Longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Portugal and antibody maintenance 12 months after infection.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Portugal has experienced three distinct SARS-CoV-2 infection waves. We previously documented the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 immunity, measured by specific antibodies, in September 2020, 6 months after the initial moderate wave. Here, we show the seroprevalence changes 6 months later, up to the second week of March 2021, shortly following the third wave, which was one of the most severe in the world, and 2 months following the start of the vaccination campaign. A longitudinal epidemiological study was conducted, with a stratified quota sample of the Portuguese population. Serological testing was performed, including ELISA determination of antibody class and titers. The proportion of seropositives, which was 2.2% in September 2020, rose sharply to 17.3% (95% CI: 15.8-18.8%) in March 2021. Importantly, circulating IgG and IgA antibody levels were very stable 6 months after the initial determination and up to a year after initial infection, indicating long-lasting infection immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, vaccinated people had higher IgG levels from 3 weeks post-vaccination when compared with previously infected people at the same time post-infection.

Coronamellitus: An Infecto-Metabolic Pandemic

Introduction: There are considerable differences in mortality due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Advanced age and comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, have been associated with a worse prognosis. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of diabetes and metabolic control on Emergency Department (ED) admission in patients with COVID-19 with hospitalization criteria. Methods: Clinical and laboratorial features were assessed through ED clinical file consultation of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at CHTV. The data included inflammatory and metabolic profile, personal history and chronic medication. Results: Eighty nine patients were included, 38.2% women and 61.8% men, with a mean age of 73.23 years ± 16.26. 29.2% patients had a previous diabetes diagnosis, 53.4% hypertension and 29.5% cardiac insufficiency. The overall mortality was 14.6%, 7.86% of the patients were admitted to the iIntensive Care Unit and there were no significant differences between the groups (diabetic versus non-diabetic). The average HbA1C was 6.96% and there was a positive and significant correlation between the blood glucose values and lactate, C-reactive protein and leukocyte values. Conclusion: Higher blood glucose levels at ED admission appear to be associated with more severe inflammatory states and may also explain some of the variance in lactate and leukocyte values. The diabetic population had good metabolic control, which may clarify the absence of significant differences in severity and mortality between groups.