COVID-19 in patients hospitalized and healthcare workers: what have changed after the first wave in a university hospital

ObjectiveTo assess the COVID-19 frequency rates in hospitalized patients (HP) and healthcare workers (HCW), viral load inference, and the impact of vaccination and variants of concern (VOC) during the first pandemic wave. MethodsWe evaluated the COVID-19 diagnostics at Hospital Sao Paulo, Brazil, from March 2020 to April 2021, in 10,202 samples (6,502 HP and 3,700 HCW) tested by RT-qPCR, inferring viral load by cycle threshold (Ct) values, and frequency rates. ResultsSARS-CoV-2 was detected in 31.27% of individuals (32.23% HP and 29.80% HCW). The mean age of HP positives was 57.26 {+/-} 18.29 years (median = 59), with a mean Ct value of 25.55 {+/-} 6.07. Neither age nor Ct values in both groups have significantly differed during the first and second waves or even since the predominance of VOC P.1 on March 2021. ConclusionsThe COVID-19 epidemic curves of HP and HCW accompanied the variations reported in Sao Paulo city, as well as the variation of hospitalization and occupancy of ICU beds. The VOC P.1 has no impact on the viral load, since its predominance in March 2021. The vaccination of HCW may have contributed to a decrease in the positivity rates, although more studies will provide a better understanding of the impact of immunization on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rapid spread and high impact of the Variant of Concern P.1 in the largest city of Brazil

First in Manaus in the Brazilian Northern region, the Variant of Concern P.1 traveled 3800 kilometers southeast to endanger Sao Paulo contributing to the collapse of the health system. Here, we show evidence of how fast the VOC P.1 has spread in the most populated city in South America.

Evaluation of the Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test at an Emergency Room in a Hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil

IntroductionThe performance characteristics of the Panbio COVID-19 Ag test were evaluated against RT-PCR - considered the gold-standard for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 - at an emergency room in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The study aimed to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive percent agreement (PPA), and negative percent agreement (NPA) as compared to RT-PCR. MethodsSpecimens from 127 suspected patients were tested by both the Panbio COVID-19 Ag test and by RT-PCR. ResultsEvaluation of the agreement between the Panbio COVID-19 Ag test and RT-PCR indicated an overall sensitivity of 84% (95%CI, 75-93.8%) and an overall specificity of 98% (95%CI, 96-98.8%). The Panbio COVID-19 Ag test showed 97% sensitivity and 99% NPA for subjects with Ct values [≤] 25 (N=37). ConclusionThe Panbio COVID-19 Ag test is suitable for use as a diagnostic test for the rapid screening of patients presenting COVID-19 symptoms, or those suspected with being infected, prior to being admitted to hospital.