scholarly journals Viral Shedding among Re-Positive Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 Positive Individuals in Republic of Korea

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 2089
Author(s):  
Jeong-Min Kim ◽  
Boyeong Ryu ◽  
Young June Choe ◽  
Hye-Jun Jo ◽  
Hyeokjin Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Index Patient ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Past Infection ◽  
Viral Shedding ◽  
Viral Culture ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Pcr Test

This study investigated the infectivity of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals who re-tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA after recovering from their primary illness. We investigated 295 individuals with re-positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results and 836 of their close contacts. We attempted virus isolation in individuals with re-positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test results using cell culture and confirmed the presence of neutralizing antibodies using serological tests. Viral culture was negative in all 108 individuals with re-positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test results in whom viral culture was performed. Three new cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified among household contacts using PCR. Two of the three new cases had had contact with the index patient during their primary illness, and all three had antibody evidence of past infection. Thus, there was no laboratory evidence of viral shedding and no epidemiological evidence of transmission among individuals with re-positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test results.

scholarly journals Persistent Smell Loss Following Undetectable SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Vol 163 (5) ◽  
pp. 923-925 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol H. Yan ◽  
Divya P. Prajapati ◽  
Michele L. Ritter ◽  
Adam S. DeConde
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Subsequent Test ◽  
Viral Shedding ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Smell Loss ◽  
Pcr Test

The association of smell and taste loss with COVID-19 has been well demonstrated with high prevalence rates. In certain cases, chemosensory loss may be the only symptom of COVID-19 and may linger while other symptoms have resolved. The significance of persistent smell and taste loss and its relationship to ongoing viral shedding has yet to be investigated. In this cross-sectional study, of the 316 laboratory test–confirmed COVID-19 cases at our institution, 46 had subsequent test-based confirmation of viral clearance with 2 consecutive negative RT-PCR test results (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction). Olfactory dysfunction was reported by 50% of the patients (23 of 46), with 78% (18 of 23) having subjective persistent smell loss despite negative RT-PCR test results. These preliminary data demonstrate the persistence of self-reported smell loss despite otherwise clinical resolution and undetectable nasal viral RNA.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Among Health Care Personnel at a Health Care System in Pakistan

2021 ◽  
pp. 101053952110110
Author(s):  
Salma Abbas ◽  
Aun Raza ◽  
Ayesha Iftikhar ◽  
Aamir Khan ◽  
Shahzaib Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Health Care Personnel ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Past Infection ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
History Of ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Health care personnel (HCP) are at high risk for coronavirus disease-2019 acquisition. Serum antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) indicate past infection. Our institution offered SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing to HCP. We surveyed HCP with positive test results to explore past exposure to SARS-CoV-2, details of symptoms during the preceding 6 months, and a history of SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction testing. A total of 2162 HCP underwent antibody testing. Eight hundred fifty-seven (39.6%) employees tested positive and, of these, 820 (95.7%) participated in the survey. When adjusted for age, males had higher odds of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies compared with females (OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.37-2.05; P = .00) and clinical staff had higher odds of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity compared with nonclinical staff (OR = 1.273; 95% CI = 1.06-1.53; P = .01). Implementation of effective infection control measures is essential to protect HCP from coronavirus disease-2019.

Death and COVID-19 Anxiety in Home-Quarantined Individuals Aged 65 and Over During the Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 003022282110598
Author(s):  
Hümeyra Aslaner ◽  
Betül Özen ◽  
Zeliha K. Erten ◽  
Mebrure Beyza Gökçek
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Death Anxiety ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Anxiety Score ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Test Result ◽  
Pcr Test

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.

scholarly journals Evaluating the bacterial culture technique by Polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of Brucella abortus in milk of cows suspected with brucellosis.

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-8
Author(s):  
Bashar Sadeq Noomy
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Brucella Abortus ◽  
Bacterial Culture ◽  
Culture Technique ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Culture Techniques ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Pcr Test

      The aim of this study is to determine the sensitivity of bacterial culture technique in the detection of Brucella abortus in milk samples of aborted cows. Sixty samples of milk were collected from aborted cows during a period which did not exceed two months after the abortion. All of them were positive for rose bengal test. Results showed that Brucella abortus was isolated from 7 out of 60 (11.6%) from the milk of aborted cows, while PCR test showed that 32 out of 60 (53.3%) milk sample contained Brucella abortus. The specificity of culture techniques was 10%, but its sensitivity was only 21.8%. Beside the cautions in dealing with live Brucella abortus (as culture), it is also less sensitive than PCR, though it is better to use PCR technique in the diagnosis of brucellosis in aborted cows milk.

scholarly journals What Is the Predictive Value of a Single Nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 PCR Swab Test in a Patient With COVID-Like Symptoms and/or Significant COVID-19 Exposure?

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Blessen George ◽  
James McGee ◽  
Eileen Giangrasso ◽  
Sheila Finkelstein ◽  
Susan Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Hospital Workers ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Pcr Screening ◽  
Test Characteristics ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Pcr Test

Abstract Utilizing results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and subsequent antibody titers, we report on the test characteristics of a PCR screening test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 among hospital workers. The PCR test was found to be 87% sensitive and 97% specific, with a positive predictive value of 0.98 and a negative predictive value of 0.80.

scholarly journals Antigen Testing for COVID-19 Asymptomatic Screening: Why it Should be Preferred Over PCR Insights From Navy Region Japan’s Experience With a Comprehensive Antigen Testing Strategy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross A Mullinax
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Virus ◽  
Infectious Period ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Testing Strategy ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Viral Culture ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Antigen Testing

ABSTRACT Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is commonly used in asymptomatic screening testing, but is suboptimal for this purpose as it will identify many old persistent positives that are no longer infectious. This can result in placement of individuals that are not infectious to others into isolation. This results in substantial adverse impact to military manning and operations, without any benefit to public health. Antigen testing does not have this same drawback. Antigen testing, while less sensitive than PCR, will identify the vast majority of infectious positives, especially those with higher viral loads that are more likely to transmit to others. Importantly, use of antigen testing will also greatly increase the certainty of benefit from isolation, reducing the risk of isolating those individuals who are beyond their infectious period and pose no threat to public health. The literature on this topic is reviewed, with particular focus on studies that perform viral culture in addition to PCR and antigen testing. This allows for determination of sensitivity for infectious virus. Also, Navy Region Japan’s experience with a comprehensive antigen testing strategy is described. The challenges presented by persistent positive PCR test results are examined, as well as the real-world benefits from implementing widespread use of antigen testing.

scholarly journals Assessing Sex Differential in COVID-19 Mortality Rate by Age and Polymerase Chain Reaction Test Results; An Iranian Multi-Center Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehdi Azizmohammad Looha ◽  
Mostafa Rezaei-Tavirani ◽  
Mohammad Rostami-Nejad ◽  
Shahriar Janbazi ◽  
Elaheh Zarean ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Differential Effect ◽  
Death Rate ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Negative Test ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Pcr Test

Abstract Background: Males are more likely to die from COVID-19 than females. In addition, the mortality rate among positive and suspected COVID-19 patients were reported in many literatures. The aim of this study is to evaluate the sex differential effect in the COVID-19 mortality by different age groups and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results. Methods: in a multicenter cross-sectional study from 55 hospitals in Tehran, Iran, patients were categorized as the positive, negative and suspected cases. Age group, sex and hospital wards were also assessed in analysis. Results: A total of 25481 cases (14791 males) were included in the study with the mortality rate of 12.0%. The mortality rate in positive, negative and suspected cases were 20.55%, 9.97% and 7.31%, respectively. Although the mortality in negative test group was considerable, sex was not associated with the death rate in this group. Using Cox regression model, sex had a significant effect on the hazard of death due to COVID-19 in adults and senior patients having positive and suspected PCR test results. However, sex was not found as significant factor for mortality in patients with negative PCR test occurring to different age groups. Conclusion: Regardless of other risk factors, we found that sex differential effect in COVID-19 mortality varies significantly in different age groups; therefore, appropriate strategies should be designed to protect adult and senior men from this deadly infectious disease. Furthermore, owing to the considerable death rate of COVID-19 patients with negative test results, new policies should be launched increase the accuracy of diagnosis tests.

scholarly journals Diurnal variation in SARS-CoV-2 PCR test results: Test accuracy may vary by time of day

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Candace D. McNaughton ◽  
Nicholas M. Adams ◽  
Carl Hirschie Johnson ◽  
Michael J. Ward ◽  
Thomas A. Lasko
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Diurnal Variation ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Test Accuracy ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Clinical Tests ◽  
Viral Shedding ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Polymerase Chain

AbstractFalse negative tests for SARS-CoV-2 are common and have important public health and medical implications. We tested the hypothesis that the proportion of positive SARS-CoV-2 real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests varied by time of day, suggesting variation in viral shedding by time of day. Among 30,000 clinical tests performed among symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in the Vanderbilt Affiliated Healthcare Network from March-June 2020, we found evidence for diurnal variation in the proportion of positive SARS-CoV-2 tests, with a peak around 2pm in the afternoon and 2-fold variation over the day. Variation was most pronounced in outpatient and inpatient testing locations. These findings have important implications for public health testing and vaccination strategies.

scholarly journals Risk Factors for COVID-19 Morbidity and Mortality in Institutionalised Elderly People

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 10221
Author(s):  
Ander Burgaña Agoües ◽  
Marta Serra Gallego ◽  
Raquel Hernández Resa ◽  
Beatriz Joven Llorente ◽  
Maria Lloret Arabi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Barthel Index ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Home Workers ◽  
Adequate Management ◽  
Pcr Test

Background: SARS-CoV-2 has caused a high mortality in institutionalised individuals. There are very few studies on the involvement and the real impact of COVID-19 in nursing homes. This study analysed factors related to morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 in institutionalised elderly people. Methods: This cohort study included 842 individuals from 12 nursing homes in Sant Cugat del Vallès (Spain) from 15 March to 15 May 2020. We evaluated individual factors (demographic, dependence, clinical, and therapeutic) and those related to the nursing homes (size and staff) associated with infection and mortality by SARS-CoV-2. Infection was diagnosed by molecular biology test. Results: Of the 842 residents included in the analysis, 784 underwent a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test; 74.2% were women, the mean age was 87.1 years, and 11.1% died. The PCR test was positive in 44%. A total of 33.4% of the residents presented symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and of these, 80.9% were PCR-positive for SARS-CoV-2. Infection by SARS-CoV-2 among residents was associated with the rate of staff infected in the homes. Mortality by SARS-CoV-2 was related to male sex and a greater grade of dependence measured with the Barthel index. Conclusions: SARS-Cov-2 infection in institutionalised people is associated with the infection rate in nursing home workers and mortality by SARS-Cov-2 with sex and greater dependency according to the Barthel index. Adequate management of nursing home staff and special attention to measures of infection control, especially of individuals with greater dependence, are keys for successful management of future pandemic situations.

scholarly journals Nightlife clusters of coronavirus disease in Tokyo between March and April 2020

2020 ◽  
Vol 148 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Takaya ◽  
S. Tsuzuki ◽  
K. Hayakawa ◽  
A. Kawashima ◽  
A. Okuhama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Propensity Score ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Propensity Score Matching ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Inclusive Approach ◽  
Pcr Test

Abstract We analysed associations between exposure to nightlife businesses and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 PCR test results at a tertiary hospital in Tokyo between March and April 2020. A nightlife group was defined as those who had worked at or visited the businesses. We included 1517 individuals; 196 (12.9%) were categorised as the nightlife group. After propensity score matching, the proportion of positive PCR tests in the nightlife group was significantly higher than that in the non-nightlife group (nightlife, 63.8%; non-nightlife, 23.0%; P < 0.001). An inclusive approach to mitigate risks related to the businesses needs to be identified.

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