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BACKGROUND: A comprehensive screening at delivery revealed that roughly 14% of pregnant women who tested positive for COVID-19 did not exhibit any symptoms. The SARS-CoV-2 antigen swab test is frequently utilized as a diagnostic technique. Inadequate implementation of health protocol compliance can enhance the vulnerability of a community to the COVID-19 virus, according to previous findings. This suggests that these health protocol compliance and the vaccination program are important for preventing and controlling the spread of the virus. AIM: This study aims to determine the relationship of vaccination history and health protocol compliance with positive antigen swab results among pregnant women at the Community Health Center in Medan. METHOD(S): This is a cross-sectional and observational study that was conducted in February 2022 at the Community Health Center in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Two hundred pregnant women who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria make up the sample population. Antigen sampling for SARS-CoV-2 was performed in the Pramita laboratory. Following the collection and processing of sample and antigen swab data, IBM SPSS version was utilized to conduct statistical analysis. RESULT(S): The result showed that four of the pregnant women were infected with COVID-19, and they accounted for 2% of the sample population. The health protocol carried out by pregnant women was not significantly related to the swab results. Therefore, vaccination history had no significant association with COVID-19 symptoms, but people who received vaccines had more negative swab test results compared to those who did not, where three out of four positive samples were unvaccinated. CONCLUSION(S): Based on the results, only 2% of pregnant women were infected with COVID-19 at the Community Health Centre in Medan, because this study was carried out when COVID-19 cases had decreased. The statistical analysis results showed that the history of vaccination was not significantly related to SARS-CoV-2 antigen swab results. However, there was a clinical tendency that vaccines can reduce the number of positive cases, where three out of four positive samples were not vaccinated.Copyright © 2023 Sarma Nursani Lumbanraja, Reni Hayati, Khairani Sukatendel, Johny Marpaung, Muhammad Rusda, Edy Ardiansyah.
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Background: Jails house vulnerable persons. Crowded conditions, restricted access to medical care, and limited resources facilitate infectious disease outbreaks, particularly for airborne, highly transmissible diseases like COVID-19 (C19). Wastewater-Based Surveillance (WBS) is a low-cost, highly sensitive, non-invasive method that can provide an early warning of C19 surges in communities. We examined the value of SARS-CoV-2 WBS for a mega-jail. Method(s): 28-week study period: 10/20/21- 5/5/22. Wastewater samples were collected x 25 weeks;SARS-CoV-2 RNA was measured using RT-qPCR. We sampled one manhole serving multiple housing units. C19 rapid test data on jail entrants were summarized daily by the jail;16 mass PCR screenings using selfcollected nasal swabs were conducted by the study team. Individual diagnostic tests were collated and analyzed on a weekly basis. Data were summarized by % of the tested jailed individuals found infected. The Spearman correlation coefficient between weekly SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater and % of positive (pos) C19 diagnostic tests were calculated;we also used linear regression to assess the predictability between paired Ct values and weekly % of pos diagnostic tests. Result(s): Weekly WBS coupled with periodic mass testing of jailed individuals was feasible. The efficiency of gathering individual nasal swabs increased to 3 tests collected per minute through a CQI process. PCR signal strength for SARSCoV- 2 RNA in jail wastewater correlated with the % of jail residents tested who had C19. The mean RT-qPCR Cycle threshold (Ct) value was 35.2. Overall, 3.4% of nasal swabs were pos. A strong inverse correlation was observed between % nasal swab pos and WBS Ct value (Figure.) The Spearman correlation coefficient was r= 0.628;linear regression likewise showed a similar correlation. Conclusion(s): Weekly WBS results for C19 correlated with the proportion of C19 individual test results. WBS proved to be a practical strategy to surveil for C19 in this jail setting. We are developing means to identify exact source, by housing unit, of wastewater with positive signal. Future studies will explore WBS for Mpox and HIV in correctional facilities. HIV RNA can be found in wastewater specimens;whether WBS for HIV in congregate facilities is feasible remains an open question.
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Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection among workers of Instituto Nacional de Salud del Nino (INSN) from April 2020 to March 2021. Material(s) and Method(s): A non-experimental, descriptive, cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 608 workers who tested positive for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen test. The COVID-19 clinical-epidemiological research sheets prepared by the Ministry of Health of Peru and self-administered by the workers were reviewed. The INSN Department of Epidemiology staff verified the completion of the sheets. The data was entered into a database, which was used for the respective statistical analysis. The study was approved by the INSN Institutional Research Ethics Committee (registration code: PI-17/21). Result(s): COVID-19 prevalence among INSN workers was 7.24 % from April 2020 to March 2021. Out of the workers with COVID-19, 71.4 % were women;83.4 % were in the 30 to 59 age range with an average age of 44.71 years;65.6 % were healthcare workers, most of whom were nursing technicians;and 56.9 % experienced symptoms, mainly fever/chills (12.2 %), cough (8.9 %), malaise (7.7 %), sore throat (6.7 %), stuffy nose (2.5 %) and headache (1.3 %). Most workers lived in Lima Centro districts (33.2 %). A significant association between sex, age groups, worker type and worker profile was found. Conclusion(s): COVID-19 prevalence among INSN workers was 7.24 %;the most frequent characteristics, which showed significant differences with the rest of the factors, were being a woman, healthcare worker and nursing technician. A total of 56.9 % of the workers experienced symptoms, only 20.9 % developed clinical signs and 10.9 % had comorbidities.Copyright © La revista. Publicado por la Universidad de San Martin de Porres, Peru.
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Objectives: We aimed to compare biomarkers of COVID-19 patients with the Alpha variant (B.1.1.7), the Delta variant (B.1.617), and no mutation detected in our study. Method(s): A total of 600 patients with positive COVID PCR test and Alpha, Delta variant and no mutation detected with Covid PCR mutation test were included in the study. Troponin I, creatinine, Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), fibrinogen, D-dimer, ferritin, number of lymphocytes, lymphocytes (%), platelet (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), trombosite ratio in the blood (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) values were analyzed retrospectively. The age, gender, and hospitalization of the patients were evaluated concurrently. Result(s): Age, troponin, creatinine, LDH, PLT, MPV, and D-dimer were laboratory parameters that vary significantly with COVID-19 virus mutation. Age, troponin, LDH, and MPV values were lower in patients with Delta variant according to patients with the Alpha variant. Lymphocytes (N) and lymphocytes (%) values were lower in hospitalized patients relative to outpatients while age, troponin, LDH, CRP, and D-dimer values were higher in hospitalized patients than outpatients irrespective of mutation. Creatinine values were higher only in hospitalized patients with no mutation detected while ferritin and fibrinogen values were higher in hospitalized patients with Delta variant and no mutation detected. Conclusion(s): Age, troponin, creatinine, LDH, PLT, MPV, D-dimer, fibrinogen, ferritin, CRP, lymphocytes (N), and lymphocytes (%) values can guide to evaluate the diagnosis and hospitalization of patients with future different mutations.Copyright © 2023 by Prusa Medical Publishing.
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Introduction. The introduction of COVID-19 screening through rapid antigen tests has become a key mechanism to ensure the continuity of the learning process and safety of school environment during pandemic. The objective of the study was to investigate and analyse the attitudes and beliefs of students, teachers, and parents regarding the rapid antigen test as a method to limit COVID-19 spreading in school environment. Material and methods. An online anonymous survey was conducted among 228 participants, 11th and 12th grade high school students (n=114), teachers (n=44) and parents (n=70) in November 2021. Results. 43.9% of students and 52.9% of parents agree with rapid antigen testing for COVID-19, while over 63.3% of teachers disagree with it. Students (45.6%) and parents (48.6%) shared optimistic expectations that testing for COVID-19 would reduce the spread of the virus in schools, while 59.1% of the teachers surveyed remained sceptical about this prevention measure. The interruption of school classes does not find support among students and parents, as well as among members of the teaching staff. Conclusions. According to students and parents, rapid antigen testing for COVID-19 seems a more acceptable solution than closing school completely. Given the concern of teachers to conduct antigen tests in the school environment, it is necessary to adequately plan the participation of medical professionals in this process, instead of delegating these activities to teachers.Copyright © 2022 Balkan Medical Union.
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The development of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), for which Kary Mullis received the 1992 Novel Prize in Chemistry, revolutionized molecular biology. At around the time that prize was awarded, research was being carried out by Russel Higuchi which led to the discovery that PCR can be monitored using fluorescent probes, facilitating quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). In addition, the earlier discovery of reverse transcriptase (in 1970) laid the groundwork for the development of RT-PCR (used in molecular cloning). The latter can be coupled to qPCR, termed RT-qPCR, allowing analysis of gene expression through messenger RNA (mRNA) quantitation. These techniques and their applications have transformed life science research and clinical diagnosis.Copyright © The Authors.
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Objective: Self-testing kits for COVID-19 are available to the public and commonplace in households. Kits consist of nasal/throat swabs, absorbent testing strips (including a desiccant sachet) and bottles of extraction liquid. Once samples are collected swabs are placed in the liquid to create a sample for lateral flow (LFT) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. The liquid is a mixture of water, transport mediums, buffers, preservatives and animal proteins and although not intended for human contact, is considered to be low toxicity. Our objective was to analyse enquiries to the UK National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) regarding COVID-19 test kits to investigate potential toxicity. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of enquiries from 1 March 2020 until 31 July 2021. Enquiries were identified from the UK Poisons Information Database (UKPID) and filtered to identify those relating specifically to COVID-19 test kits. Results: In the study period 126 enquiries were received about COVID-19 test kits. One enquiry was regarding ingestion of the desiccant (LFT kit) with all others regarding the extraction liquid. The majority of enquiries (86, 68.3%) related to LFT kits with 9 (7.1%) enquiries regarding PCR kits. In 31 enquiries (24.6%) the test type was not specified. NHS telephone services (NHS 111/ Direct/24) accounted for the majority of enquiries (94, 74.6%), with the remaining from hospitals (12, 9.5%), primary care (10, 7.9%), and other sources (10, 7.9%) including ambulance services and nursing homes. Adults accounted for 69 (54.8%) enquiries with 55 (43.7%) regarding children. Age was not specified in 2 (1.6%) enquiries. Most adult exposures were accidental (67, 97.1%) with only 2 (2.9%) intentional exposures. Accidental exposures were due to the liquid being mistaken for eye drops (24, 35.8%), swabs dipped in liquid before taking samples (21, 31.3%), ingestion of liquid (19, 28.4%), spill of liquid onto skin (2, 3%) and liquid mistaken for ear drops (1, 1.5%). Patients were either asymptomatic (48, 69.6%) or reported mild symptoms only (20, 29%). In 1 enquiry the symptoms were unknown. Paediatric exposures were also accidental with only one intentional ingestion. Enquiries included ingestion of liquid or desiccant (45, 83.3%), liquid mistaken for eye drops (6, 11.1%), and swab dipped in liquid before taking sample (3, 5.5%). Patients were asymptomatic (48, 87.3%) or reported mild symptoms only (7, 12.7%). Conclusion: Almost all exposures to COVID-19 test kits were accidental with the extraction liquid most commonly being mistaken for eye drops. Reassuringly, serious toxicity has not been reported.
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(Background) Endoscopic procedures are interventions that have been defined as carrying a high-risk of infection with COVID-19. Most endoscopy units restrict their activity based on pre-endoscopic diagnosis. (Objective) To determine the consequences of endoscopic restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on digestive cancer diagnosis. (Design) A comparison of upper digestive endoscopies and colonoscopies with gastrointestinal cancers diagnosed between three endoscopic centers, two of which restricted their procedures and one that did not but performed the procedures under a strict protocol. (Setting) A retrospective analysis was performed collecting data between 15 March 2019 and 15 August 2020. Two-factor ANOVA and a Tukey's a posteriori test were used as statistical tests. (Main outcome measures) There was variation in gastrointestinal cancer diagnosis between 2019 and 2020, considering the endoscopic procedures performed each year. (Result) There was a significant decrease in the total endoscopic procedures performed between 2019 and 2020 (p < 0.001), the result of reduced testing at the two centers (p < 0.001) with pre-endoscopic restrictions, which was not compensated for by a slight increase in procedures at the center without restrictions (p = 0.139). Regarding the total cancers diagnosed, while a significant decrease was observed for the two centers with pre-endoscopic restrictions (p = 0.007), a significant increase was registered in the center that maintained its endoscopic productivity (p < 0.001). After 851 procedures (537 upper digestive endoscopies and 314 colonoscopies) there was no evidence of COVID-19 infection in the endoscopic staff. (Conclusion) Endoscopic restrictions based on preendoscopic diagnosis should be reassessed in consideration of local pandemic situations, and a balance should be sought between COVID-19 infection risk and the detrimental delay of potential cancer diagnosis.
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Background:The outbreak of COVID -19 which started in late 2019 has rapidly reached a pandemic status all over the world. India being one of the most affected countries has borne the brunt of this infection. Though Viral RNA detection by RT- PCR is considered the gold standard for confirming the infection, yet false-negative RT- PCR rates are noted at about 15 %. We know the role of biomarkers and their significance in SARS – COV 2 infection. The utility of biomarkers in RT-PCR negative patients is studied here Methods:The study was conducted in the Microbiology department, Central Diagnostic Laboratory at Kurnool Govern- ment Medical College. We retrospectively analyzed biomarkers of 100 clinically suspected COVID 19 patients with sig- nificant changes in chest CT (CORADS score 4 or 5) who had undergone RT- PCR test from JULY to October 2020. Out of 100 patients, 50 were RT- PCR positive and 50 were RT-PCR negative. The RT- PCR analysis was performed by using the Biorad CFX96 machine and Allplex™ 2019-nCoV Assay kits. The Biomarkers CRP, D- Dimer, and LDH were analyzed by clinical chemistry analyzer, Pentra C 200 Results:Among 50 RT- PCR positive patients, 43 (86%) showed an increase in CRP, 46 (92%) showed an increase in D- Dimer, and 47 (94%) showed an increase in LDH. Out of 50 RT-PCR negative patients, 32(64%) showed an increase in CRP, 42 (84%) in D- Dimer, and 45(90%) in LDH. Conclusions:This study demonstrates that biological markers not only aid in identifying RT- PCR negative cases but also play an equally important role like other diagnostic COVID -19 tests in identifying and cautioning the doctor of the im- pending severity of the disease
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INTRODUCTION: At the end of the first pandemic wave in Italy, late in May 2020, all employees of our public hospital in Turin were invited to a SARS-CoV-2 serological observational study. The study enrolled 1,562 subjects and revealed an overall 9.6% positivity for anti-SARSCoV-2 IgG, with significant differences based on exposure to COVID-19 patients. After the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine became available in Europe, all hospital workers were invited to vaccination, independently from previous SARS-CoV-2 infection status. AIM and METHODS: All of vaccinated hospital workers were invited to participate to a serologic study focused at exploring short-term serological response (1 month after second vaccine dose), and medium-term serological response (3-months after vaccination), in order to test persistency of the seroconversion, after approval by local Ethical Committee. We used CMIA method for determination of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, directed against RBD of spike protein, on Alinity platform (Abbott). RESULTS: Interim analysis results (on 1,016 vaccinated workers) showed serological response above the cut-off (50 AU/ mL) in all but 1 case (99.9%), and a valid IgG level (>500 AU/ml) in 1,007 subjects (99.1%). Median IgG titre observed was above such limits: 10,197 AU/ml (95%CI 9,705-10,752). Occurrence of adverse events was significantly more common among patients with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, as confirmed by previous specific PCR swab (p<0.0001). Anti SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels were significantly higher in patients with positive swabs (n= 137, median 21,327 AU/mL, 95%CI 19,101-24,063;p<0.0001), or seropositivity before vaccination (n=102, median 23,653 AU/mL, 95%CI 20,626-28,292;p<0.0001), or with any self reported adverse event after vaccination (n=586, median 12,179, 95%CI 11,087-12,948;p<0.0001). A SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed in 11 cases (1%) after full immunization (two vaccine doses);none of the positive cases required hospitalization or presented severe symptoms. Finally, median IgG titre observed 3-months after vaccination was 5,625 AU/mL, as expected. CONCLUSION: According to our preliminary results, early COVID infection among vaccinated subjects is rare. Full results of ongoing study will explore the persistency of seroconversion.