects after COVID-19 vaccination. Medical students under 26 years had a more positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination, twice as high as among health care workers OR (95%Cl): 2.20 (1.03-4.66) vs. 4.06 (2.54-6.48), respectively. Students were more concerned than nurses about adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccine 3.8 (3.2-4.1) vs. 3.0 (2.7-3.5) and contracting the virus (1.7 (1.2-2.5) vs. 1.2 (1.0-2.0). Medical students had a more positive attitude toward vaccination than nursing students 4.2 (3.9-4.3) vs. 3.7 (3.3-4.3). In conclusion, predictors of positive attitudes toward vaccination were medical student status and young age.
ABSTRACT
Poland is among the European countries currently facing the second wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. A lot of studies confirm the mortality rate of COVID-19 increases with age. Considering the particularly adverse outcomes of a SARS-CoV-2 infection, preventing infections should be the priority for public health professionals. One method for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections among eldery people may involve implementing procedures for limiting the spread of the pathogen, and providing education to medical staff, so as to bridge any gaps in knowledge on virus spread and post-infection or post-exposure management. Three residential medical centers in Poland were selected for evaluation of existing medical procedures to identify any errors in the current procedures applied for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 spread in the facility. The project involved 4 steps: (1) Audit of the existing medical procedures; (2) Knowledge evaluation for the staff (n=185) in the senior- and disabled care facilities, administration of a knowledge test developed by the authors to assess knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 prevention; (3) Training for medical staff; (4) Updates and implementation of procedures. The knowledge test conducted revealed a lack of knowledge of medical personnel about SARS-CoV-2. The deficiencies of the surveyed group varied depending on the place of employment. Almost half of the surveyed medical centers (center No. 1 (52%) vs. center No. 2 (44%) vs. center No. 3(59%)) believed that elderly people usually do not show symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the facility No. 1, 70% of respondents did know that SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted via the alimentary route compared to center No. 2 and No. 3 where knowledge about it showed only 28,9% and 24,8% responders, respectively. Also, in facility No. 1, the least among the studied group (67%) knew that people with comorbidities were at risk of covid-19 compared to respondents from facility No. 2 and 3, where, respectively, 100% and 93% had such knowledge. Only 33.3% of the staff of facility No. 1 knew how to deal with a patient who will present symptoms such as temp >38 degrees with coughing or dyspnea while in institution No. 2 and 3, this knowledge was slightly higher at 44% and 60% respectively. The audit of the existing hygiene procedures used to limit the risk of SARS-CoV-2 spread demonstrated a number of shortcomings. Employees at the residential medical care centers included in the study had gaps in knowledge on the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The training sessions implemented at the next stage improved knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 infections. Additionally, decisions were made to modify certain procedures and introduce new ones to better prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) constitutes a major health burden worldwide due to high mortality rates and hospital bed shortages. SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with several laboratory abnormalities. We aimed to develop and validate a risk score based on simple demographic and laboratory data that could be used on admission in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection to predict in-hospital mortality. METHODS: Three cohorts of patients from different hospitals were studied consecutively (developing, validation, and prospective cohorts). The following demographic and laboratory data were obtained from medical records: sex, age, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelets, leukocytes, sodium, potassium, creatinine, and C-reactive protein (CRP). For each variable, classification and regression tree analysis were used to establish the cut-off point(s) associated with in-hospital mortality outcome based on data from developing cohort and before they were used for analysis in the validation and prospective cohort. The covid-19 score was calculated as a sum of cut-off points associated with mortality outcome. RESULTS: The developing, validation, and prospective cohorts included 129, 239, and 497 patients, respectively (median age, 71, 67, and 70 years, respectively). The following cut of points associated with in-hospital mortality: age > 56 years, male sex, hemoglobin < 10.55 g/dL, MCV > 92.9 fL, leukocyte count > 9.635 or < 2.64 103/µL, platelet count, < 81.49 or > 315.5 103/µL, CRP > 51.14 mg/dL, creatinine > 1.115 mg/dL, sodium < 134.7 or > 145.4 mEq/L, and potassium < 3.65 or > 6.255 mEq/L. The AUC of the covid-19 score for predicting in-hospital mortality was 0.89 (0.84-0.95), 0.850 (0.75-0.88), and 0.773 (0.731-0.816) in the developing, validation, and prospective cohorts, respectively (P < 0.001The mortality of the prospective cohort stratified on the basis of the covid-19 score was as follows: 0-2 points,4.2%; 3 points, 15%; 4 points, 29%; 5 points, 38.2%; 6 and more points, 60%. CONCLUSION: The covid-19 score based on simple demographic and laboratory parameters may become an easy-to-use, widely accessible, and objective tool for predicting mortality in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.