scholarly journals Screening of healthcare workers for SARS-CoV-2 highlights the role of asymptomatic carriage in COVID-19 transmission

eLife ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy Rivett ◽  
Sushmita Sridhar ◽  
Dominic Sparkes ◽  
Matthew Routledge ◽  
Nick K Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Healthcare Worker ◽  
Genome Sequencing ◽  
Viral Genome ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Household Contacts ◽  
Asymptomatic Carriage

Significant differences exist in the availability of healthcare worker (HCW) SARS-CoV-2 testing between countries, and existing programmes focus on screening symptomatic rather than asymptomatic staff. Over a 3 week period (April 2020), 1032 asymptomatic HCWs were screened for SARS-CoV-2 in a large UK teaching hospital. Symptomatic staff and symptomatic household contacts were additionally tested. Real-time RT-PCR was used to detect viral RNA from a throat+nose self-swab. 3% of HCWs in the asymptomatic screening group tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. 17/30 (57%) were truly asymptomatic/pauci-symptomatic. 12/30 (40%) had experienced symptoms compatible with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)>7 days prior to testing, most self-isolating, returning well. Clusters of HCW infection were discovered on two independent wards. Viral genome sequencing showed that the majority of HCWs had the dominant lineage B∙1. Our data demonstrates the utility of comprehensive screening of HCWs with minimal or no symptoms. This approach will be critical for protecting patients and hospital staff.

scholarly journals Screening of healthcare workers for SARS-CoV-2 highlights the role of asymptomatic carriage in COVID-19 transmission

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy Rivett ◽  
Sushmita Sridhar ◽  
Dominic Sparkes ◽  
Matthew Routledge ◽  
Nicholas K. Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Healthcare Worker ◽  
Genome Sequencing ◽  
Viral Genome ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Household Contacts ◽  
Asymptomatic Carriage

Significant differences exist in the availability of healthcare worker (HCW) SARS-CoV-2 testing between countries, and existing programmes focus on screening symptomatic rather than asymptomatic staff. Over a 3-week period (April 2020), 1,032 asymptomatic HCWs were screened for SARS-CoV-2 in a large UK teaching hospital. Symptomatic staff and symptomatic household contacts were additionally tested. Real-time RT-PCR was used to detect viral RNA from a throat+nose self-swab. 3% of HCWs in the asymptomatic screening group tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. 17/30 (57%) were truly asymptomatic/pauci-symptomatic. 12/30 (40%) had experienced symptoms compatible with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) >7 days prior to testing, most self-isolating, returning well. Clusters of HCW infection were discovered on two independent wards. Viral genome sequencing showed that the majority of HCWs had the dominant lineage B·1. Our data demonstrates the utility of comprehensive screening of HCWs with minimal or no symptoms. This approach will be critical for protecting patients and hospital staff.

scholarly journals Investigations, actions and learning from an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers in the United Kingdom

2020 ◽  
pp. 175717742097679
Author(s):  
Kordo Saeed ◽  
Emanuela Pelosi ◽  
Nitin Mahobia ◽  
Nicola White ◽  
Christopher Labdon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Facility ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Current Infection ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
A Current

Background: We report an outbreak of SARS coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among healthcare workers (HCW) in an NHS elective healthcare facility. Methodology: A narrative chronological account of events after declaring an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 among HCWs. As part of the investigations, HCWs were offered testing during the outbreak. These were: (1) screening by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR) to detect a current infection; and (2) serum samples to determine seroprevalence. Results: Over 180 HCWs were tested by real-time RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The rate of infection was 15.2% (23.7% for clinical or directly patient-facing HCWs vs. 4.8% in non-clinical non-patient-facing HCWs). Of the infected HCWs, 57% were asymptomatic. Seroprevalence (SARS-CoV-2 IgG) among HCWs was 13%. It was challenging to establish an exact source for the outbreak. The importance of education, training, social distancing and infection prevention practices were emphasised. Additionally, avoidance of unnecessary transfer of patients and minimising cross-site working for staff and early escalation were highlighted. Establishing mass and regular screening for HCWs are also crucial to enabling the best care for patients while maintaining the wellbeing of staff. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first UK outbreak report among HCWs and we hope to have highlighted some key issues and learnings that can be considered by other NHS staff and HCWs globally when dealing with such a task in future.

scholarly journals Socioeconomic and Behavioral Correlates of COVID-19 Infections among Hospital Workers in the Greater Jakarta Area, Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5048
Author(s):  
Adrianna Bella ◽  
Mochamad Thoriq Akbar ◽  
Gita Kusnadi ◽  
Olivia Herlinda ◽  
Putri Aprilia Regita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Worker ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Household Size ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Hospital Workers ◽  
Behavioral Correlates ◽  
Cross Sectional

(1) Background: because of close contacts with COVID-19 patients, hospital workers are among the highest risk groups for infection. This study examined the socioeconomic and behavioral correlates of COVID-19 infection among hospital workers in Indonesia, the country hardest-hit by the disease in the Southeast Asia region. (2) Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional study, which collected data from 1397 hospital staff from eight hospitals in the Greater Jakarta area during April–July 2020. The data was collected using an online self-administered questionnaire and Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) tests. We employed descriptive statistics and adjusted and unadjusted logistic regressions to analyze the data of hospital workers as well as the subgroups of healthcare and non-healthcare workers. (3) Results: from a total of 1397 hospital staff in the study, 22 (1.6%) were infected. In terms of correlates, being a healthcare worker (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 8.31, 95% CI 1.27–54.54) and having a household size of more than five (AOR = 4.09, 1.02–16.43) were significantly associated with a higher risk of infection. On the other hand, those with middle- and upper-expenditure levels were shown to have a lower risk of infection (AOR = 0.06, 0.01–0.66). Behavioral factors associated with COVID-19 infection among healthcare and non-healthcare workers included knowledge of standard personal protective equipment (PPE) (AOR = 0.08, 0.01–0.54) and application of the six-step handwashing technique (AOR = 0.32, 0.12–0.83). (4) Conclusion: among hospital staff, correlates of COVID-19 infection included being a healthcare worker, household size, expenditure level, knowledge and use of PPE, and application of appropriate hand washing techniques.

scholarly journals 520. Longitudinal Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Viruses in Hospitalized Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S325-S326
Author(s):  
Lacy Simons ◽  
Ramon Lorenzo-Redondo ◽  
Hannah Nam ◽  
Scott C Roberts ◽  
Michael G Ison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Genome Sequencing ◽  
Viral Genome ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Qrt Pcr ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has been accompanied by the emergence of viral mutations, some of which may have distinct virological and clinical consequences. While whole genome sequencing efforts have worked to map this viral diversity at the population level, little is known about how SARS-CoV-2 may diversify within a host over time. This is particularly important for understanding the emergence of viral resistance to therapeutic interventions and immune pressure. The goal of this study was to assess the change in viral load and viral genome sequence within patients over time and determine if these changes correlate with clinical and/or demographic parameters. Methods Hospitalized patients admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test were enrolled in a longitudinal study for the serial collection of nasopharyngeal specimens. Swabs were administered to patients by hospital staff every 4 ± 1 days for up to 32 days or until the patients were discharged. RNA was extracted from each specimen and viral loads were calculated by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR). Specimens with qRT-PCR cycle threshold values less than or equal to 30 were subject to whole viral genome sequencing by reverse transcription, multiplex PCR, and deep sequencing. Variant populations sizes were estimated and subject to phylogenetic analysis relative to publicly available SARS-CoV-2 sequences. Sequence and viral load data were subsequently correlated to available demographic and clinical data. Results 60 patients were enrolled from March 26th to June 20th, 2020. We observed an overall decrease in nasopharyngeal viral load over time across all patients. However, the temporal dynamics of viral load differed on a patient-by-patient basis. Several mutations were also observed to have emerged within patients over time. Distribution of SARS-CoV-2 viral loads in serially collected nasopharyngeal swabs in hospitalized adults as determined by qRT-PCR. Samples were collected every 4 ± 1 days (T#1–8) and viral load is displayed by log(copy number). Conclusion These data indicate that SARS-CoV-2 viral loads in the nasopharynx decrease over time and that the virus can accumulate mutations during replication within individual patients. Future studies will examine if some of these mutations may provide fitness advantages in the presence of therapeutic and/or immune selective pressures. Disclosures Michael G. Ison, MD MS, AlloVir (Consultant)

scholarly journals First Report of Hepatitis E Virus in Shellfish in Southeast Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 43
Author(s):  
Gianfranco La Bella ◽  
Maria Grazia Basanisi ◽  
Gaia Nobili ◽  
Valentina Terio ◽  
Elisabetta Suffredini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Apulia Region ◽  
Causative Agents

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) represents one of the principal causative agents of hepatitis globally. Among the five HEV genotypes affecting humans, genotypes 3 and 4 are zoonotic and are the main source of hepatitis E in developed countries. HEV has been detected in several foods. The present work investigated the presence of this virus in shellfish sold at retail in the Apulia region of Italy. The presence of HEV RNA was assessed by real-time RT-PCR in 225 shellfish samples collected during 2018. Overall, two (0.89%) of these samples tested positive for HEV RNA. To our knowledge, this is the first notification of the detection of HEV in mussels sold at retail in the Apulia region. These data highlight the potential role of shellfish as a vehicle for the transmission of viral pathogens.

scholarly journals Quantitative assessment of CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 expression in aldosterone-producing adenomas

2002 ◽  
pp. 795-802 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Fallo ◽  
V Pezzi ◽  
L Barzon ◽  
P Mulatero ◽  
F Veglio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Secretory Activity ◽  
Zona Glomerulosa ◽  
Zona Fasciculata ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Pathophysiological Role ◽  
Aldosterone Production

BACKGROUND: The presence and pathophysiological role of CYP11B1 (11beta-hydroxylase) gene in the zona glomerulosa of human adrenal cortex is still controversial. METHODS: In order to specifically quantify CYP11B1, CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) and CYP17(17alpha-hydroxylase) mRNA levels, we developed a real-time RT-PCR assay and examined the expression in a series of adrenal tIssues, including six normal adrenals from patients adrenalectomized for renal cancer and twelve aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA) from patients with primary aldosteronism. RESULTS: CYP11B1 mRNA levels were clearly detected in normal adrenals, which comprised both zona glomerulosa and fasciculata/reticularis cells, but were also measured at a lower range (P<0.05) in APA. The levels of CYP11B2 mRNA were lower (P<0.005) in normal adrenals than in APA. CYP17 mRNAlevels were similar in normal adrenals and in APA. In patients with APA, CYP11B2 and CYP11B1 mRNA levels were not correlated either with basal aldosterone or with the change from basal aldosterone in response to posture or to dexamethasone. No correlation between CYP11B1 mRNA or CYP11B2 mRNA and the percentage of zona fasciculata-like cells was observed in APA. CONCLUSIONS: Real-time RT-PCR can be reliably used to quantify CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 mRNA levels in adrenal tIssues. Expression of CYP11B1 in hyperfunctioning zona glomerulosa suggests an additional formation of corticosterone via 11beta-hydroxylase, providing further substrate for aldosterone biosynthesis. CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 mRNA levels in APA are not related to the in vivo secretory activity of glomerulosa cells, where post-transcriptional factors might ultimately regulate aldosterone production.

scholarly journals A survey of deformed wing virus and acute bee paralysis virus in honey bee colonies from serbia using real-time RT-PCR

2014 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Predrag Simeunović ◽  
Jevrosima Stevanović ◽  
Dejan Vidanović ◽  
Jakov Nišavić ◽  
Dejan Radović ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
Sampling Location ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Bee Colonies ◽  
Acute Bee Paralysis Virus ◽  
Paralysis Virus ◽  
Bee Viruses

Abstract In this study 55 honey bee colonies from different Serbian regions were monitored for the presence of Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) and Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (ABPV) using TaqMan-based real-time RT-PCR assay. The results revealed the presence of DWV in each sampling location, and ABPV in 10 out of 11 apiaries. High frequency of DWV (76.4%) and ABPV (61.8%) positive samples in asymptomatic colonies can be the consequence of inefficient and postponed Varroa treatment concerning the role of this mite in the transmission and activation of honey bee viruses. The real-time RTPCR technique described in this paper is proved to be the most reliable method for this kind of investigation.

scholarly journals Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity and seroprevalence among high-risk healthcare workers and hospital staff

2020 ◽  
Vol 106 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Martin ◽  
I. Montesinos ◽  
N. Dauby ◽  
C. Gilles ◽  
H. Dahma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Rt Pcr

scholarly journals Self-Sampling of Oropharyngeal Swabs Among Healthcare Workers for Molecular Detection of Respiratory Viruses: A Valuable Approach for Epidemiological Studies and Surveillance Programs

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Galli ◽  
Laura Pellegrinelli ◽  
Gabriele Del Castillo ◽  
Giovanni Forni ◽  
Cecilia Eugenia Gandolfi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Molecular Detection ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Surveillance Programs ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

This study aimed at assessing the validity of self-collected (self-sampled) oropharyngeal (OP) swabs among healthcare workers compared to those collected by trained sentinel general practitioners (GP-sampled) from individuals with influenza-like illness (ILI), to be implemented in epidemiological studies and/or surveillance programs of viral pathogens involved in community respiratory infections. In our study, OP swabs were collected from adults (&gt;18 years) with ILI during the 2018–2019 influenza season. Two groups of samples were considered: group 1−131 self-sampled OP swabs collected by healthcare workers after being trained on the sampling procedure; group 2−131 GP-sampled OP swabs collected from outpatients by sentinel GPs operating within the Italian Influenza Surveillance Network. To assess swabbing quality, following RNA extraction, each sample was tested for the presence of the human ribonuclease P gene (RNP) by in-house real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Samples with a cycle threshold (Ct) &lt;35 were considered adequate for further virological analysis. Influenza viruses (IVs), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and rhinovirus (RV) genomes were detected by in-house real-time RT-PCR. All samples were positive to RNP detection with Ct &lt;35. The mean Ct value was similar in the two groups (group 1 vs. group 2: 25.93 ± 2.22 vs. 25.46 ± 2.40; p = 0.10). IVs, RSV, and RV positivity rates were 26.7 vs. 52.7% (p &lt; 0.01), 7.6 vs. 9.9% (p = 0.52), and 21.4 vs. 19.9% (p = 0.76), respectively. Self-sampled OP swabs resulted as valid as GP-sampled OP swabs for molecular detection of respiratory viruses. Self-swabbing can thus be a worthwhile strategy for sample collection to implement molecular surveillance of respiratory pathogens and carry out epidemiological studies, easily reaching a larger population size.

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