RESUMEN
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has spread rapidly across Germany. Infections are likely to be under-recorded in the notification data from local health authorities on laboratory-confirmed cases since SARS-CoV-2 infections can proceed with few symptoms and then often remain undetected. Seroepidemiological studies allow the estimation of the proportion in the population that has been infected with SARS-CoV-2 (seroprevalence) as well as the extent of undetected infections. The 'CORONA-MONITORING bundesweit' study (RKI-SOEP study) collects biospecimens and interview data in a nationwide population sample drawn from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP). Participants are sent materials to self-collect a dry blood sample of capillary blood from their finger and a swab sample from their mouth and nose, as well as a questionnaire. The samples returned are tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies and SARS-CoV-2 RNA to identify past or present infections. The methods applied enable the identification of SARS-CoV-2 infections, including those that previously went undetected. In addition, by linking the data collected with available SOEP data, the study has the potential to investigate social and health-related differences in infection status. Thus, the study contributes to an improved understanding of the extent of the epidemic in Germany, as well as identification of target groups for infection protection.
RESUMEN
Since the beginning of the year 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has spread globally at a tremendous pace. Studies on the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the population help estimate the number of people that have already been infected. They also allow an estimate of the number of undetected infections i.e. infections that do not appear in data on officially reported cases. The interpretation of study results needs to consider bias from selective sampling and the diagnostic test properties. To promote networking and co-operation between scientists, the Robert Koch Institute has compiled an overview of the seroepidemiological studies conducted in Germany on its website, which is regularly updated. The RKI conducts searches, for example of press releases, study registry entries or preprint server publications, and contacts the lead investigators of these studies. Of the 40 studies contacted so far, 24 have already provided information (as of 25.06.2020). We can differentiate between studies of the general population, of selected population groups such as healthcare workers, or of ongoing cohorts. This article provides an overview of such studies from Germany, but also of selected international studies. A special focus is set on studies of children and adolescents, which are now of particular interest due to the planned reopening of childcare facilities and schools.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV2 serologic studies complement and expand findings from confirmed COVID-19 cases through identification of undetected cases. OBJECTIVES: This article summarizes previous results on SARS-CoV2 prevalence from seroepidemiological studies in Germany focusing on children and adolescents and complements the already existing overview on seroprevalence in adults from general population samples and especially blood donors in Germany. METHODS: The results are based on an ongoing systematic search in study registries, in literature databases, of preprint publications, and of media reports of seroepidemiological studies in Germany and their results. RESULTS: As of 17 September 2021, we are aware of 16 German seroepidemiological studies focusing on children and adolescents. Results are available for nine of these studies. For almost all settings studied, SARS-CoV2 seroprevalence was well below 1% for preschool and elementary school children in the first COVID-19 wave and below 2% for adolescents. As the pandemic progressed, higher seroprevalences of up to 8% were found in elementary school children. DISCUSSION: Results of SARS-CoV2 antibody studies in children and adolescents in Germany are scarce so far and are based on non-representative samples at local or regional level. In future studies, it is necessary on the one hand to estimate which proportion of children and adolescents has already either had an infection or has been vaccinated. On the other hand, it is important to investigate physical and mental health impairments that occur after an infection.
Asunto(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Adolescente , Adulto , Anticuerpos Antivirales , Niño , Preescolar , Alemania/epidemiología , Humanos , Pandemias , Estudios SeroepidemiológicosRESUMEN
Neben der prospektiven Versorgungsforschung mit ihrem qualitativen und quantitativen Ansatz sind retrospektive Datenquellen essenziell zur Beurteilung von Prozessen im Gesundheitswesen. In Deutschland ermöglichen strukturelle Veränderungen in den Krebsregistern bzw. die Etablierung neuer Datenquellen interessante Möglichkeiten für die Versorgungsforschung. So wurde mit der Medizininformatik-Initiative eine Vernetzung klinischer Einrichtungen aufgebaut, womit sich schnelle, sektorübergreifende und lebensnahe Analysen realisieren lassen. Durch die Neustrukturierung der Krebsregister sollen bevölkerungsbasierte Erhebungen im onkologischen Bereich vereinfacht und die Detailtreue der Daten erhöht werden. Die Folgen der COVID-19-Pandemie (Coronavirus-Krankheit 2019) im onkologischen Bereich lassen sich dabei über das neu geschaffene Nationale Pandemie Kohorten Netz (NAPKON), ein Zusammenschluss universitärer und nichtuniversitärer Gesundheitsdienstleister, abbilden. Durch die Einbeziehung der Akteure im Gesundheitswesen und unter der Mitwirkung prospektiver Studien lässt sich damit ein umfassendes Bild des onkologischen Versorgungsgeschehens in Deutschland zeichnen.