SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Detection Tests: test performance during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of COVID-19 vaccination (preprint)

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid detection tests (RDTs) emerged as point-of-care diagnostics in addition to the RT-qPCR as the gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics. Facing the course of the COVID-19 pandemic to an endemic characterised by several SARS-CoV-2 virus variants of concern (VOC) and an increasing public COVID-19 vaccination rate the aim of the study was to investigate the long-term test performance of SARS-CoV-2 RDT in large-scale, clinical screening use during and its influencing factors, above all SARS-CoV-2 VOC and COVID-19 vaccination. MethodsIn a prospective performance assessment conducted at a single centre tertiary care hospital, RDTs from three manufacturers (NADAL(R), Panbio, MEDsan(R)) were compared to RT-qPCR among individuals aged [≥] 6 month. The evaluation involved the determination of standardised viral load from oropharyngeal swabs as well as the evaluation of their influencing factors, especially the COVID-19 vaccination, for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in a clinical point-of-care environment spanning from 12 November 2020 to 30 June 2023 among patients, staff, and visitors of the hospital. ResultsAmong the 78,798 RDT/RT-qPCR tandems analysed, 2,016 (2.6%) tandems tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, with an overall sensitivity of 34.5% (95% CI 32.4-36.6%). A logistic regression revealed that typical COVID-19 symptoms significantly declined over the course of the study and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and that among the vaccinated, significantly fewer presented with an infection exhibiting typical symptoms. The employed lasso regression model indicated that only higher viral load and typical COVID-19 symptoms significantly increase the likelihood of a positive RDT result in the case of a SARS-CoV-2 infection directly. ConclusionOur findings indicate that only viral load and COVID-19 symptoms directly influence RDT performance while the obtained effects of COVID-19 vaccination and Omicron VOC both reducing RDT performance were mediated by these two factors. RDTs remain an adequate diagnostic tool for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in individuals showing respiratory symptoms. RDTs show promise beyond SARS-CoV-2, proving adaptable for detecting other pathogens like Influenza and RSV, highlighting their ongoing importance in infection control and prevention efforts.

Examination of Influenza A Infection Rate, Its Determinants, and Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Era (preprint)

BackgroundIn the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, a pronounced wave of Influenza A occurred in the 2022/23 winter season under generally relaxed post-pandemic non-pharmaceutical preventive measures. AimThis study aimed to investigate the Influenza A infection rate, factors influencing its occurrence and seasonal Influenza vaccine effectiveness on seroconversion in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. MethodsThe seroconversion of Anti-Influenza-A-Nucleoprotein/Matrix IgG was investigated in 402 healthcare workers (HCWs) during the winter season of 2022/2023 (23 May 2022 to 11 May 2023). The participants provided a serum sample and completed a study questionnaire both before and after the seasonal Influenza A wave (24 October 2022 to 8 January 2023). The levels of a vaccine-independent Anti-Influenza-A-Nucleoprotein/Matrix IgG were measured using the SERION ELISA classic Influenza A IgG assay, with a 2-fold increase as indicative of seroconversion after asymptomatic or symptomatic influenza infection. ResultsAmong the participants, 20.6% (95% CI 17.0-24.9%; 83/402) showed seroconversion. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the age category of [≥] 45 years (p=0.03) and regular patient contact (p=0.02) significantly influenced seroconversion. However, the factors male gender, BMI, smoking, household size, seasonal Influenza vaccination, and SARS-CoV-2 infection during the Influenza A season were not significantly associated with seroconversion. The effectiveness of the 2022/23 seasonal Influenza vaccine on seroconversion induced by Influenza infection was 22.6% (95% CI -17.1-50.6%). ConclusionDuring the initial Influenza A season following the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 20% of HCWs contracted an Influenza A infection. This highlights a potential risk and a significant asymptomatic or symptomatic infection rate posing a theoretical risk for intrahospital transmission chains and nosocomial infections.

The relationship between mental health, sleep quality, and the immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccinations (preprint)

Sleep modulates the immune response and sleep loss can reduce the immunogenicity of certain vaccinations. Vice versa immune responses impact sleep. We aimed to investigate the influence of mental health and sleep quality on the immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccinations and, conversely, of COVID-19 vaccinations on sleep quality. The prospective CoVacSer study monitored mental health, sleep quality, and Anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike IgG titres in a cohort of 1,082 healthcare workers from the 29th of September 2021 to the 19th of December 2022. Questionnaires and blood samples were collected before, 14 days, and three months after the third COVID-19 vaccination. In 154 participants the assessments were also conducted before and 14 days after the fourth COVID-19 vaccination. Healthcare workers with psychiatric disorders had slightly lower Anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike IgG levels before the third COVID-19 vaccination. However, this effect was mediated by higher median age and body mass index in this subgroup. Antibody titres following the third and fourth COVID-19 vaccination (booster vaccinations) were not significantly different between subgroups with and without psychiatric disorders. Sleep quality did not affect the humoral immunogenicity of the COVID-19 vaccinations. Moreover, the COVID-19 vaccinations did not impact self-reported sleep quality. Our data suggests that in a working population neither mental health nor sleep quality relevantly impact the immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccinations and that COVID-19 vaccinations are not a precipitating factor for insomnia. The findings from this large-scale real-life cohort study will inform clinical practice regarding the recommendation of COVID-19 booster vaccination for individuals with mental health and sleep problems.

Inability to work following COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers - an important aspect for future booster vaccinations (preprint)

Background COVID-19 vaccination is a key prevention strategy to reduce the spread and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections, especially among highly exposed healthcare workers (HCWs). However, vaccine-related inability to work among HCWs could overstrain healthcare systems. Methods This study examined sick leave and intake of pro re nata (PRN) medication after the first, second and third COVID-19 vaccination in HCWs. Subgroup analyses were performed for different vaccines, gender, healthcare professions, and for HCWs aged at least 30 years. Data was collected by using an electronic questionnaire. Findings Among 1,704 HCWs enrolled, in total 595 (34{middle dot}9%) HCWs were on sick leave following at least one COVID 19 vaccination, leading to a total number of 1,550 sick days. Both the absolute sick days and the rate of HCWs on sick leave significantly increased with each subsequent vaccination. Comparing BNT162b2mRNA and mRNA-1273 the difference in sick leave was not significant after the second dose, but mRNA-1273 induced a significantly longer and more frequent sick leave after the third. Interpretation A considerable number of HCWs have been on sick leave after COVID-19 vaccination, staff absences increase with each additional dose, depend on the vaccine, and vary between HCWs' gender, and profession. In the light of further COVID-19 infection waves and booster vaccinations, there is a risk of additional staff shortages due to post-vaccination inability to work, which could acutely overload healthcare systems and jeopardise patient care. These findings will aid further vaccination campaigns to minimise the impact of staff absences on the healthcare system.

Clinical accuracy of SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen testing in screening children and adolescents in comparison to RT-qPCR, November 2020 to September 2022 (preprint)

Background Rapid antigen detection tests (RDT) are an easily accessible, feasible, inexpensive, and point of care method in SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics - established in adults as well as in children and adolescents. Despite this, large-scale data of clinical performance in the paediatric population especially regarding the influence of SARS-CoV-2 virus variants of concern (VOC) and COVID-19 vaccination on test accuracy is rare. Methods This single centre prospective diagnostic study evaluates three RDT (NADAL(R), Panbio, MEDsan(R)) in comparison to quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). 9,760 oropharyngeal screening samples regarding SARS-CoV-2 VOC and COVID-19 vaccination in paediatric hospitalised patients aged younger than 18 years were enrolled. Findings RDT sensitivity was 44{middle dot}7% (157/351, 95% CI 39{middle dot}6%-50{middle dot}0%) compared to the reference standard RT-qPCR, specificity 99{middle dot}8% (9,392/9,409, 95% CI 99{middle dot}7%-99{middle dot}9%). Most SARS-CoV-2 infections considered were caused by Omicron VOC. Diagnostic accuracy of RDT depended on specimen containing viral load with a decreasing RDT sensitivity by descending viral load, corresponding with a significantly impaired sensitivity in asymptomatic children. A sensitivity of 71{middle dot}0% was obtained for a viral load higher than 106 SARS-CoV-2 RNA copies per ml suggested as infectivity threshold. No significant differences in RDT sensitivity could be observed regarding gender, symptoms, COVID-19 vaccination status, and VOC. Interpretation In a paediatric population, RDT have proven to reliably detect potentially highly infectious patients with a viral load of at least 106 SARS-CoV-2 RNA copies per ml. Due to the low sensitivity in asymptomatic individuals, the usefulness of RDT seems limited in large scale SARS-CoV-2 screening programs. Funding Federal Ministry for Education and Science (BMBF), Free State of Bavaria

Immunogenicity and safety of coadministration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccination among healthcare workers (preprint)

Background A third dose of COVID-19 vaccination (COVID booster vaccination) has become established as an important measure to strengthen the immune response against SARS-CoV-2. In contrast, seasonal influenza vaccination has been an important infection prevention measure for years, especially among highly exposed healthcare workers (HCWs). Coadministration of vaccines against COVID-19 and seasonal influenza could be an efficient strategy to protect HCWs from two major viral respiratory infections. Yet, the immunogenicity and safety of coadministration remains to be evaluated. Methods This study examines the differences in Anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike IgG antibody formation as well as side effects based on a digital questionnaire after a third COVID-19 vaccination with or without coadministration of a seasonal quadrivalent influenza vaccine (Influvac Tetra vaccine 2021/2022). 1,231 HCWs were recruited who received a mRNA-based booster COVID-19 vaccination (mRNA-1273 or BNT162b2mRNA) after basic immunisation with BNT162b2mRNA twice. Anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike IgG levels were determined at least 14 days after vaccination by SERION ELISA agile SARS-CoV-2 IgG. Findings Anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike IgG concentrations were by 25.4% lower in individuals with coadministration of the seasonal quadrivalent influenza vaccination than without (p<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the reported side effects. The concentration of Anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike IgG was higher in HCWs who had received the influenza vaccine concomitantly with mRNA-1273 than with BNT162b2mRNA as third COVID-19 vaccine (p<0.0001). Interpretation Coadministration of the seasonal quadrivalent influenza vaccine significantly limits the levels in Anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike IgG levels, with a more restricted elevation in case of a BNT162b2mRNA booster vaccination compared with mRNA-1273 vaccine. The reduced humoral immune response in case of coadministration needs to be considered in seasonal vaccination recommendations, although the consequences of lower Anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike IgG levels for the protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19 disease course are currently unknown. An augmented mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine dosage may compensate for the restricted immunogenicity in case of coadministration. Funding This study was funded by the Federal Ministry for Education and Science (BMBF) through a grant provided to the University Hospital of Wuerzburg by the Network University Medicine on COVID-19 (B-FAST, grant-No 01KX2021) as well as by the Free State of Bavaria with COVID-research funds provided to the University of Wuerzburg, Germany. Nils Petri is supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) funded scholarship UNION CVD.

COMPASS – rapid and highly sensitive medical point-of-care diagnostic (preprint)

In the last decade Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have gained an enormous interest in specialized areas such as medicine, cancer theranostics, biosensing, catalysis, agriculture, and the environmental protection. By controlled engineering of specific surface properties, named functionalization, MNPs are gaining special features for desired applications, e.g., bioassays for the detection of biomolecules or biomarkers such as antibodies. The characterization as well as a highly specific measurement of such binding states is of high interest and limited to highly sensitive techniques such as ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay) or flow cytometry, which are relatively inflexible, difficult to handle, expensive and time-consuming. Novel upcoming methods, such as ACS (AC susceptometry) or MPS (Magnetic Particle Spectroscopy), exploit the magnetization response of functionalized MNP ensembles to assess specific information about the MNP mobility within their environment as well as the conjugations of chemical or biological compounds on their surface. Both methods have shown promising results reaching similar sensitivities within short measurement times but showing difficulties in data interpretation. Here, we report a novel method, COMPASS (Critical Offset Magnetic PArticle SpectroScopy), which is based on a critical offset magnetic field of MNPs, which enables sensitive detection to minimal changes in mobility of MNP ensembles, e.g., resulting from SARS-CoV-2 antibodies binding to the S antigen on the surface of functionalized MNPs. With a validated sensitivity of 0.85 fmole/50 µl sample volume ( ≙ 33 pM) SARS-CoV-2-S1 antibodies, measured with a low-cost portable COMPASS device, the proposed technique is not only competitive with the sensitivity of commonly used ELISA or flow cytometry methods but provides more flexibility, robustness and rapid measurement withinwell below a minute per sample, including sample conjugation, mixing and incubation times. The underlying physical effect is based on an offset magnetic field induced suppression of a higher harmonic in the nonlinear magnetization response of the MNP to a time varying magnetic field resulting in a highly sensitive response of the signal phase to minimal changes in particle mobility. Since this effect is independent of MNP concentration, the sample handling is much simpler and robust. Our method thus may pave the way for deeper insights into complex and rapid binding dynamics of functionalization chemistry and can lead to a huge step forwards in point-of-care diagnostics as well as impacts other fields in research and industries.

Selective inhibition of microRNA processing by a herpesvirus-encoded microRNA triggers virus reactivation from latency (preprint)

Herpesviruses have mastered host cell modulation and immune evasion to augment productive infection, life-long latency and reactivation thereof 1,2. A long appreciated, yet elusively defined relationship exists between the lytic-latent switch and viral non-coding RNAs 3,4. Here, we identify miRNA-mediated inhibition of miRNA processing as a novel cellular mechanism that human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) exploits to disrupt mitochondrial architecture, evade intrinsic host defense and drive the latent-lytic switch. We demonstrate that virus-encoded miR-aU14 selectively inhibits the processing of multiple miR-30 family members by direct interaction with the respective pri-miRNA hairpin loops. Subsequent loss of miR-30 and activation of miR-30/p53/Drp1 axis triggers a profound disruption of mitochondrial architecture, which impairs induction of type I interferons and is necessary for both productive infection and virus reactivation. Ectopic expression of miR-aU14 was sufficient to trigger virus reactivation from latency thereby identifying it as a readily drugable master regulator of the herpesvirus latent-lytic switch. Our results show that miRNA-mediated inhibition of miRNA processing represents a generalized cellular mechanism that can be exploited to selectively target individual members of miRNA families. We anticipate that targeting miR-aU14 provides exciting therapeutic options for preventing herpesvirus reactivations in HHV-6-associated disorders like myalgic encephalitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long-COVID.

Performance of three SARS-CoV-2 immunoassays, three rapid lateral flow tests and a novel bead-based affinity surrogate test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in human serum (preprint)

For the control of immunity in COVID-19 survivors and vaccinated subjects there is an urgent need for reliable and rapid serological assays. Based on samples from 63 COVID-19 survivors up to seven months after symptom onset, and on 50 serum samples taken before the beginning of the pandemic, we compared the performance of three commercial immunoassays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgG antibodies (Euroimmun SARS-COV-2 IgA/IgG, Mikrogen recomWell SARS-CoV-2 IgA/IgG, and SERION ELISA agile SARS-CoV-2 IgA/IgG) and three rapid lateral flow (immunochromatographic) tests (Abbott Panbio COVID-19 IgG/IgM, NADAL COVID-19 IgG/IgM, and Cleartest Corona 2019-nCOV IgG/IgM) with a plaque-reduction neutralization test (PRNT50) representing the gold standard. In addition, we report and validate a novel, non-commercial flow cytometry bead-based surrogate test. 57 out of 63 PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients (90 %) showed neutralizing antibodies. The sensitivity of the seven assays ranged from 7.0 % to 98.3 %, the specificity from 86.0 % to 100.00 %. Only one commercial immunoassay showed a sensitivity and specificity of greater than 98 %. These data indicate abundant interassay variability.