Corrigendum to "Lower risk of multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) with the Omicron variant" [The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific 27 (2022) 100604].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100604.].

Characteristics of Frailty in Perimenopausal Women with Long COVID-19.

The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of risk factors for frailty between perimenopausal women with long COVID-19 syndrome, women having successfully recovered from COVID-19, and controls from the community. Women with a diagnosis of long COVID-19 and at least one symptom related to the perimenopausal period, women who had successfully recovered from COVID-19, and healthy women of comparable age were included in this study. Symptom severity and functional disability were assessed with the COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale, and the presence of frailty was evaluated considering the Fried criteria. A total of 195 women were included in the study, distributed over the three groups. The long COVID-19 group showed a higher prevalence of perimenopausal symptoms and impact of COVID-19. Statistically significant differences were found between the long COVID-19 group and the other two groups for the frailty variables. When studying the associations between frailty variables and COVID-19 symptom impact, significant positive correlations were found. Perimenopausal women with long COVID-19 syndrome present more frailty-related factors and experience a higher range of debilitating ongoing symptoms. A significant relationship is shown to exist between long COVID-19 syndrome-related disability and symptoms and frailty variables, resulting in an increased chance of presenting disability.

Post-COVID Patients With New-Onset Chronic Pain 2 Years After Infection: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Although pain is common in non-hospitalized post-COVID-19 syndrome, only a few studies have provided information on the pain experience of these patients. AIM: To identify the clinical and psychosocial profile associated with pain in non-hospitalized patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. METHOD: In this study there were three groups: healthy control group, successfully recovered group, and post-COVID syndrome group. Pain-related clinical profile and pain-related psychosocial variables were collected. Pain-related clinical profile included: pain intensity and interference (Brief Pain Inventory), central sensitization (Central Sensitization Scale), insomnia severity (Insomnia Severity Index), and pain treatment. Pain-related psychosocial variables were: fear of movement and (re)injury (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia), catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale), depression, anxiety and stress (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale), and fear-avoidance beliefs (Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire). RESULTS: In all, 170 participants were included in the study (healthy control group n = 58, successfully recovered group n = 57, and post-COVID syndrome group n = 55). Post-COVID syndrome group obtained significantly worse punctuation in pain-related clinical profile and psychosocial variables than the other two groups (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome have experienced high pain intensity and interference, central sensitization, increased insomnia severity, fear of movement, catastrophizing, fear-avoidance beliefs, depression, anxiety, and stress.

[Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 and its relationship with illness and death from COVID-19 in ArgentinaVacinação contra SARS-CoV-2 e sua relação com doença e morte por COVID-19 na Argentina]. / Vacunación contra SARS-CoV-2 y su relación con enfermedad y muerte por COVID-19 en Argentina.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in preventing illness and death from COVID-19 in Córdoba, Argentina, during the period from January through June 2021. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 1,139,458 residents of the province of Córdoba. Multiple logistic regression models were developed to describe the relationship between vaccination and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 or death from COVID-19, while taking account of comorbidities and chronic disease risk factors and adjusting for sex and age. Results: Among the general population, having received one or two doses of vaccine reduced the risk of illness by 98.8% and 99.3%, respectively, and the risk of dying by 83% and 96.5%, respectively. Among those who developed COVID-19, the probability of dying was reduced by 57% and 80%, respectively. Regarding probability of death, risk increased with age, with being male, and with obesity, arterial hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Vaccination is effective and protects against the risk of getting COVID-19, developing severe disease, or dying. Having obesity, arterial hypertension, or diabetes mellitus, in descending order, increases the risk of death.

Objetivo: Conhecer a eficácia da vacinação contra SARS-CoV-2 para prevenir o desenvolvimento de doença e morte por COVID-19 em Córdoba, Argentina, no período de janeiro a junho de 2021. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo de coorte retrospectivo em 1.139.458 residentes da província de Córdoba. Foram construídos modelos de regressão logística múltipla que relacionaram a vacinação à presença de SARS-CoV-2 ou morte por COVID-19, considerando comorbidades e fatores de risco para doenças crônicas e ajustando por sexo e idade. Resultados: Ter recebido uma ou duas doses da vacina na população geral reduziu o risco de adoecimento em 98,8% e 99,3%, respectivamente; e de morrer, em 83% e 96,5%, respectivamente. Naqueles que contraíram COVID-19, a probabilidade de morrer foi reduzida em 57% e 80%, respectivamente. Em relação à probabilidade de morte, o risco aumentou com o aumento da idade e para o sexo masculino, ou com a presença de obesidade, hipertensão arterial ou diabetes mellitus. Conclusão: A vacinação é efetiva e protege contra a possibilidade de contrair COVID-19, desenvolver doença grave ou morrer. A presença de obesidade, hipertensão arterial ou diabetes mellitus, em ordem decrescente, aumenta o risco de morte.

High-dimensional analysis of 16 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine combinations reveals lymphocyte signatures correlating with immunogenicity.

The range of vaccines developed against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS­CoV­2) provides a unique opportunity to study immunization across different platforms. In a single-center cohort, we analyzed the humoral and cellular immune compartments following five coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines spanning three technologies (adenoviral, mRNA and inactivated virus) administered in 16 combinations. For adenoviral and inactivated-virus vaccines, heterologous combinations were generally more immunogenic compared to homologous regimens. The mRNA vaccine as the second dose resulted in the strongest antibody response and induced the highest frequency of spike-binding memory B cells irrespective of the priming vaccine. Priming with the inactivated-virus vaccine increased the SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell response, whereas boosting did not. Distinct immune signatures were elicited by the different vaccine combinations, demonstrating that the immune response is shaped by the type of vaccines applied and the order in which they are delivered. These data provide a framework for improving future vaccine strategies against pathogens and cancer.

Pain and Clinical Presentation: A Cross-Sectional Study of Patients with New-Onset Chronic Pain in Long-COVID-19 Syndrome

The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of pain (i.e., pain intensity, pain interference, clinical presentation) in Long-COVID-19 patients and compare the location of pain between successfully recovered COVID-19 patients and healthy matched controls. A cross-sectional case-control study was carried out. Long-COVID-19 patients, age- and sex-matched patients with a history of COVID-19 who had successfully recovered, and healthy controls were included. Outcomes included were pain characteristics (Brief Pain Inventory and Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire) and clinical presentation (Widespread Pain Index and Euroqol-5 Dimensions 5 Levels Visual Analogue Scale). Sixty-nine patients with Long-COVID-19 syndrome, sixty-six successfully recovered COVID-19 patients, and sixty-seven healthy controls were evaluated. Patients with Long-COVID-19 syndrome showed greater pain intensity and interference. In addition, they showed worse quality of life and greater widespread pain, with the most frequent locations of pain being the neck, legs, and head. In conclusion, patients with Long-COVID-19 syndrome show a high prevalence of pain, characterized by widespread pain of moderate intensity and interference, with the most frequent locations being the neck, legs, and head, significantly affecting the quality of life of these patients.

Pain and Clinical Presentation: A Cross-Sectional Study of Patients with New-Onset Chronic Pain in Long-COVID-19 Syndrome.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of pain (i.e., pain intensity, pain interference, clinical presentation) in Long-COVID-19 patients and compare the location of pain between successfully recovered COVID-19 patients and healthy matched controls. A cross-sectional case-control study was carried out. Long-COVID-19 patients, age- and sex-matched patients with a history of COVID-19 who had successfully recovered, and healthy controls were included. Outcomes included were pain characteristics (Brief Pain Inventory and Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire) and clinical presentation (Widespread Pain Index and Euroqol-5 Dimensions 5 Levels Visual Analogue Scale). Sixty-nine patients with Long-COVID-19 syndrome, sixty-six successfully recovered COVID-19 patients, and sixty-seven healthy controls were evaluated. Patients with Long-COVID-19 syndrome showed greater pain intensity and interference. In addition, they showed worse quality of life and greater widespread pain, with the most frequent locations of pain being the neck, legs, and head. In conclusion, patients with Long-COVID-19 syndrome show a high prevalence of pain, characterized by widespread pain of moderate intensity and interference, with the most frequent locations being the neck, legs, and head, significantly affecting the quality of life of these patients.

Smartphone-based follow-up of upper airway symptoms in head and neck cancer survivors one year after radiation therapy.

BACKGROUND: Improvements in treatment of head-and-neck cancer (HNC) have resulted in improved long-term survival rates so there is a growing interest in long-term consequences. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to perform a smartphone-based assessment to analyse the upper airway dysfunction-related symptoms in HNC 1 year after radiotherapy (RT) during social distancing due to COVID-19. METHODS & PROCEDURES: Smartphone-based assessment on upper airway function 1 year after RT was performed. Upper airway functions include perceived impact of voice on quality of life (Voice Handicap Index, VHI-30), swallowing (Functional Oral Intake, FOIS; and Swallowing Quality of Life questionnaire, SWAL-QOL) and sleep-disordered breathing (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI) assessments. Additionally, quality of life was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: The HNC group presented worse results in the VHI-30 scale, in the three subscales (p < 0.001). Swallowing function also presented worse results in the HNC group, with a lower score in the FOIS questionnaire (p < 0.001) and a poorer score in the SWAL-QOL (p < 0.001). Regarding to the sleep-disordered breathing, the HNC group presented poorer scores in all subscales (p < 0.05). The HNC group also presented worse scores in quality of life. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that HNC survivors presented a poorer upper airway function and a worse quality of life. This population needs to be systematically screened for those function impairments. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject Head-and-neck cancer radiotherapy treatment is anatomically related to the upper airway, involved in several functions such as breathing, swallowing and speech that could be affected by the treatment. Public health restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have made it difficult, and in many cases impossible, to see patients in person and complete assessments that are often crucial to improve their approach. Telephone interviews appear to be largely equivalent to face-to-face interviews, which could solve these problems. What this paper adds to existing knowledge The aim of this study was to perform a smartphone-based assessment to analyse the upper airway dysfunction-related symptoms in head-and-neck cancer survivors 1 year after radiotherapy treatment. Our findings showed that head-and-neck cancer survivors who have been treated with radiotherapy presented a poorer upper airway function, with subjective speech and voice problems, swallowing and sleep-disordered breathing compared to a control group matched for age and sex 1 year after the treatment. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The results of this study will allow a better approach to treatment of head-and-neck cancer survivors.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on community-based testing for HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections in the WHO European Region, March to August 2020.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 affected testing for HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. We aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on community-based voluntary, counselling and testing (CBVCT) services for those infections in the WHO European Region. METHODS: An online survey was distributed between 14 October and 13 November 2020 to testing providers in the WHO European Region. Key questions included: impact on testing volume, reasons for this impact, measures to mitigate, economic effects, areas where guidance or support were needed. A descriptive analysis on data reported by CBVCT services was performed. RESULTS: In total, 71 CBVCT services from 28 countries completed the survey. From March to May 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, most respondents reported a very major decrease (>50%) in the volume of testing for all the infections, ranging from 68% (Chlamydia) to 81% (HCV), and testing levels were not recovered during post-confinement. Main reasons reported were: site closure during lockdown (69.0%), reduced attendance and fewer appointments scheduled (66.2%), reduced staff (59.7%), and testing only by appointment (56.7%). Measures implemented to mitigate the decreased testing were remote appointments (64.8%), testing by appointment (50.7%), referral to other sites (33.8%), testing campaigns (35.2%) and promotion of self-testing (36.6%). Eighty-two percent of respondents reported a need for guidance/support. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that people attending CBVCT services experienced reductions in access to testing compared to before the pandemic. National governmental agencies need to support European CBVCT services to ensure recovery of community counselling and testing.

Acute and long-term immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection in unvaccinated children and young adults with inborn errors of immunity.

Purpose: To describe SARS-CoV-2 infection outcome in unvaccinated children and young adults with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) and to compare their specific acute and long-term immune responses with a sex-, age-, and severity-matched healthy population (HC). Methods: Unvaccinated IEI patients up to 22 years old infected with SARS-CoV-2 were recruited along with a cohort of HC. SARS-CoV-2 serology and ELISpot were performed in the acute phase of infection (up to 6 weeks) and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Results: Twenty-five IEI patients (median age 14.3 years, min.-max. range 4.5-22.8; 15/25 males; syndromic combined immunodeficiencies: 48.0%, antibody deficiencies: 16.0%) and 17 HC (median age 15.3 years, min.-max. range 5.4-20.0; 6/17 males, 35.3%) were included. Pneumonia occurred in 4/25 IEI patients. In the acute phase SARS-CoV-2 specific immunoglobulins were positive in all HC but in only half of IEI in whom it could be measured (n=17/25): IgG+ 58.8% (10/17) (p=0.009); IgM+ 41.2% (7/17)(p<0.001); IgA+ 52.9% (9/17)(p=0.003). Quantitative response (index) was also lower compared with HC: IgG IEI (3.1 ± 4.4) vs. HC (3.5 ± 1.5)(p=0.06); IgM IEI (1.9 ± 2.4) vs. HC (3.9 ± 2.4)(p=0.007); IgA IEI (3.3 ± 4.7) vs. HC (4.6 ± 2.5)(p=0.04). ELISpots positivity was qualitatively lower in IEI vs. HC (S-ELISpot IEI: 3/11, 27.3% vs. HC: 10/11, 90.9%; p=0.008; N-ELISpot IEI: 3/9, 33.3% vs. HC: 11/11, 100%; p=0.002) and also quantitatively lower (S-ELISpot IEI: mean index 3.2 ± 5.0 vs. HC 21.2 ± 17.0; p=0.001; N-ELISpot IEI: mean index 9.3 ± 16.6 vs. HC: 39.1 ± 23.7; p=0.004). As for long term response, SARS-CoV-2-IgM+ at 6 months was qualitatively lower in IEI(3/8, 37.5% vs. 9/10 HC: 90.0%; p=0.043), and quantitatively lower in all serologies IgG, M, and A (IEI n=9, 1.1 ± 0.9 vs. HC n=10, 2.1 ± 0.9, p=0.03; IEI n=9, 1.3 ± 1.5 vs. HC n=10, 2.9 ± 2.8, p=0.02; and IEI n=9, 0.6 ± 0.5 vs. HC n=10, 1.7 ± 0.8, p=0.002 -respectively) but there were no differences at remaining time points. Conclusions: Our IEI pediatric cohort had a higher COVID-19 pneumonia rate than the general age-range population, with lower humoral and cellular responses in the acute phase (even lower compared to the reported IEI serological response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination), and weaker humoral responses at 6 months after infection compared with HC.

Acute and long-term immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection in unvaccinated children and young adults with inborn errors of immunity

Purpose To describe SARS-CoV-2 infection outcome in unvaccinated children and young adults with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) and to compare their specific acute and long-term immune responses with a sex-, age-, and severity-matched healthy population (HC). Methods Unvaccinated IEI patients up to 22 years old infected with SARS-CoV-2 were recruited along with a cohort of HC. SARS-CoV-2 serology and ELISpot were performed in the acute phase of infection (up to 6 weeks) and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Results Twenty-five IEI patients (median age 14.3 years, min.-max. range 4.5-22.8;15/25 males;syndromic combined immunodeficiencies: 48.0%, antibody deficiencies: 16.0%) and 17 HC (median age 15.3 years, min.-max. range 5.4-20.0;6/17 males, 35.3%) were included. Pneumonia occurred in 4/25 IEI patients. In the acute phase SARS-CoV-2 specific immunoglobulins were positive in all HC but in only half of IEI in whom it could be measured (n=17/25): IgG+ 58.8% (10/17) (p=0.009);IgM+ 41.2% (7/17)(p<0.001);IgA+ 52.9% (9/17)(p=0.003). Quantitative response (index) was also lower compared with HC: IgG IEI (3.1 ± 4.4) vs. HC (3.5 ± 1.5)(p=0.06);IgM IEI (1.9 ± 2.4) vs. HC (3.9 ± 2.4)(p=0.007);IgA IEI (3.3 ± 4.7) vs. HC (4.6 ± 2.5)(p=0.04). ELISpots positivity was qualitatively lower in IEI vs. HC (S-ELISpot IEI: 3/11, 27.3% vs. HC: 10/11, 90.9%;p=0.008;N-ELISpot IEI: 3/9, 33.3% vs. HC: 11/11, 100%;p=0.002) and also quantitatively lower (S-ELISpot IEI: mean index 3.2 ± 5.0 vs. HC 21.2 ± 17.0;p=0.001;N-ELISpot IEI: mean index 9.3 ± 16.6 vs. HC: 39.1 ± 23.7;p=0.004). As for long term response, SARS-CoV-2-IgM+ at 6 months was qualitatively lower in IEI(3/8, 37.5% vs. 9/10 HC: 90.0%;p=0.043), and quantitatively lower in all serologies IgG, M, and A (IEI n=9, 1.1 ± 0.9 vs. HC n=10, 2.1 ± 0.9, p=0.03;IEI n=9, 1.3 ± 1.5 vs. HC n=10, 2.9 ± 2.8, p=0.02;and IEI n=9, 0.6 ± 0.5 vs. HC n=10, 1.7 ± 0.8, p=0.002 –respectively) but there were no differences at remaining time points. Conclusions Our IEI pediatric cohort had a higher COVID-19 pneumonia rate than the general age-range population, with lower humoral and cellular responses in the acute phase (even lower compared to the reported IEI serological response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination), and weaker humoral responses at 6 months after infection compared with HC. Graphical

Effect of a home-based inspiratory muscle training programme on functional capacity in postdischarged patients with long COVID: the InsCOVID trial.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue and exercise intolerance are the most common symptoms in patients with long COVID. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate whether a home-based inspiratory muscle training (IMT) programme improves maximal functional capacity in patients' long COVID after a previous admission due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. METHODS: This study was a single-centre, blinded assessor, randomised controlled trial. Twenty-six patients with long COVID and a previous admission due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia were randomly assigned to receive either a 12-week IMT or usual care alone (NCT05279430). The physiotherapist and participants were not blinded. Patients allocated to the IMT arm were instructed to train at home twice daily using a threshold inspiratory muscle trainer and to maintain diaphragmatic breathing during the training session. The usual care arm received no intervention.The primary endpoint was the change in peak oxygen consumption (peakVO2). Secondary endpoints were changes in quality of life (QoL), ventilatory efficiency and chronotropic response during exercise (evaluated by chronotropic index-CIx- formula). We used linear mixed regression analysis for evaluating changes in primary and secondary endpoints. RESULTS: The mean age of the sample and time to first visit after discharge were 50.4±12.2 years and 362±105 days, respectively. A total of 11 (42.3%) were female. At baseline, the mean of peakVO2, ventilatory efficiency and CIx were 18.9±5 mL/kg/min, 29.4±5.2 and 0.64±0.19, respectively. The IMT arm improved their peakVO2 significantly compared with usual care (+Δ 4.46 mL/kg/min, 95% CI 3.10 to 5.81; p<0.001). Similar positive findings were found when evaluating changes for CIx and some QoL dimensions. We did not find significant changes in ventilatory efficiency. CONCLUSION: In long COVID patients with a previous admission due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, IMT was associated with marked improvement in exercise capacity and QoL. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05279430.

Reporting COVID‐19 Cases within Kleberg County

A global pandemic due to the coronavirus‐2019(COVID‐19) was declared in March 11 of 2020. The RNA COVID‐19 virus is part of the coronaviridae family and causes severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). The progression of the disease can lead to respiratory issues that necessitate mechanical assistance, such as ventilation and intensive care. Daily reports of COVID‐19 cases informed citizens of the severity of the pandemic in their area and in many cases, guided government responses like masks mandates and lockdowns. This study investigates the reporting of COVID‐19 cases in Kleberg County, Texas, USA. Data reported in social media by Kleberg County from July 2020 to April 2021 is compared to COVID‐19 cases reported by the The New York Times. This study also includes a further look at case distribution between males and females in Kleberg County. Results indicate that The New York Times reported 793 more cases than Kleberg County during this time and there were 36 more male than female cases. Transparent and accurate data reporting is crucial for public health efforts. The disparity in COVID cases highlights the need for better reporting of accurate data and reflects the inaccurate and sometimes inadequate response to the pandemic in Kleberg County.

Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of heterologous immunization against SARS CoV-2 using Sputnik V, ChAdOx1-S, BBIBP-CorV, Ad5-nCoV, and mRNA-1273.

Heterologous vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) provides a rational strategy to rapidly increase vaccination coverage in many regions of the world. Although data regarding messenger RNA (mRNA) and ChAdOx1 vaccine combinations are available, there is limited information about the combination of these platforms with other vaccines widely used in developing countries, such as BBIBP-CorV and Sputnik V. Here, we assess the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of 15 vaccine combinations in 1,314 participants. We evaluate immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-spike response and virus neutralizing titers and observe that a number of heterologous vaccine combinations are equivalent or superior to homologous schemes. For all cohorts in this study, the highest antibody response is induced by mRNA-1273 as the second dose. No serious adverse events are detected in any of the schedules analyzed. Our observations provide rational support for the use of different vaccine combinations to achieve wide vaccine coverage in the shortest possible time.

Tracking SARS-CoV-2 Variants Using a Rapid Typification Strategy: A Key Tool for Early Detection and Spread Investigation of Omicron in Argentina.

SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) and interest (VOI) present mutations in reference to the original virus, being more transmissible. We implemented a rapid strategy for the screening of SARS-CoV-2 VOC/VOIs using real time RT-PCR and performed monitoring and surveillance of the variants in our region. Consecutive real-time RT-PCRs for detection of the relevant mutations/deletions present in the Spike protein in VOC/VOIs (TaqMan™ SARS-CoV-2 Mutation Panel, Applied Biosystems) were implemented. A total of 6,640 SARS-CoV-2 RNA samples (Cts < 30) from infected individuals in Central Argentina during 2021 were analyzed using different algorithms that were gradually adapted to the changing scenarios of local variant circulation. The strategy developed allowed the early detection and the identification of VOC/VOIs that circulated through the year, with a 100% of concordance with the WGS. The analyses of the samples showed introductions of VOCs Alpha and Gamma in February and March 2021, respectively. Gamma showed an exponential increase, with a peak of detection in July (72%), being responsible of the second wave of COVID19 in Argentina. Since VOC Delta entered into the region, it increased gradually, together with VOI Lambda, replacing VOC Gamma, until being the main variant (84.9%) on November. By December, these variants were replaced by the emergent VOC Omicron in a term of 2 weeks, producing the third wave. We report a useful tool for VOC/VOI detection, capable to quickly and cost-effectively monitor currently recognized variants in resource-limited settings, which allowed to track the recent expansion of Omicron in our region, and contributed to the implementation of public health measures to control the disease spread.

[A population-based study on seroprevalence and factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Córdoba, Argentina]. / Estudio de base poblacional de seroprevalencia y factores asociados a la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en Córdoba, Argentina.

Seroepidemiological studies help identify the indirect distribution of diseases, detecting serological markers of immunity and demonstrating undiagnosed infections in the general population. The objectives were to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Córdoba, Argentina, from December 2020 to January 2021 and to identify factors associated with the virus' contagiousness. A population-based cross-sectional observational study was performed in 3,225 individuals over two years of age living in Córdoba city, selected by multiple-stage random sampling proportional to distribution by gender, age group, and socioeconomic status in the city's population. Clinical characteristics, anthropometry, and comorbidities were collected by interview. Qualitative serological testing was performed for detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid IgG antibodies (ARCHITECT, Abbott). SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was estimated for the total population and by age group, sex, socioeconomic status, and presence of target diseases. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated using a log-binomial regression model. SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was 16.68% (95%CI: 15.41-18.01). Age 2 to 18 years, living in neighborhoods with low socioeconomic status, and obesity increased the odds of seropositivity (PR = 1.50; 95%CI: 1.10-2.04, PR = 1.91; 95%CI: 1.34-2.67 and PR = 1.39; 95%CI: 1.04-1.85). The results indicate that the city of Córdoba displays differential attributes that increase the likelihood of a positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody test. This allows targeting epidemiological surveillance strategies to reduce the spread of the virus.

Los estudios seroepidemiológicos permiten conocer la distribución indirecta de las enfermedades, detectando marcadores séricos de inmunidad y demostrando infecciones no diagnosticadas en la población general. El objetivo fue estimar la seroprevalencia de anticuerpos contra el SARS-CoV-2, en Córdoba, Argentina, entre diciembre de 2020 y enero de 2021, e identificar factores asociados a la contagiosidad del virus. Se realizó un estudio observacional transversal, de base poblacional, con 3.225 individuos mayores de 2 años, residentes en Córdoba Capital, que fueron seleccionados mediante un diseño de muestreo aleatorio en múltiples etapas, proporcional a la distribución por género, franja etaria y nivel socioeconómico de la población de Córdoba. Las características clínicas, antropometría y comorbilidades se recogieron mediante entrevistas. Se realizó un test serológico cualitativo para la detección de anticuerpos IgG antinucleocápside para SARS-CoV-2 (ARCHITECT, Abbott). La seroprevalencia del SARS-CoV-2 se estimó en la población y por franja de edad, sexo, nivel socioeconómico y presencia de las patologías estudiadas. Las razones de prevalencia (RP) se estimaron usando un modelo de regresión log-binomial. La seropositividad para SARS-CoV-2 fue de 16,68% (IC95%: 15,41-18,01). Tener entre 2 y 18 años, residir en barrios con nivel socioeconómico bajo y la presencia de obesidad, aumentaron la oportunidad de seropositividad (RP = 1,50; IC95%: 1,10-2,04, RP = 1,91; IC95%: 1,34-2,67 y RP = 1,39; IC95%: 1,04-1,85). Los resultados indican que en Córdoba Capital existen atributos diferenciales que aumentan la posibilidad de ser seropositivo para SARS-CoV-2. Esto permite dirigir estrategias de vigilancia epidemiológica para reducir la propagación del virus.

Os estudos soroepidemiológicos permitem conhecer a distribuição indireta das doenças, detectando marcadores séricos de imunidade e demonstrando infecções não diagnosticadas na população geral. O objetivo foi estimar a soroprevalência de anticorpos contra o SARS-CoV-2, em Córdoba, Argentina, entre dezembro de 2020 e janeiro de 2021, e identificar fatores associados à contagiosidade do vírus. Um estudo observacional transversal foi realizado, de base populacional, com 3.225 indivíduos maiores de 2 anos, residentes em Córdoba Capital, que foram selecionados por meio de um delineamento de amostragem aleatória em múltiplos estágios, proporcional à distribuição de gênero, a faixa etária e o nível socioeconômico da população de Córdoba. As características clínicas, antropometria e comorbidades foram coletadas por meio de entrevistas. Um teste sorológico qualitativo foi realizado para a detecção de anticorpos IgG anti-nucleocapsídeo para SARS-CoV-2 (ARCHITECT, Abbott). A soroprevalência do SARS-CoV-2 foi estimada na população e por faixa etária, sexo, nível socioeconômico e presença das patologias estudadas. Razões de prevalência (RP) foram estimadas usando um modelo de regressão log-binomial. A soropositividade para SARS-CoV-2 foi de 16,68% (IC95%: 15,41-18,01). Ter entre 2 e 18 años, residir em bairros com nível socioeconômico baixo e a presença de obesidade aumentaram a chance de soropositividade (RP = 1,50; IC95%: 1,10-2,04, RP = 1,91; IC95%: 1,34-2,67 e RP = 1,39; IC95%: 1,04-1,85). Os resultados indicam que em Córdoba Capital existem atributos diferenciais que aumentam a possibilidade de ser soropositivo para SARS-CoV-2. Isso permite direcionar estratégias de vigilância epidemiológica para reduzir a propagação do vírus.

COVID-19 in New South Wales children during 2021: severity and clinical spectrum.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the severity and clinical spectrum of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children during the 2021 New South Wales outbreak of the Delta variant of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). DESIGN, SETTING: Prospective cohort study in three metropolitan Sydney local health districts, 1 June - 31 October 2021. PARTICIPANTS: Children under 16 years of age with positive SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test results admitted to hospital or managed by the Sydney Children's Hospital Network (SCHN) virtual care team. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Age-specific SARS-CoV-2 infection frequency, overall and separately for SCHN virtual and hospital patients; rates of medical and social reason admissions, intensive care admissions, and paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 per 100 SARS-CoV-2 infections; demographic and clinical factors that influenced likelihood of hospital admission. RESULTS: A total of 17 474 SARS-CoV-2 infections in children under 16 were recorded in NSW, of whom 11 985 (68.6%) received SCHN-coordinated care, including 459 admitted to SCHN hospitals: 165 for medical reasons (1.38 [95% CI, 1.17-1.59] per 100 infections), including 15 admitted to intensive care, and 294 (under 18 years of age) for social reasons (2.45 [95% CI, 2.18-2.73] per 100 infections). In an analysis that included all children admitted to hospital and a random sample of those managed by the virtual team, having another medical condition (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 7.42; 95% CI, 3.08-19.3) was associated with increased likelihood of medical admission; in univariate analyses, non-asthmatic chronic respiratory disease was associated with greater (OR, 9.21; 95% CI, 1.61-174) and asthma/viral induced wheeze with lower likelihood of admission (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.18-0.78). The likelihood of admission for medical reasons declined from infancy to 5-11 years, but rose again for those aged 12-15 years. Sex and Indigenous status did not influence the likelihood of admission. CONCLUSION: Most SARS-CoV-2 infections (Delta variant) in children were asymptomatic or associated with mild disease. Hospitalisation was relatively infrequent, and most common for infants, adolescents, and children with other medical conditions. More children were hospitalised for social than for medical reasons.