ABSTRACT
We present the results from ELISA IgG/IgM tests vs rtPCR diagnostic testing of individuals both with and without clinical symptoms, travel arrangements and cross-border movement, in an effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic during the entire 2021. rtPCR test results were a prerequisite for any planned trip, requirement for diagnosis and protocol treatment. The collected data are cumulative and the statistics might become helpful to each individual in deciding on a particular line of action. Our Molecular Diagnostics Unit is licensed within the territory of Bulgaria. Our methods present strict protocols from the guidelines of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, the kits used were all CE, the overall concept in sync with the global regulations per CDC and the WHO. The cumulated results for each month show high correlation between the levels of IgM and the number of patients testing positive for COVID with the rtPCR. We present retrospective data of utmost importance for the regions near border crossing point in a situation of pandemic with involvement of local and international authorities. Determining the titer of Covid antibodies provides important information with regard to vaccination and compare levels of titers of acute elevated IgM titers in patients with severe COVID-19 with positive PCR results in an attempt to implement more ELISA testing as a significant, informative and important part of establishing a patient's status, given the easier access to rapid tests when triaging patients for admission to hospital and with the need for emergency resuscitation. © 2022, Bulgarian Society for Microbiology (Union of Scientists in Bulgaria). All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
In a brief summary we present a report of the results from rtPCR diagnostic tests of individuals with travel arrangements and border-crossing movement, and the importance of restrictive measures, diagnostic testing and travel limitations in order to contain the COVID-19 pandemic during the summer months of 2020. rtPCR test results were a prerequisite for any planned trip and border crossing, therefore the collected data are cumulative and the statistics extremely helpful and necessary. Our Molecular Diagnostics Unit is licensed within the territory of Bulgaria. Our methods were strict protocols from the guidelines of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Bulgaria, the kits used were all CE, the overall concept in sync with the global regulations as from the CDC and the WHO. We demonstrated an increase in the number of infected randomly tested travelers during the summer months and thereafter, giving a glimpse of the magnitude of the pandemic that followed. We showed a total increase of infection from 12.5% in July to almost 56% for the month of November. The current report presents retrospective data and makes suggestions that are available to nations and applicable locally;it is of immense importance for the regions located near border-crossing points in a situation of pandemic of such magnitude without immediate access to vaccines or reliable treatment for the novel infectious disease outbreaks.