scholarly journals Risk Factors for SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Presence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies among University Student Dormitory Residents, September–November 2020

Author(s):  
Hannah E Segaloff ◽  
Devlin Cole ◽  
Hannah G Rosenblum ◽  
Christine C Lee ◽  
Clint N Morgan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Multiple SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks occurred at universities during Fall 2020, but little is known about risk factors for campus-associated infections immunity provided by anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in young adults. Methods We conducted surveys and serology tests among students living in dormitories in September and November to examine infection risk factors and antibody presence. Using campus weekly reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results, the relationship between survey responses, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and infections was assessed. Results Of 6136 students, 1197 completed the survey and 572 also completed serologic testing in September compared with 517 and 414 in November, respectively. Participation in fraternity or sorority events (adjusted Risk Ratio (aRR): 1·9 [95% CI: 1·4–2·5]) and frequent alcohol consumption (aRR: 1·6 [1·2–2·2]) were associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mask wearing during social events (aRR: 0·6 [0·6–1·0]) was associated with decreased risk. None of the 20 students with antibodies in September tested postive for SARS-CoV-2 during the semester, while 27·8% of students who tested RT-PCR positive tested negative for antibodies in November. Conclusion Frequent drinking and attending social events were associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Antibody presence in September appeared to be protective from re-infection, but this finding was not statistically significant.

2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 003685042110261
Author(s):  
Sungwoo Choi ◽  
Hyo Jeong Choi ◽  
Ho Jung Kim

The most common method for SARS-CoV-2 testing is throat or nasal swabbing by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. In South Korea, drive-through swab test is used for screening system and community treatment centers (CTCs), which admit and treat confirmed COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms, are being used. This retrospective study was conducted on patients admitted to a CTC on March 6, 2020. A total of 313 patients were admitted. The nasal and throat swabs were collected from the upper respiratory tract, and a sputum test was performed to obtain lower respiratory samples. The positive rate of the first set of test, sputum test was higher than that of the swab test ( p = 0.011). In the second set of test, 1 week after the first ones, the rate of positive swab tests was relatively high ( p = 0.026). In the first set of test, 66 of 152 (43.4%) patients showed 24-h consecutive negative swab test results, when the sputum test results were considered together, that number fell to 29 patients (19.1%) ( p < 0.001). Also, in the second set of test, 63 of 164 (38.4%) patients met the discharge criteria only when the swab test was considered; that number fell to 30 (18.3%) when the sputum test results were also considered ( p < 0.001). Using the swab test alone is insufficient for screening test and discharge decision. Patients who may have positive result in the sputum test can be missed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 428-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Rajewska ◽  
Wioletta Mikołajek-Bedner ◽  
Joanna Lebdowicz-Knul ◽  
Małgorzata Sokołowska ◽  
Sebastian Kwiatkowski ◽  
...  

AbstractThe new acute respiratory disease severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly contagious. It has caused many deaths, despite a relatively low general case fatality rate (CFR). The most common early manifestations of infection are fever, cough, fatigue and myalgia. The diagnosis is based on the exposure history, clinical manifestation, laboratory test results, chest computed tomography (CT) findings and a positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The effect of SARS-CoV-2 on pregnancy is not already clear. There is no evidence that pregnant women are more susceptible than the general population. In the third trimester, COVID-19 can cause premature rupture of membranes, premature labour and fetal distress. There are no data on complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection before the third trimester. COVID-19 infection is an indication for delivery if necessary to improve maternal oxygenation. Decision on delivery mode should be individualised. Vertical transmission of coronavirus from the pregnant woman to the fetus has not been proven. As the virus is absent in breast milk, the experts encourage breastfeeding for neonatal acquisition of protective antibodies.


2021 ◽  
pp. 003022282110598
Author(s):  
Hümeyra Aslaner ◽  
Betül Özen ◽  
Zeliha K. Erten ◽  
Mebrure Beyza Gökçek

Urgent measures were taken for those at the age of 65 and over who were at the risk group all over the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is known that many individuals at the age of 65 and over have experienced anxiety due to the uncertainties. This study aimed to determine the anxiety and death anxiety in individuals aged 65 and over who were isolation at home due to being diagnosed with COVID-19 or being in contact during the pandemic process. The study is descriptive and cross-sectional. It was performed with 656 home-quarantined individuals aged between 65–80 years with positive or negative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result. A form including questions about the death anxiety and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale Short Form prepared by the researchers were administered to the individuals by phone call. Of the participants, 49.5% were male. Median COVID-19 anxiety score was 4 (0–18). Anxiety scores of the male and female participants were similar. Participants with negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results and those with death anxiety had higher COVID anxiety scores. Death anxiety has increased by 1.661 times in male gender, 1.983 times in RT-PCR positivity and 0.146 times in the presence of symptoms. Individuals with positive COVID-19 test results or those aged 65 and over who had death anxiety and negative COVID-19 test result but who were in home-isolation due to being a contact had higher anxiety score. For this reason, those with death anxiety can be supported in line with their religious beliefs to reduce anxiety. Those with negative PCR test results in quarantine can be adequately informed about the COVID-19.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S820-S820
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Scaria ◽  
Ryan Powell ◽  
Jen Birstler ◽  
Oguzhan Alagoz ◽  
Daniel Shirley ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea and recurs in up to 30% of patients, often requiring readmission. Socioeconomic factors, such as living in a disadvantaged neighborhood may impact readmission but have not been studied. Methods We examined the relationship between neighborhood disadvantage, as measured by the Singh validated area deprivation index (ADI), and 30-day all-cause readmission risk in patients with an index hospital stay with CDI. We analyzed a random 20% sample of national Medicare claims for patients’ initial index hospitalization with a CDI diagnosis in 2014 (n = 19,528) that included each patient’s neighborhood ADI national percentile. The most disadvantaged neighborhoods were categorized as those in the upper 35 percentile, while the least disadvantaged was defined as those in the bottom 65% of national ADI rankings. We evaluated the relationship between ADI percentile and 30-day readmission risk using multivariate logistic regression, controlling for key patient demographics, comorbidities, and hospital/stay characteristics. Results A total of 19,528 patients had an index stay with CDI, 4,899 were readmitted within 30 days. Patients from the most disadvantaged neighborhoods had a higher average rate of readmission compared with those living in the least disadvantaged neighborhoods (28% vs. 24% rate; unadjusted risk ratio = 1.16 [1.10, 1.21]). This relationship held after controlling for confounders. After adjustment, being a resident in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods was associated with a 10% increased risk of readmission (adjusted risk ratio = 1.10 [1.05, 1.16]), which was similar to the effect sizes associated with dual Medicaid-Medicare enrollment status (adjusted risk ratio = 1.09 [1.03, 1.15]) and renal failure (adjusted risk ratio = 1.14 [1.08, 1.21]). Conclusion Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood is associated with an increased 30-day readmission risk similar in magnitude to Medicaid status and renal failure in patients with index hospitalizations of CDI. Future studies should examine whether interventions such as post discharge support and care coordination for patients in disadvantaged neighborhoods may reduce readmissions in this patient population. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


Author(s):  
Kevin Tsai ◽  
Sheillah Simiyu ◽  
Jane Mumma ◽  
Rose Aseyo ◽  
Oliver Cumming ◽  
...  

Pediatric diarrheal disease remains the second most common cause of preventable illness and death among children under the age of five, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, there is limited information regarding the role of food in pathogen transmission in LMICs. For this study, we examined the frequency of enteric pathogen occurrence and co-occurrence in 127 infant weaning foods in Kisumu, Kenya, using a multi-pathogen PCR diagnostic tool, and assessed household food hygiene risk factors for contamination. Bacterial, viral, and protozoan enteric pathogen DNA and RNA were detected in 62% of the infant weaning food samples collected, with 37% of foods containing more than one pathogen type. Multivariable generalized linear mixed model analysis indicated type of infant food best explained the presence and diversity of enteric pathogens in infant food, while most household food hygiene risk factors considered in this study were not significantly associated with pathogen contamination. Specifically, cow’s milk was significantly more likely to contain a pathogen (adjusted risk ratio = 14.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.78–116.1) and more likely to have higher number of enteric pathogen species (adjusted risk ratio = 2.35; 95% CI 1.67–3.29) than porridge. Our study demonstrates that infants in this low-income urban setting are frequently exposed to diarrhoeagenic pathogens in food and suggests that interventions are needed to prevent foodborne transmission of pathogens to infants.


2018 ◽  
Vol 146 (6) ◽  
pp. 763-770 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Asakura ◽  
M. Nakano ◽  
K. Omae

AbstractGiven the growing use of electric bidet toilets in Japan and other countries, we assessed the relationship between bidet toilet use and haemorrhoids or urogenital infections. Data were collected using a web-based longitudinal survey. In total, 10 305 subjects randomly selected from panels of a Japanese website research company for the baseline survey in 2013 were asked about their frequency of bidet toilet use and receipt of a doctor's diagnosis or subjective symptom of haemorrhoids and urogenital infections. One- and three-year follow-up surveys were performed in 2014 and 2016, respectively, and information on newly diagnosed/experienced outcomes occurring during the follow-up period were collected. Cumulative incidence of haemorrhoids and urogenital infections was not significantly increased by habitual use of a bidet toilet. In men, more habitual users reported subjective symptoms of irritated skin around the anus, which were newly experienced during follow-up than non-habitual users (adjusted risk ratio 1.36 (95% confidence interval 1.06–1.75)). Further studies are needed to confirm this relationship. Several of the outcomes were significantly more prevalent in habitual users, but these results were probably explained by reverse causation.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanine J.S. Rutten ◽  
Anouk M. van Loon ◽  
Janine van Kooten ◽  
Laura W. van Buul ◽  
Karlijn J. Joling ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectivesTo describe symptomatology, mortality and risk factors for mortality in a large group of Dutch nursing home (NH) residents with clinically-suspected COVID-19 who were tested with a Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test.DesignProspective cohort study.Setting and participantsResidents of Dutch NHs with clinically-suspected COVID-19 and who received RT-PCR test.MethodsWe collected data of NH residents with clinically-suspected COVID-19, via electronic health records between March 18th and May 13th, 2020. Registration was performed on diagnostic status (confirmed (COVID-19+)/ruled out (COVID-19-)) and symptomatology (typical and atypical symptoms). Information on mortality and risk factors for mortality were extracted from usual care data.ResultsIn our sample of residents with clinically-suspected COVID-19 (N=4007), COVID-19 was confirmed in 1538 residents (38%). Although, symptomatology overlapped between residents with COVID-19+ and COVID-19-, those with COVID-19+ were three times more likely to die within 30 days (hazard ratio (HR), 3·1; 95% CI, 2·7 to 3·6). Within this group, mortality was higher for men than for women (HR, 1·8; 95%, 1·5-2·2) and we observed a higher mortality for residents with dementia, reduced kidney function, and Parkinson’s Disease, even when corrected for age, gender, and comorbidities.Conclusions and implicationsAbout 40% of the residents with clinically-suspected COVID-19 actually had COVID-19, based on the RT-PCR test. Despite an overlap in symptomatology, mortality rate was three times higher for residents with COVID-19+. This emphasizes the importance of using low-threshold testing in NH residents which is an essential prerequisite to using limited personal protective equipment and isolation measures efficiently.


Author(s):  
Nutria Widya Purna Anggraini ◽  
Sri Sulistyowati

<div class="WordSection1">BACKGROUND<br />Coronavirus Infection 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is an emergency condition for global public health. Early detection of COVID-19 in pregnant women is needed. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), as a marker of viral inflammatory response, is used to determine the presence of a viral or bacterial infection, both acute and chronic. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between NLR and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab test results in pregnant women with suspected coronavirus disease 2019.<br /><br />METHODS<br />A cross-sectional study was conducted on 9 pregnant women with suspected COVID-19. The subjects were inpatients at Moewardi Hospital Surakarta from 19 April-19 May 2020, who had rapid tests, complete blood examinations, and PCR swab tests. The NLR was categorized based on early warning scores according to research developed at Zhejiang University, with cut-off point 5.8. Diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by PCR swab tests. Relation between NLR   and PCR swab results was analyzed by the prevalence ratio.<br /><br />RESULTS<br />Two patients (22.2%) had NLR &gt;5.8, with positive swab results in both (100%). Seven patients with NLR &lt;5.8 had positive swabs in only one (33.3%). The relationship between NLR and PCR swab test results showed a prevalence ratio of 0.143 (95% CI 0.023-0.877).<br /><br />CONCLUSION<br />Pregnant women with NLR &lt; 5.8 had a decreased risk of COVID-19. Routine blood examination is more suitable for finding pregnant women with suspected COVID-19.</div>


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mónica Vázquez-Del Mercado ◽  
Milton-Omar Guzmán-Ornelas ◽  
Fernanda-Isadora Corona Meraz ◽  
Clara-Patricia Ríos-Ibarra ◽  
Eduardo-Alejandro Reyes-Serratos ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between functional polymorphisms Gly482Ser inPPARGC1Aand Pro12Ala inPPARG2with the presence of obesity and metabolic risk factors. We included 375 individuals characterized as Mexican-Mestizos and classified by the body mass index (BMI). Body dimensions and distribution of body fat were measured. The HOMA-IR and adiposity indexes were calculated. Adipokines and metabolic profile quantification were performed by ELISA and routine methods. Genetic polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. A difference between obese and nonobese subjects in polymorphismPPARGC1Adistribution was observed. Among obese individuals, carriers of genotype 482Gly/Gly were observed to have decreased body fat, BMI, and body fat ratio versus 482Ser/Ser carriers and increased resistin and leptin levels in carriers Gly+ phenotype versus Gly− phenotype. Subjects withPPARG2Ala− phenotype (genotype 12Pro/Pro) showed a decreased HOMA-IR index versus individuals with Ala+ phenotype (genotypes 12Pro/Ala plus 12Ala/Ala). We propose that, in obese Mexican-Mestizos, the combination of alleles 482Ser inPPARGC1Aand 12Pro inPPARG2represents a reduced metabolic risk profile, even when the adiposity indexes are increased.


Author(s):  
Andrew Pekosz ◽  
Charles K. Cooper ◽  
Valentin Parvu ◽  
Maggie Li ◽  
Jeffrey C. Andrews ◽  
...  

SUMMARYIndividuals can test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after no longer being infectious.1-8 Positive SARS-CoV-2 antigen-based testing exhibits a temporal pattern that corresponds with active, replicating virus and could therefore be a more accurate predictor of an individual’s potential to transmit SARS-CoV-2.2,3,9 Using the BD Veritor System for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 later flow antigen detection test, we demonstrate a higher concordance of antigen-positive test results with the presence of cultured, infectious virus when compared to RT-PCR. When compared to infectious virus isolation, the sensitivity of antigen-based testing is similar to RT-PCR. The correlation between SARS-CoV-2 antigen and SARS-CoV-2 culture represents a significant advancement in determining the risk for potential transmissibility beyond that which can be achieved by detection of SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA. Coupled with a rapid time-to-result, low cost, and scalability, antigen-based testing should facilitate effective implementation of testing and public health interventions that will better contain COVID-19.


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