ABSTRACT
Objectives: Improved serological detection of specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 could help estimate the true number of infections. Methods: A total of 443 serum samples provided by unvaccinated patients of all ages with unknown COVID-19 status that were originally submitted for routine screening or clinical management from outpatient laboratory during the March-April 2021 (third wave) were collected. Seroprevalence of IgM/IgG antibodies was determined by lateral flow immunoassay (Tigsun, Beijing, China). Results: Among 443 serum samples, 186 (42.0%) were positive (incidence of 5.2/1000) with slight predominace of females, 104 (55.9%), highest seropositivity in 25-50 and 51-64 years age groups, 61 (32.8%) and 57 (30.6%), respectively (P < 0.05); rural population was more prevalent, 101 (54.3%) (P < 0.05) and active workers, 86 (41.1%). Almost equal number of patients was with or without symptoms, 48.4% and 51.6%, respectively. For the comparison, in the same period it was registered 296 (out of 855; 34.6%) PCR SARS-CoV-19 positive persons (incidence of 8.2/1000) with the higher gender (females) and the highest age prevalence in 51-64 years age group (36.8%). In the period March 2020-June 2021, it was registered 804 (out of 3323; 24.2%) (incidence of 22.3/1000) PCR SARS-CoV-19 positive persons with no significant gender and significant age difference (25-50 and 51-64 years group, respectively). Conclusion: In the regions with high prevalence/incidence of SARS-CoV-2 in the general population (Bosnia and Herzegovina is on the World top on the number of deaths) seroprevalence measuring can help tracking the spread of disease.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To determine the epidemiological features of patients and animals after bites/scratches from rabies-suspected animals in Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina. METHODS: Data from all patients (and the causative animals) admitted to the Antirabies Service of the Institute for Health and Food Safety Zenica in the 2009-2017 period were analyzed, including age, sex, anatomical site of the bite/scratch, animal type (stray/owned/wildlife), veterinary observations of the animal, and whether antirabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) was indicated and/or administered. RESULTS: In total, 1716 patients were admitted. Bites/scratches were most frequently recorded during April and May (n=181, 10.5% and n=163, 9.5%, respectively). The persons admitted were mostly from the Zenica municipality (n=1278, 74.5%; incidence: 11.55/ 1000), which is 66.6% urbanized. Males were more frequently represented (n=1089, 63.6%). The patients were mostly 50-64 and 25-49 years of age (n=425, 24.7% and n=390, 22.7%, respectively). Dog bites were the most common cause (n=1634, 95.1%, of which n=1258, 77.0% were caused by stray dogs). PEP was indicated for 997 (58.1%) patients. Only 340 (19.9%) animals underwent veterinary observations (3.1% of stray and 76.1% of owned animals). The largest number of injuries were presented at lower extremities, 1044 (60.8%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: Zenica-Doboj Canton is a rabies-free region. Due to the high rate of stray animals not undergoing veterinary observations, the non-existence of a unique dog registry, and the consequent lack of information about stray animals in terms of number, vaccination, neutering, and euthanasia, there is an urgent need for improving the prevention and control of rabies within the One Health framework.