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Park J, Joo H, Kim D, Mase S, Christensen D, Maskery BA. Cost-effectiveness of mask mandates on subways to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the United States. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302199. [PMID: 38748706 PMCID: PMC11095714 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-based mask wearing has been shown to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. However, few studies have conducted an economic evaluation of mask mandates, specifically in public transportation settings. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of implementing mask mandates for subway passengers in the United States by evaluating its potential to reduce COVID-19 transmission during subway travel. MATERIALS AND METHODS We assessed the health impacts and costs of subway mask mandates compared to mask recommendations based on the number of infections that would occur during subway travel in the U.S. Using a combined box and Wells-Riley infection model, we estimated monthly infections, hospitalizations, and deaths averted under a mask mandate scenario as compared to a mask recommendation scenario. The analysis included costs of implementing mask mandates and COVID-19 treatment from a limited societal perspective. The cost-effectiveness (net cost per averted death) of mandates was estimated for three different periods based on dominant SARS-CoV-2 variants: Alpha, Beta, and Gamma (November 2020 to February 2021); Delta (July to October 2021); and early Omicron (January to March 2022). RESULTS Compared with mask recommendations only, mask mandates were cost-effective across all periods, with costs per averted death less than a threshold of $11.4 million (ranging from cost-saving to $3 million per averted death). Additionally, mask mandates were more cost-effective during the early Omicron period than the other two periods and were cost saving in January 2022. Our findings showed that mandates remained cost-effective when accounting for uncertainties in input parameters (e.g., even if mandates only resulted in small increases in mask usage by subway ridership). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the economic value of mask mandates on subways, particularly during high virus transmissibility periods, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study may inform stakeholders on mask mandate decisions during future outbreaks of novel viral respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joohyun Park
- Division of Global Migration Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Heesoo Joo
- Division of Global Migration Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Daniel Kim
- Division of Global Migration Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States of America
- Georgia Institute of Technology, H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Sundari Mase
- Division of Global Migration Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Deborah Christensen
- Division of Global Migration Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Brian A. Maskery
- Division of Global Migration Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Päll T, Abroi A, Avi R, Niglas H, Shablinskaja A, Pauskar M, Jõgeda EL, Soeorg H, Kallas E, Lahesaare A, Truusalu K, Hoidmets D, Sadikova O, Ratnik K, Sepp H, Dotsenko L, Epštein J, Suija H, Kaarna K, Smit S, Milani L, Metspalu M, Oopkaup OE, Koppel I, Jaaniso E, Kuzmin I, Inno H, Raudvere U, Härma MA, Naaber P, Reisberg T, Peterson H, Talas UG, Lutsar I, Huik K. SARS-CoV-2 clade dynamics and their associations with hospitalisations during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303176. [PMID: 38728305 PMCID: PMC11086870 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic was characterised by rapid waves of disease, carried by the emergence of new and more infectious SARS-CoV-2 virus variants. How the pandemic unfolded in various locations during its first two years has yet to be sufficiently covered. To this end, here we are looking at the circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, their diversity, and hospitalisation rates in Estonia in the period from March 2000 to March 2022. METHODS We sequenced a total of 27,550 SARS-CoV-2 samples in Estonia between March 2020 and March 2022. High-quality sequences were genotyped and assigned to Nextstrain clades and Pango lineages. We used regression analysis to determine the dynamics of lineage diversity and the probability of clade-specific hospitalisation stratified by age and sex. RESULTS We successfully sequenced a total of 25,375 SARS-CoV-2 genomes (or 92%), identifying 19 Nextstrain clades and 199 Pango lineages. In 2020 the most prevalent clades were 20B and 20A. The various subsequent waves of infection were driven by 20I (Alpha), 21J (Delta) and Omicron clades 21K and 21L. Lineage diversity via the Shannon index was at its highest during the Delta wave. About 3% of sequenced SARS-CoV-2 samples came from hospitalised individuals. Hospitalisation increased markedly with age in the over-forties, and was negligible in the under-forties. Vaccination decreased the odds of hospitalisation in over-forties. The effect of vaccination on hospitalisation rates was strongly dependent upon age but was clade-independent. People who were infected with Omicron clades had a lower hospitalisation likelihood in age groups of forty and over than was the case with pre-Omicron clades regardless of vaccination status. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 disease waves in Estonia were driven by the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron clades. Omicron clades were associated with a substantially lower hospitalisation probability than pre-Omicron clades. The protective effect of vaccination in reducing hospitalisation likelihood was independent of the involved clade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taavi Päll
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Aare Abroi
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Radko Avi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Heiki Niglas
- Department of Communicable Diseases, Health Board, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Arina Shablinskaja
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Merit Pauskar
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ene-Ly Jõgeda
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Hiie Soeorg
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Eveli Kallas
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Kai Truusalu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Dagmar Hoidmets
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Olga Sadikova
- Department of Communicable Diseases, Health Board, Tallinn, Estonia
| | | | - Hanna Sepp
- Department of Communicable Diseases, Health Board, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Liidia Dotsenko
- Department of Communicable Diseases, Health Board, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Jevgenia Epštein
- Department of Communicable Diseases, Health Board, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Heleene Suija
- Department of Communicable Diseases, Health Board, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Katrin Kaarna
- Clinical Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Steven Smit
- Institute of Genomics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Lili Milani
- Institute of Genomics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mait Metspalu
- Institute of Genomics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ott Eric Oopkaup
- High Performance Computing Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ivar Koppel
- High Performance Computing Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Erik Jaaniso
- Institute of Computer Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ivan Kuzmin
- High Performance Computing Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Heleri Inno
- High Performance Computing Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Uku Raudvere
- High Performance Computing Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mari-Anne Härma
- Department of Communicable Diseases, Health Board, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Paul Naaber
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- SYNLAB Eesti OÜ, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Tuuli Reisberg
- Institute of Genomics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Hedi Peterson
- Institute of Computer Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ulvi Gerst Talas
- High Performance Computing Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Irja Lutsar
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kristi Huik
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Girl P, von Buttlar H, Mantel E, Antwerpen MH, Wölfel R, Müller K. Comparative Analysis of Vaccine-Induced Neutralizing Antibodies against the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron Variants of SARS-CoV-2. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:515. [PMID: 38793766 PMCID: PMC11126034 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus has infected more than 660 million people and caused nearly seven million deaths worldwide. During the pandemic, a number of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were rapidly developed, and several are currently licensed for use in Europe. However, the optimization of vaccination regimens is still ongoing, particularly with regard to booster vaccinations. At the same time, the emergence of new virus variants poses an ongoing challenge to vaccine efficacy. In this study, we focused on a comparative analysis of the neutralization capacity of vaccine-induced antibodies against four different variants of concern (i.e., Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron) after two and three doses of COVID-19 vaccine. We were able to show that both two (prime/boost) and three (prime/boost/boost) vaccinations elicit highly variable levels of neutralizing antibodies. In addition, we did not observe a significant difference in antibody levels after two and three vaccinations. We also observed a significant decrease in the neutralization susceptibility of all but one SARS-CoV-2 variants to vaccine-induced antibodies. In contrast, a SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection between the second and third vaccination results in overall higher levels of neutralizing antibodies with a concomitant improved neutralization of all virus variants. Titer levels remained highly variable across the cohort but a common trend was observed. This may be due to the fact that at the time of this study, all licensed vaccines were still based exclusively on wild-type SARS-CoV-2, whereas infections were caused by virus variants. Overall, our data demonstrate the importance of (booster) vaccinations, but at the same time emphasize the need for the continued adaptation of vaccines to induce a protective immune response against virus variants in order to be prepared for future (seasonal) SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Girl
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany; (P.G.); (H.v.B.); (E.M.); (M.H.A.); (R.W.)
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 80937 Munich, Germany
- Central Institute of the Bundeswehr Medical Service Munich, 85784 Garching, Germany
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Heiner von Buttlar
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany; (P.G.); (H.v.B.); (E.M.); (M.H.A.); (R.W.)
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Enrico Mantel
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany; (P.G.); (H.v.B.); (E.M.); (M.H.A.); (R.W.)
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Markus H. Antwerpen
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany; (P.G.); (H.v.B.); (E.M.); (M.H.A.); (R.W.)
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Roman Wölfel
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany; (P.G.); (H.v.B.); (E.M.); (M.H.A.); (R.W.)
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Müller
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany; (P.G.); (H.v.B.); (E.M.); (M.H.A.); (R.W.)
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 80937 Munich, Germany
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4
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Ose NJ, Campitelli P, Modi T, Kazan IC, Kumar S, Ozkan SB. Some mechanistic underpinnings of molecular adaptations of SARS-COV-2 spike protein by integrating candidate adaptive polymorphisms with protein dynamics. eLife 2024; 12:RP92063. [PMID: 38713502 PMCID: PMC11076047 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
We integrate evolutionary predictions based on the neutral theory of molecular evolution with protein dynamics to generate mechanistic insight into the molecular adaptations of the SARS-COV-2 spike (S) protein. With this approach, we first identified candidate adaptive polymorphisms (CAPs) of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein and assessed the impact of these CAPs through dynamics analysis. Not only have we found that CAPs frequently overlap with well-known functional sites, but also, using several different dynamics-based metrics, we reveal the critical allosteric interplay between SARS-CoV-2 CAPs and the S protein binding sites with the human ACE2 (hACE2) protein. CAPs interact far differently with the hACE2 binding site residues in the open conformation of the S protein compared to the closed form. In particular, the CAP sites control the dynamics of binding residues in the open state, suggesting an allosteric control of hACE2 binding. We also explored the characteristic mutations of different SARS-CoV-2 strains to find dynamic hallmarks and potential effects of future mutations. Our analyses reveal that Delta strain-specific variants have non-additive (i.e., epistatic) interactions with CAP sites, whereas the less pathogenic Omicron strains have mostly additive mutations. Finally, our dynamics-based analysis suggests that the novel mutations observed in the Omicron strain epistatically interact with the CAP sites to help escape antibody binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas James Ose
- Department of Physics and Center for Biological Physics, Arizona State UniversityTempeUnited States
| | - Paul Campitelli
- Department of Physics and Center for Biological Physics, Arizona State UniversityTempeUnited States
| | - Tushar Modi
- Department of Physics and Center for Biological Physics, Arizona State UniversityTempeUnited States
| | - I Can Kazan
- Department of Physics and Center for Biological Physics, Arizona State UniversityTempeUnited States
| | - Sudhir Kumar
- Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine, Temple UniversityPhiladelphiaUnited States
- Department of Biology, Temple UniversityPhiladelphiaUnited States
- Center for Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz UniversityJeddahSaudi Arabia
| | - Sefika Banu Ozkan
- Department of Physics and Center for Biological Physics, Arizona State UniversityTempeUnited States
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5
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Liu S, Anzai A, Nishiura H. Evaluation of the exit screening policy among travelers arriving from Asian and pacific nations. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:464. [PMID: 38698328 PMCID: PMC11067274 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09327-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Japanese government has instituted border control measures against COVID-19, including entry and exit screening of people arriving from overseas. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the exit screening policy in Japan in reducing the risk of importing COVID-19 cases among travelers from Asian and Pacific countries. METHODS The study period was stratified based on the timing of exit screening: (i) the control period (the pre-exit screening period from 25 October 2020 to 16 January 2021), (ii) the time period with the Alpha variant from 17 January to 10 April 2021, and (iii) the time period with the Delta variant from 2 May to 2 October 2021. Incidence data in the countries of origin were used to adjust for the risk of infection among travelers. The positivity rate of entry screening in Japan was compared among the three different study periods, adjusting for the risk of infection in the country of origin. RESULTS The adjusted relative risk of positivity was greatly reduced and substantially below the value of 1 during the Alpha variant period compared with the control period. Although the relative risks increased when comparing the Delta variant period against control, the estimate remained below 1, except for among travelers from India and Myanmar. The relative risk reduction was greatest in high-income countries, with estimates of 100% and 96% risk reduction during the Alpha and Delta variant periods, respectively, followed by upper-middle-income countries with estimates of 90% and 76%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Even in the presence of the Alpha and Delta variants, exit screening clearly reduced the risk of infection among travelers arriving from Asian and Pacific nations. As the testing relies on the country of origin, the effectiveness varied greatly by the socioeconomic income status and epidemiological situation of those countries. Test standardization and quality assurance may be required in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Liu
- Kyoto University School of Public Health, Yoshidakonoe cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, 6068501, Japan
| | - Asami Anzai
- Kyoto University School of Public Health, Yoshidakonoe cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, 6068501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishiura
- Kyoto University School of Public Health, Yoshidakonoe cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, 6068501, Japan.
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Aguayo-Acosta A, Oyervides-Muñoz MA, Rodriguez-Aguillón KO, Ovalle-Carcaño A, Romero-Castillo KD, Robles-Zamora A, Johnson M, Parra-Saldívar R, Sosa-Hernández JE. Omicron and Delta variant prevalence detection and identification during the fourth COVID-19 wave in Mexico using wastewater-based epidemiology. IJID REGIONS 2024; 10:44-51. [PMID: 38149263 PMCID: PMC10750064 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To identify the SARS-CoV-2 variants Delta and Omicron during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico using samples taken from 19 locations in 18 out of the 32 states. Methods The genetic material concentration was done with PEG/NaCl precipitation, SARS-CoV-2 presence was confirmed by reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay, the variant detection was carried out using a commercial mutation detection panel kit, and variant/mutation confirmation was done by amplicon sequencing of receptor-binding domain target region. The study used 41 samples. Results The Delta variant was confirmed in two samples during August 2021 (Querétaro and CDMX) and in three samples during November 2021 (Aguascalientes, Ciudad Juárez campuses, and Nuevo Leon). In December 2021, another sample with the Delta variant was confirmed in Nuevo Leon. Between January to March 2022 only the presence of Omicron was confirmed, (variant BA.1). Additionally, in this period six samples were identified with the status "Variant Not Determined". Conclusion To our knowledge, this study is one of the first to identify Omicron and Delta variants with polymerase chain reaction in Mexico and Latin America and its distribution across the country with 56% Mexican states making it a viable alternative for variant detection without conducting a large quantity of sequencing of clinical tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Aguayo-Acosta
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Monterrey, Mexico
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Mariel Araceli Oyervides-Muñoz
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Monterrey, Mexico
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Kassandra O. Rodriguez-Aguillón
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Monterrey, Mexico
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Antonio Ovalle-Carcaño
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Monterrey, Mexico
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey, Mexico
| | | | | | - Marc Johnson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, USA
| | - Roberto Parra-Saldívar
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Monterrey, Mexico
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Juan Eduardo Sosa-Hernández
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Monterrey, Mexico
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey, Mexico
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7
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Gerashchenko GV, Hryshchenko NV, Melnichuk NS, Marchyshak TV, Chernushyn SY, Demchyshina IV, Chernenko LM, Kuzin IV, Tkachuk ZY, Kashuba VI, Tukalo MA. Genetic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 virus variants observed upon three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine between February 2021-January 2022. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25618. [PMID: 38380034 PMCID: PMC10877268 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of our study was to identify and characterize the SARS-CoV-2 variants in COVID-19 patients' samples collected from different regions of Ukraine to determine the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 phylogenetics and COVID-19 epidemiology. Patients and methods Samples were collected from COVID-19 patients during 2021 and the beginning of 2022 (401 patients). The SARS-CoV-2 genotyping was performed by parallel whole genome sequencing. Results The obtained SARS-CoV-2 genotypes showed that three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine were represented by three main variants of concern (VOC), named Alpha, Delta and Omicron; each VOC successfully replaced the earlier variant. The VOC Alpha strain was presented by one B.1.1.7 lineage, while VOC Delta showed a spectrum of 25 lineages that had different prevalence in 19 investigated regions of Ukraine. The VOC Omicron in the first half of the pandemic was represented by 13 lines that belonged to two different clades representing B.1 and B.2 Omicron strains. Each of the three epidemic waves (VOC Alpha, Delta, and Omicron) demonstrated their own course of disease, associated with genetic changes in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. The observed epidemiological features are associated with the genetic characteristics of the different VOCs, such as point mutations, deletions and insertions in the viral genome. A phylogenetic and transmission analysis showed the different mutation rates; there were multiple virus sources with a limited distribution between regions. Conclusions The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 virus and high levels of morbidity due to COVID-19 are still registered in the world. Observed multiple virus sourses with the limited distribution between regions indicates the high efficiency of the anti-epidemic policy pursued by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine to prevent the spread of the epidemic, despite the low level of vaccination of the Ukrainian population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Zenovii Yu Tkachuk
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Vladimir I. Kashuba
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Mykhailo A. Tukalo
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
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8
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Gräf T, Martinez AA, Bello G, Dellicour S, Lemey P, Colizza V, Mazzoli M, Poletto C, Cardoso VLO, da Silva AF, Motta FC, Resende PC, Siqueira MM, Franco L, Gresh L, Gabastou JM, Rodriguez A, Vicari A, Aldighieri S, Mendez-Rico J, Leite JA. Dispersion patterns of SARS-CoV-2 variants Gamma, Lambda and Mu in Latin America and the Caribbean. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1837. [PMID: 38418815 PMCID: PMC10902334 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46143-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) regions were an important epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic and SARS-CoV-2 evolution. Through the COVID-19 Genomic Surveillance Regional Network (COVIGEN), LAC countries produced an important number of genomic sequencing data that made possible an enhanced SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance capacity in the Americas, paving the way for characterization of emerging variants and helping to guide the public health response. In this study we analyzed approximately 300,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences generated between February 2020 and March 2022 by multiple genomic surveillance efforts in LAC and reconstructed the diffusion patterns of the main variants of concern (VOCs) and of interest (VOIs) possibly originated in the Region. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed that the spread of variants Gamma, Lambda and Mu reflects human mobility patterns due to variations of international air passenger transportation and gradual lifting of social distance measures previously implemented in countries. Our results highlight the potential of genetic data to reconstruct viral spread and unveil preferential routes of viral migrations that are shaped by human mobility patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Gräf
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Curitiba, Brazil.
| | - Alexander A Martinez
- Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
- National Research System (SNI), National Secretary of Research, Technology and Innovation (SENACYT), Panama City, Panama
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Panama, Panama City, Panama
| | - Gonzalo Bello
- Laboratório de Arbovírus e Vírus Hemorrágicos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Simon Dellicour
- Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP160/12, 50 av. FD Roosevelt, Bruxelles, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philippe Lemey
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vittoria Colizza
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP), Paris, France
| | - Mattia Mazzoli
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP), Paris, France
| | - Chiara Poletto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Vanessa Leiko Oikawa Cardoso
- Laboratório de Enfermidades Infecciosas Transmitidas por Vetores, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, FIOCRUZ-Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando Couto Motta
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paola Cristina Resende
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marilda M Siqueira
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leticia Franco
- Infectious Hazards Management Unit, Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Lionel Gresh
- Infectious Hazards Management Unit, Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Jean-Marc Gabastou
- Infectious Hazards Management Unit, Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Angel Rodriguez
- Infectious Hazards Management Unit, Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Andrea Vicari
- Infectious Hazards Management Unit, Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Sylvain Aldighieri
- Infectious Hazards Management Unit, Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Jairo Mendez-Rico
- Infectious Hazards Management Unit, Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Juliana Almeida Leite
- Infectious Hazards Management Unit, Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington D.C., USA.
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9
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Port JR, Morris DH, Riopelle JC, Yinda CK, Avanzato VA, Holbrook MG, Bushmaker T, Schulz JE, Saturday TA, Barbian K, Russell CA, Perry-Gottschalk R, Shaia C, Martens C, Lloyd-Smith JO, Fischer RJ, Munster VJ. Host and viral determinants of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the Syrian hamster. eLife 2024; 12:RP87094. [PMID: 38416804 PMCID: PMC10942639 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
It remains poorly understood how SARS-CoV-2 infection influences the physiological host factors important for aerosol transmission. We assessed breathing pattern, exhaled droplets, and infectious virus after infection with Alpha and Delta variants of concern (VOC) in the Syrian hamster. Both VOCs displayed a confined window of detectable airborne virus (24-48 hr), shorter than compared to oropharyngeal swabs. The loss of airborne shedding was linked to airway constriction resulting in a decrease of fine aerosols (1-10 µm) produced, which are suspected to be the major driver of airborne transmission. Male sex was associated with increased viral replication and virus shedding in the air. Next, we compared the transmission efficiency of both variants and found no significant differences. Transmission efficiency varied mostly among donors, 0-100% (including a superspreading event), and aerosol transmission over multiple chain links was representative of natural heterogeneity of exposure dose and downstream viral kinetics. Co-infection with VOCs only occurred when both viruses were shed by the same donor during an increased exposure timeframe (24-48 hr). This highlights that assessment of host and virus factors resulting in a differential exhaled particle profile is critical for understanding airborne transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia R Port
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Dylan H Morris
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Jade C Riopelle
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Claude Kwe Yinda
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Victoria A Avanzato
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Myndi G Holbrook
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Trenton Bushmaker
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Jonathan E Schulz
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Taylor A Saturday
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Kent Barbian
- Rocky Mountain Research and Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Colin A Russell
- Department of Medical Microbiology | Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of AmsterdamAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Rose Perry-Gottschalk
- Rocky Mountain Visual and Medical Arts Unit, Research Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Carl Shaia
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Craig Martens
- Rocky Mountain Research and Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - James O Lloyd-Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Robert J Fischer
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Vincent J Munster
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
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10
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Mallela A, Chen Y, Lin YT, Miller EF, Neumann J, He Z, Nelson KE, Posner RG, Hlavacek WS. Impacts of Vaccination and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Variants Alpha and Delta on Coronavirus Disease 2019 Transmission Dynamics in Four Metropolitan Areas of the United States. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:31. [PMID: 38353870 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
To characterize Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission dynamics in each of the metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) surrounding Dallas, Houston, New York City, and Phoenix in 2020 and 2021, we extended a previously reported compartmental model accounting for effects of multiple distinct periods of non-pharmaceutical interventions by adding consideration of vaccination and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants Alpha (lineage B.1.1.7) and Delta (lineage B.1.617.2). For each MSA, we found region-specific parameterizations of the model using daily reports of new COVID-19 cases available from January 21, 2020 to October 31, 2021. In the process, we obtained estimates of the relative infectiousness of Alpha and Delta as well as their takeoff times in each MSA (the times at which sustained transmission began). The estimated infectiousness of Alpha ranged from 1.1x to 1.4x that of viral strains circulating in 2020 and early 2021. The estimated relative infectiousness of Delta was higher in all cases, ranging from 1.6x to 2.1x. The estimated Alpha takeoff times ranged from February 1 to February 28, 2021. The estimated Delta takeoff times ranged from June 2 to June 26, 2021. Estimated takeoff times are consistent with genomic surveillance data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Mallela
- Center for Nonlinear Studies, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Ye Chen
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - Yen Ting Lin
- Center for Nonlinear Studies, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
- Information Sciences Group, Computer, Computational and Statistical Sciences Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Ely F Miller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - Jacob Neumann
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - Zhili He
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - Kathryn E Nelson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - Richard G Posner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - William S Hlavacek
- Center for Nonlinear Studies, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA.
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA.
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11
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Padilla-Bórquez DL, Matuz-Flores MG, Hernández-Bello J, Sánchez-Zuno GA, García-Arellano S, Oregon-Romero E, Herrera-Godina MG, González-Estevez G, Adan-Bante NP, Rosas-Rodríguez JA, Muñoz-Valle JF. Seroprevalence of IgM/IgG and Neutralizing Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Unvaccinated Young Adults from Mexico Who Reported Not Having Had a Previous COVID-19 Infection. THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DES MALADIES INFECTIEUSES ET DE LA MICROBIOLOGIE MEDICALE 2024; 2024:8871439. [PMID: 38384428 PMCID: PMC10881245 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8871439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is estimated that more than half of new infections are transmitted by asymptomatic people; therefore, the isolation of symptomatic people is not enough to control the spread of the disease. Methods A total of 171 unvaccinated young adults (18-35 years) from Sonora, Mexico, who underwent a structured survey to identify prior COVID-19 infections, were included in this study. A qualitative determination of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in serum was performed by lateral flow immunoassay (Certum IgG/IgM Rapid Test™ cassette kit) and neutralizing antibodies were also determined (GenScript cPass assay). Results A total of 36 people reported a history of COVID-19 infection, and 135 reported no history of COVID-19. In contrast, 49.6% (67/135) of individuals who had not reported a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection were seropositive to the rapid anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody test, and 48.1% (65/135) of them had neutralizing antibodies. Conclusions These results suggest that in young adults, SARS-CoV-2 infections could be asymptomatic in a high percentage of individuals, which could contribute in part to the slow control of the current pandemic due to the large number of asymptomatic cases that are contagious and that could be a silent spread of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Lourdes Padilla-Bórquez
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Mónica Guadalupe Matuz-Flores
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Jorge Hernández-Bello
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Athziri Sánchez-Zuno
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Samuel García-Arellano
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Edith Oregon-Romero
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Melva Guadalupe Herrera-Godina
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Guillermo González-Estevez
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Norma Patricia Adan-Bante
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Unidad Regional Sur, Universidad de Sonora, Navojoa, Sonora 85880, Mexico
| | - Jesús Alfredo Rosas-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Unidad Regional Sur, Universidad de Sonora, Navojoa, Sonora 85880, Mexico
| | - José Francisco Muñoz-Valle
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
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12
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Yazdany J, Ware A, Wallace ZS, Bhana S, Grainger R, Hachulla E, Richez C, Cacoub P, Hausmann JS, Liew JW, Sirotich E, Jacobsohn L, Strangfeld A, Mateus EF, Hyrich KL, Gossec L, Carmona L, Lawson-Tovey S, Kearsley-Fleet L, Schaefer M, Ribeiro SLE, Al-Emadi S, Hasseli R, Müller-Ladner U, Specker C, Schulze-Koops H, Bernardes M, Fraga VM, Rodrigues AM, Sparks JA, Ljung L, Di Giuseppe D, Tidblad L, Wise L, Duarte-García A, Ugarte-Gil MF, Colunga-Pedraza IJ, Martínez-Martínez MU, Alpizar-Rodriguez D, Xavier RM, Isnardi CA, Pera M, Pons-Estel G, Izadi Z, Gianfrancesco MA, Carrara G, Scirè CA, Zanetti A, Machado PM. Impact of Risk Factors on COVID-19 Outcomes in Unvaccinated People With Rheumatic Diseases: A Comparative Analysis of Pandemic Epochs Using the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance Registry. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2024; 76:274-287. [PMID: 37643903 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Approximately one third of individuals worldwide have not received a COVID-19 vaccine. Although studies have investigated risk factors linked to severe COVID-19 among unvaccinated people with rheumatic diseases (RDs), we know less about whether these factors changed as the pandemic progressed. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 in unvaccinated individuals in different pandemic epochs corresponding to major variants of concern. METHODS Patients with RDs and COVID-19 were entered into the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance Registry between March 2020 and June 2022. An ordinal logistic regression model (not hospitalized, hospitalized, and death) was used with date of COVID-19 diagnosis, age, sex, race and/or ethnicity, comorbidities, RD activity, medications, and the human development index (HDI) as covariates. The main analysis included all unvaccinated patients across COVID-19 pandemic epochs; subanalyses stratified patients according to RD types. RESULTS Among 19,256 unvaccinated people with RDs and COVID-19, those who were older, male, had more comorbidities, used glucocorticoids, had higher disease activity, or lived in lower HDI regions had worse outcomes across epochs. For those with rheumatoid arthritis, sulfasalazine and B-cell-depleting therapy were associated with worse outcomes, and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors were associated with improved outcomes. In those with connective tissue disease or vasculitis, B-cell-depleting therapy was associated with worse outcomes. CONCLUSION Risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes were similar throughout pandemic epochs in unvaccinated people with RDs. Ongoing efforts, including vaccination, are needed to reduce COVID-19 severity in this population, particularly in those with medical and social vulnerabilities identified in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Ware
- National Center for Collaborative Healthcare Innovation, Palo Alto Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Palo Alto, California
| | | | | | - Rebecca Grainger
- University of Otago Wellington and Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Eric Hachulla
- Service de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Lille, pour la Filière des maladies Auto-Immunes et Autoinflammatoires Rares, Lille, France
| | - Christophe Richez
- Service de Rhumatologie, Centre de référence des maladies autoimmunes systémiques rares de l'Est et du Sud-Ouest de France, CHU de Bordeaux, pour la Société Française de Rhumatologie, Bordeaux, France
| | - Patrice Cacoub
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Société Nationale Française de Médecine Interne, Paris, France
| | - Jonathan S Hausmann
- Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jean W Liew
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Anja Strangfeld
- German Rheumatism Research Center and Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elsa F Mateus
- Portuguese League Against Rheumatic Diseases, Lisbon, Portugal, and European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology, Kilchberg, Switzerland
| | - Kimme L Hyrich
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Laure Gossec
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique and AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital, Paris, France
| | | | - Saskia Lawson-Tovey
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Manchester, and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Lianne Kearsley-Fleet
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | | | - Rebecca Hasseli
- University Hospital Munster, Munster, Germany, and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Kerckhoff, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Miguel Bernardes
- University of Porto and Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Ana Maria Rodrigues
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Reumatologia and Comprehensive Health Research Centre, Nova Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jeffrey A Sparks
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lotta Ljung
- Karolinska Institutet and Academic Specialist Centre, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Leanna Wise
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | | | - Manuel F Ugarte-Gil
- Grupo Peruano de Estudio de Enfermedades Autoinmunes Sistémica, Universidad Científica del Sur and Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen - EsSalud, Lima, Peru
| | | | | | | | - Ricardo Machado Xavier
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Serviço de Reumatologia, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Pera
- Hospital Angel C. Padilla, San Miguel de Tucuman, Tucuman, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Pons-Estel
- Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina, and College of Physicians of the Province of Santa Fe 2nd, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Carlo Alberto Scirè
- Italian Society for Rheumatology and School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Pedro M Machado
- University College London, NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Northwick Park Hospital, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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13
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Lee S, Zabinsky ZB, Wasserheit JN, Ross JM, Chen S, Liu S. Impact of Vaccination and Nonpharmaceutical Interventions With Possible COVID-19 Viral Evolutions Using an Agent-Based Simulation. AJPM FOCUS 2024; 3:100155. [PMID: 38130803 PMCID: PMC10733698 DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic continues with highly contagious variants and waning immunity. As the virus keeps evolving to be more infectious and immune evasive, some question whether the COVID-19 pandemic can be managed through sustainable public health measures. Methods We developed an agent-based simulation to explore the impact of COVID-19 mutations, periodic vaccinations, and nonpharmaceutical interventions on reducing COVID-19 deaths. The model is calibrated to the greater Seattle area by observing local epidemic data. We perform scenario analyses on viral mutations that change infectiousness, disease severity, and immune evasiveness from previous infections and vaccination every 6 months. The simulation is run until the end of year 2023. Results Variants with increased infectivity or increased immune evasion dominate previous strains. With enhanced immune protection from a pancoronavirus vaccine, the most optimistic periodic vaccination rate reduces average total deaths by 44.6% compared with the most pessimistic periodic vaccination rate. A strict threshold nonpharmaceutical intervention policy reduces average total deaths by 71.3% compared with an open society, whereas a moderate nonpharmaceutical intervention policy results in a 33.6% reduction. Conclusions Our findings highlight the potential benefits of pancoronavirus vaccines that offer enhanced and longer-lasting immunity. We emphasize the crucial role of nonpharmaceutical interventions in reducing COVID-19 deaths regardless of virus mutation scenarios. Owing to highly immune evasive and contagious SARS-CoV-2 variants, most scenarios in this study fail to reduce the mortality of COVID-19 to the level of influenza and pneumonia. However, our findings indicate that periodic vaccinations and a threshold nonpharmaceutical intervention policy may succeed in achieving this goal. This indicates the need for caution and vigilance in managing a continuing COVID-19 epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serin Lee
- Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Zelda B. Zabinsky
- Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Judith N. Wasserheit
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Division of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jennifer M. Ross
- Division of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Shi Chen
- Department of Information Systems and Operations Management, Foster School of Business, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Shan Liu
- Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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14
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Liu W, Huang Z, Xiao J, Wu Y, Xia N, Yuan Q. Evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variants: Genetic Impact on Viral Fitness. Viruses 2024; 16:184. [PMID: 38399960 PMCID: PMC10893260 DOI: 10.3390/v16020184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last three years, the pandemic of COVID-19 has had a significant impact on people's lives and the global economy. The incessant emergence of variant strains has compounded the challenges associated with the management of COVID-19. As the predominant variant from late 2021 to the present, Omicron and its sublineages, through continuous evolution, have demonstrated iterative viral fitness. The comprehensive elucidation of the biological implications that catalyzed this evolution remains incomplete. In accordance with extant research evidence, we provide a comprehensive review of subvariants of Omicron, delineating alterations in immune evasion, cellular infectivity, and the cross-species transmission potential. This review seeks to clarify the underpinnings of biology within the evolution of SARS-CoV-2, thereby providing a foundation for strategic considerations in the post-pandemic era of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (W.L.); (N.X.)
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zehong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (W.L.); (N.X.)
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jin Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (W.L.); (N.X.)
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yangtao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (W.L.); (N.X.)
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (W.L.); (N.X.)
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (W.L.); (N.X.)
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
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15
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Zviedrite N, Jahan F, Moreland S, Ahmed F, Uzicanin A. COVID-19-Related School Closures, United States, July 27, 2020-June 30, 2022. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:58-69. [PMID: 38086396 PMCID: PMC10756369 DOI: 10.3201/eid3001.231215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
As part of a multiyear project that monitored illness-related school closures, we conducted systematic daily online searches during July 27, 2020-June 30, 2022, to identify public announcements of COVID-19-related school closures (COVID-SCs) in the United States lasting >1 day. We explored the temporospatial patterns of COVID-SCs and analyzed associations between COVID-SCs and national COVID-19 surveillance data. COVID-SCs reflected national surveillance data: correlation was highest between COVID-SCs and both new PCR test positivity (correlation coefficient [r] = 0.73, 95% CI 0.56-0.84) and new cases (r = 0.72, 95% CI 0.54-0.83) during 2020-21 and with hospitalization rates among all ages (r = 0.81, 95% CI 0.67-0.89) during 2021-22. The numbers of reactive COVID-SCs during 2020-21 and 2021-22 greatly exceeded previously observed numbers of illness-related reactive school closures in the United States, notably being nearly 5-fold greater than reactive closures observed during the 2009 influenza (H1N1) pandemic.
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16
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Aiewsakun P, Jamsai B, Phumiphanjarphak W, Sawaengdee W, Palittapongarnpim P, Mahasirimongkol S. Spatiotemporal evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in the Bangkok metropolitan region, Thailand, 2020-2022: implications for future outbreak preparedness. Microb Genom 2023; 9:001170. [PMID: 38117547 PMCID: PMC10763513 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Thailand experienced five waves of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) between 2020 and 2022, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR) being at the centre of all outbreaks. The molecular evolution of the causative agent of the disease, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has previously been characterized in Thailand, but a detailed spatiotemporal analysis is still lacking. In this study, we comprehensively reviewed the development and timelines of the five COVID-19 outbreaks in Thailand and the public health responses, and also conducted a phylogenetic analysis of 27 913 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from Thailand, together with 7330 global references, to investigate the virus's spatiotemporal evolution during 2020 and 2022, with a particular focus on the BMR. Limited cross-border transmission was observed during the first four waves in 2020 and 2021, but was common in 2022, aligning well with the timeline of change in the international travel restrictions. Within the country, viruses were mostly restricted to the BMR during the first two waves in 2020, but subsequent waves in 2021 and 2022 saw extensive nationwide transmission of the virus, consistent with the timeline of relaxation of disease control measures employed within the country. Our results also suggest frequent epidemiological connections between Thailand and neighbouring countries during 2020 and 2021 despite relatively stringent international travel controls. The overall sequencing rate of the viruses circulating in the BMR was ~0.525 %, meeting the recommended benchmark, and our analysis supports that this is sufficient for tracking of the trend of the virus burden and genetic diversity. Our findings reveal insights into the local transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Thailand, and provide a valuable reference for planning responses to future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pakorn Aiewsakun
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Pornchai Matangkasombut Center for Microbial Genomics, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Bharkbhoom Jamsai
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Pornchai Matangkasombut Center for Microbial Genomics, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Worakorn Phumiphanjarphak
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Pornchai Matangkasombut Center for Microbial Genomics, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Waritta Sawaengdee
- Genomics Medicine Center, Medical Life Sciences Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
| | - Prasit Palittapongarnpim
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Pornchai Matangkasombut Center for Microbial Genomics, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Surakameth Mahasirimongkol
- Genomics Medicine Center, Medical Life Sciences Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
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17
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Howerton E, Contamin L, Mullany LC, Qin M, Reich NG, Bents S, Borchering RK, Jung SM, Loo SL, Smith CP, Levander J, Kerr J, Espino J, van Panhuis WG, Hochheiser H, Galanti M, Yamana T, Pei S, Shaman J, Rainwater-Lovett K, Kinsey M, Tallaksen K, Wilson S, Shin L, Lemaitre JC, Kaminsky J, Hulse JD, Lee EC, McKee CD, Hill A, Karlen D, Chinazzi M, Davis JT, Mu K, Xiong X, Pastore Y Piontti A, Vespignani A, Rosenstrom ET, Ivy JS, Mayorga ME, Swann JL, España G, Cavany S, Moore S, Perkins A, Hladish T, Pillai A, Ben Toh K, Longini I, Chen S, Paul R, Janies D, Thill JC, Bouchnita A, Bi K, Lachmann M, Fox SJ, Meyers LA, Srivastava A, Porebski P, Venkatramanan S, Adiga A, Lewis B, Klahn B, Outten J, Hurt B, Chen J, Mortveit H, Wilson A, Marathe M, Hoops S, Bhattacharya P, Machi D, Cadwell BL, Healy JM, Slayton RB, Johansson MA, Biggerstaff M, Truelove S, Runge MC, Shea K, Viboud C, Lessler J. Evaluation of the US COVID-19 Scenario Modeling Hub for informing pandemic response under uncertainty. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7260. [PMID: 37985664 PMCID: PMC10661184 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42680-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Our ability to forecast epidemics far into the future is constrained by the many complexities of disease systems. Realistic longer-term projections may, however, be possible under well-defined scenarios that specify the future state of critical epidemic drivers. Since December 2020, the U.S. COVID-19 Scenario Modeling Hub (SMH) has convened multiple modeling teams to make months ahead projections of SARS-CoV-2 burden, totaling nearly 1.8 million national and state-level projections. Here, we find SMH performance varied widely as a function of both scenario validity and model calibration. We show scenarios remained close to reality for 22 weeks on average before the arrival of unanticipated SARS-CoV-2 variants invalidated key assumptions. An ensemble of participating models that preserved variation between models (using the linear opinion pool method) was consistently more reliable than any single model in periods of valid scenario assumptions, while projection interval coverage was near target levels. SMH projections were used to guide pandemic response, illustrating the value of collaborative hubs for longer-term scenario projections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Howerton
- The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | | | - Luke C Mullany
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, Laurel, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Samantha Bents
- National Institutes of Health Fogarty International Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca K Borchering
- The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sung-Mok Jung
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sara L Loo
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - J Espino
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Sen Pei
- Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Matt Kinsey
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, Laurel, MD, USA
| | - Kate Tallaksen
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, Laurel, MD, USA
| | - Shelby Wilson
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, Laurel, MD, USA
| | - Lauren Shin
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, Laurel, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Alison Hill
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dean Karlen
- University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | | | - Kunpeng Mu
- Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Julie S Ivy
- North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Sean Cavany
- University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Sean Moore
- University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shi Chen
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Rajib Paul
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Daniel Janies
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Kaiming Bi
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bryan Lewis
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Brian Klahn
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefan Hoops
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Dustin Machi
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Betsy L Cadwell
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica M Healy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Michael C Runge
- U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science Center, Laurel, MD, USA
| | - Katriona Shea
- The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Cécile Viboud
- National Institutes of Health Fogarty International Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Justin Lessler
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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18
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Evans JP, Liu SL. Challenges and Prospects in Developing Future SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines: Overcoming Original Antigenic Sin and Inducing Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:1459-1467. [PMID: 37931210 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the development of several effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. However, waning vaccine efficacy as well as the antigenic drift of SARS-CoV-2 variants has diminished vaccine efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection and may threaten public health. Increasing interest has been given to the development of a next generation of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines with increased breadth and effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this Brief Review, we discuss recent work on the development of these next-generation vaccines and on the nature of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2. We examine recent work to develop pan-coronavirus vaccines as well as to develop mucosal vaccines. We further discuss challenges associated with the development of novel vaccines including the need to overcome "original antigenic sin" and highlight areas requiring further investigation. We place this work in the context of SARS-CoV-2 evolution to inform how the implementation of future vaccine platforms may impact human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Evans
- Center for Retrovirus Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Shan-Lu Liu
- Center for Retrovirus Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Viruses and Emerging Pathogens Program, Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
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19
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Dai K, Foerster S, Vora NM, Blaney K, Keeley C, Hendricks L, Varma JK, Long T, Shaman J, Pei S. Community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during the Delta wave in New York City. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:753. [PMID: 37915079 PMCID: PMC10621074 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08735-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) is critical for disease control in the post pandemic era. The Delta variant (B.1.617.2) emerged in late 2020 and became the dominant VOC globally in the summer of 2021. While the epidemiological features of the Delta variant have been extensively studied, how those characteristics shaped community transmission in urban settings remains poorly understood. METHODS Using high-resolution contact tracing data and testing records, we analyze the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during the Delta wave within New York City (NYC) from May 2021 to October 2021. We reconstruct transmission networks at the individual level and across 177 ZIP code areas, examine network structure and spatial spread patterns, and use statistical analysis to estimate the effects of factors associated with COVID-19 spread. RESULTS We find considerable individual variations in reported contacts and secondary infections, consistent with the pre-Delta period. Compared with earlier waves, Delta-period has more frequent long-range transmission events across ZIP codes. Using socioeconomic, mobility and COVID-19 surveillance data at the ZIP code level, we find that a larger number of cumulative cases in a ZIP code area is associated with reduced within- and cross-ZIP code transmission and the number of visitors to each ZIP code is positively associated with the number of non-household infections identified through contact tracing and testing. CONCLUSIONS The Delta variant produced greater long-range spatial transmission across NYC ZIP code areas, likely caused by its increased transmissibility and elevated human mobility during the study period. Our findings highlight the potential role of population immunity in reducing transmission of VOCs. Quantifying variability of immunity is critical for identifying subpopulations susceptible to future VOCs. In addition, non-pharmaceutical interventions limiting human mobility likely reduced SARS-CoV-2 spread over successive pandemic waves and should be encouraged for reducing transmission of future VOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Dai
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Steffen Foerster
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), Long Island City, NY, 11001, USA
| | - Neil M Vora
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), Long Island City, NY, 11001, USA
| | - Kathleen Blaney
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), Long Island City, NY, 11001, USA
| | - Chris Keeley
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), Long Island City, NY, 11001, USA
| | - Lisa Hendricks
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), Long Island City, NY, 11001, USA
| | - Jay K Varma
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Theodore Long
- NYC Health + Hospitals, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Population Health, New York University, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Jeffrey Shaman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Columbia Climate School, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10025, USA
| | - Sen Pei
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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20
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Kayano T, Nishiura H. Assessing the COVID-19 vaccination program during the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) epidemic in early 2022, Tokyo. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:748. [PMID: 37907865 PMCID: PMC10619277 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08748-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many countries, including high-income nations, struggled to control epidemic waves caused by the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529), which had an antigenically distinct evolution. Evaluating the direct and indirect effects of vaccination during the Omicron waves is essential to assess virus control policies. The present study assessed the population impacts of a vaccination program during the sixth wave caused by BA.1 and BA.2 from January to May 2022, in Tokyo. METHODS We analyzed the primary series and booster vaccination coverages and the confirmed cases stratified by vaccination history. We estimated the number of COVID-19 cases that were directly and indirectly prevented by vaccination. To estimate the direct impact, we used a statistical model that compared risks between unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals. A transmission model employing the renewal process was devised to quantify the total effect, given as the sum of the direct and indirect effects. RESULTS Assuming that the reporting coverage of cases was 25%, mass vaccination programs, including primary and booster immunizations, directly averted 640,000 COVID-19 cases (95% confidence interval: 624-655). Furthermore, these programs directly and indirectly prevented 8.5 million infections (95% confidence interval: 8.4-8.6). Hypothetical scenarios indicated that we could have expected a 19% or 7% relative reduction in the number of infections, respectively, compared with the observed number of infections, if the booster coverage had been equivalent to that of the second dose or if coverage among people aged 10-49 years had been 10% higher. If the third dose coverage was smaller and comparable to that of the fourth dose, the total number of infections would have increased by 52% compared with the observed number of infections. CONCLUSIONS The population benefit of vaccination via direct and indirect effects was substantial, with an estimated 65% reduction in the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections compared with counterfactual (without vaccination) in Tokyo during the sixth wave caused by BA.1 and BA.2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taishi Kayano
- Kyoto University School of Public Health, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishiura
- Kyoto University School of Public Health, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
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21
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Port JR, Yinda CK, Riopelle JC, Weishampel ZA, Saturday TA, Avanzato VA, Schulz JE, Holbrook MG, Barbian K, Perry-Gottschalk R, Haddock E, Martens C, Shaia CI, Lambe T, Gilbert SC, van Doremalen N, Munster VJ. Infection- or AZD1222 vaccine-mediated immunity reduces SARS-CoV-2 transmission but increases Omicron competitiveness in hamsters. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6592. [PMID: 37852960 PMCID: PMC10584863 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42346-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Limited data is available on the effect of vaccination and previous virus exposure on the nature of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and immune-pressure on variants. To understand the impact of pre-existing immunity on SARS-CoV-2 airborne transmission efficiency, we perform a transmission chain experiment using naïve, intranasally or intramuscularly AZD1222 vaccinated, and previously infected hamsters. A clear gradient in transmission efficacy is observed: Transmission in hamsters vaccinated via the intramuscular route was reduced over three airborne chains (approx. 60%) compared to naïve animals, whereas transmission in previously infected hamsters and those vaccinated via the intranasal route was reduced by 80%. We also find that the Delta B.1.617.2 variant outcompeted Omicron B.1.1.529 after dual infection within and between hosts in naïve, vaccinated, and previously infected transmission chains, yet an increase in Omicron B.1.1.529 competitiveness is observed in groups with pre-existing immunity against Delta B.1.617.2. This correlates with an increase in the strength of the humoral response against Delta B.1.617.2, with the strongest response seen in previously infected animals. These data highlight the continuous need to improve vaccination strategies and address the additional evolutionary pressure pre-existing immunity may exert on SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia R Port
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Claude Kwe Yinda
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Jade C Riopelle
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Zachary A Weishampel
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Taylor A Saturday
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Victoria A Avanzato
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Jonathan E Schulz
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Myndi G Holbrook
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Kent Barbian
- Genomics Research Section, Research Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Rose Perry-Gottschalk
- Rocky Mountain Visual and Medical Arts Unit, Research Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Elaine Haddock
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Craig Martens
- Genomics Research Section, Research Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Carl I Shaia
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Teresa Lambe
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Chinese Academy of Medical Science Oxford Institute; Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah C Gilbert
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Neeltje van Doremalen
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Vincent J Munster
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA.
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22
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Kayano T, Ko Y, Otani K, Kobayashi T, Suzuki M, Nishiura H. Evaluating the COVID-19 vaccination program in Japan, 2021 using the counterfactual reproduction number. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17762. [PMID: 37853098 PMCID: PMC10584853 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44942-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Japan implemented its nationwide vaccination program against COVID-19 in 2021, immunizing more than one million people (approximately 1%) a day. However, the direct and indirect impacts of the program at the population level have yet to be fully evaluated. To assess the vaccine effectiveness during the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) epidemic in 2021, we used a renewal process model. A transmission model was fitted to the confirmed cases from 17 February to 30 November 2021. In the absence of vaccination, the cumulative numbers of infections and deaths during the study period were estimated to be 63.3 million (95% confidence interval [CI] 63.2-63.6) and 364,000 (95% CI 363-366), respectively; the actual numbers of infections and deaths were 4.7 million and 10,000, respectively. Were the vaccination implemented 14 days earlier, there could have been 54% and 48% fewer cases and deaths, respectively, than the actual numbers. We demonstrated the very high effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in Japan during 2021, which reduced mortality by more than 97% compared with the counterfactual scenario. The timing of expanding vaccination and vaccine recipients could be key to mitigating the disease burden of COVID-19. Rapid and proper decision making based on firm epidemiological input is vital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taishi Kayano
- Kyoto University School of Public Health, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yura Ko
- Center for Surveillance, Immunization, and Epidemiologic Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan
- Department of Virology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Kanako Otani
- Center for Surveillance, Immunization, and Epidemiologic Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Kobayashi
- Kyoto University School of Public Health, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Motoi Suzuki
- Center for Surveillance, Immunization, and Epidemiologic Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishiura
- Kyoto University School of Public Health, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
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23
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Port JR, Morris DH, Riopelle JC, Yinda CK, Avanzato VA, Holbrook MG, Bushmaker T, Schulz JE, Saturday TA, Barbian K, Russell CA, Perry-Gottschalk R, Shaia CI, Martens C, Lloyd-Smith JO, Fischer RJ, Munster VJ. Host and viral determinants of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the Syrian hamster. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2022.08.15.504010. [PMID: 36032963 PMCID: PMC9413705 DOI: 10.1101/2022.08.15.504010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
It remains poorly understood how SARS-CoV-2 infection influences the physiological host factors important for aerosol transmission. We assessed breathing pattern, exhaled droplets, and infectious virus after infection with Alpha and Delta variants of concern (VOC) in the Syrian hamster. Both VOCs displayed a confined window of detectable airborne virus (24-48 h), shorter than compared to oropharyngeal swabs. The loss of airborne shedding was linked to airway constriction resulting in a decrease of fine aerosols (1-10μm) produced, which are suspected to be the major driver of airborne transmission. Male sex was associated with increased viral replication and virus shedding in the air. Next, we compared the transmission efficiency of both variants and found no significant differences. Transmission efficiency varied mostly among donors, 0-100% (including a superspreading event), and aerosol transmission over multiple chain links was representative of natural heterogeneity of exposure dose and downstream viral kinetics. Co-infection with VOCs only occurred when both viruses were shed by the same donor during an increased exposure timeframe (24-48 h). This highlights that assessment of host and virus factors resulting in a differential exhaled particle profile is critical for understanding airborne transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia R. Port
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Dylan H. Morris
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jade C. Riopelle
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Claude Kwe Yinda
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Victoria A. Avanzato
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Myndi G. Holbrook
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Trenton Bushmaker
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Jonathan E. Schulz
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Taylor A. Saturday
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Kent Barbian
- Rocky Mountain Research and Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Colin A. Russell
- Department of Medical Microbiology | Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam
| | - Rose Perry-Gottschalk
- Rocky Mountain Visual and Medical Arts Unit, Research Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Carl I. Shaia
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Craig Martens
- Rocky Mountain Research and Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - James O. Lloyd-Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert J. Fischer
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Vincent J. Munster
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
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Chan YLE, Irvine MA, Prystajecky N, Sbihi H, Taylor M, Joffres Y, Schertzer A, Rose C, Dyson L, Hill EM, Tildesley M, Tyson JR, Hoang LMN, Galanis E. Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant and Effect of Nonpharmaceutical Interventions, British Columbia, Canada. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:1999-2007. [PMID: 37640374 PMCID: PMC10521616 DOI: 10.3201/eid2910.230055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In British Columbia, Canada, initial growth of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant was slower than that reported in other jurisdictions. Delta became the dominant variant (>50% prevalence) within ≈7-13 weeks of first detection in regions within the United Kingdom and United States. In British Columbia, it remained at <10% of weekly incident COVID-19 cases for 13 weeks after first detection on March 21, 2021, eventually reaching dominance after 17 weeks. We describe the growth of Delta variant cases in British Columbia during March 1-June 30, 2021, and apply retrospective counterfactual modeling to examine factors for the initially low COVID-19 case rate after Delta introduction, such as vaccination coverage and nonpharmaceutical interventions. Growth of COVID-19 cases in the first 3 months after Delta emergence was likely limited in British Columbia because additional nonpharmaceutical interventions were implemented to reduce levels of contact at the end of March 2021, soon after variant emergence.
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25
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Cho G, Kim YJ, Seo SH, Jang G, Lee H. Cost-effectiveness analysis of COVID-19 variants effects in an age-structured model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15844. [PMID: 37739967 PMCID: PMC10516971 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41876-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study analyzes the impact of COVID-19 variants on cost-effectiveness across age groups, considering vaccination efforts and nonpharmaceutical interventions in Republic of Korea. We aim to assess the costs needed to reduce COVID-19 cases and deaths using age-structured model. The proposed age-structured model analyzes COVID-19 transmission dynamics, evaluates vaccination effectiveness, and assesses the impact of the Delta and Omicron variants. The model is fitted using data from the Republic of Korea between February 2021 and November 2022. The cost-effectiveness of interventions, medical costs, and the cost of death for different age groups are evaluated through analysis. The impact of different variants on cases and deaths is also analyzed, with the Omicron variant increasing transmission rates and decreasing case-fatality rates compared to the Delta variant. The cost of interventions and deaths is higher for older age groups during both outbreaks, with the Omicron outbreak resulting in a higher overall cost due to increased medical costs and interventions. This analysis shows that the daily cost per person for both the Delta and Omicron variants falls within a similar range of approximately $10-$35. This highlights the importance of conducting cost-effect analyses when evaluating the impact of COVID-19 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giphil Cho
- Department of Artificial Intelligence and Software, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon, 25913, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Jin Kim
- Division of Data Analysis, Center for Global R&D Data Analysis, Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), Seoul, 02456, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hyup Seo
- National Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Daejeon, 34047, Republic of Korea
| | - Geunsoo Jang
- Nonlinear Dynamics and Mathematical Application Center, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyojung Lee
- Department of Statistics, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
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Rzymski P, Pokorska-Śpiewak M, Jackowska T, Kuchar E, Nitsch-Osuch A, Pawłowska M, Babicki M, Jaroszewicz J, Szenborn L, Wysocki J, Flisiak R. Key Considerations during the Transition from the Acute Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1502. [PMID: 37766178 PMCID: PMC10537111 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11091502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been met with an unprecedented response from the scientific community, leading to the development, investigation, and authorization of vaccines and antivirals, ultimately reducing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on global public health. However, SARS-CoV-2 is far from being eradicated, continues to evolve, and causes substantial health and economic burdens. In this narrative review, we posit essential points on SARS-CoV-2 and its responsible management during the transition from the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. As discussed, despite Omicron (sub)variant(s) causing clinically milder infections, SARS-CoV-2 is far from being a negligible pathogen. It requires continued genomic surveillance, particularly if one considers that its future (sub)lineages do not necessarily have to be milder. Antivirals and vaccines remain the essential elements in COVID-19 management. However, the former could benefit from further development and improvements in dosing, while the seasonal administration of the latter requires simplification to increase interest and tackle vaccine hesitancy. It is also essential to ensure the accessibility of COVID-19 pharmaceuticals and vaccines in low-income countries and improve the understanding of their use in the context of the long-term goals of SARS-CoV-2 management. Regardless of location, the primary role of COVID-19 awareness and education must be played by healthcare workers, who directly communicate with patients and serve as role models for healthy behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | - Maria Pokorska-Śpiewak
- Department of Children’s Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Teresa Jackowska
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Ernest Kuchar
- Department of Pediatrics with Clinical Assessment Unit, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Aneta Nitsch-Osuch
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Pawłowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-067 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Jerzy Jaroszewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia, 41-902 Bytom, Poland;
| | - Leszek Szenborn
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Wrocław Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Jacek Wysocki
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland;
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Ramasamy R. Overview of immunological & virological factors driving the evolution & global spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Indian J Med Res 2023; 158:257-268. [PMID: 37815068 PMCID: PMC10720969 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_2591_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2, a highly infectious positive strand RNA virus first identified in December 2019, has produced multiple genetic variants that have rapidly and sequentially spread worldwide during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Genetic changes in SARS-CoV-2 for greater infectivity, replication and transmission were selected during the early stages of the pandemic. More recently, after widespread infection and vaccination, SARS-CoV-2 variants that evade antigen-specific adaptive immunity, have begun to be selected. This article provides an overview of the molecular immunological and virological factors underlying the origin and global spread of important SARS-CoV-2 variant lineages.
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Vishwakarma N, Goud RB, Tirupattur MP, Katwa LC. The Eye of the Storm: Investigating the Long-Term Cardiovascular Effects of COVID-19 and Variants. Cells 2023; 12:2154. [PMID: 37681886 PMCID: PMC10486388 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 had stormed through the world in early March of 2019, and on 5 May 2023, SARS-CoV-2 was officially declared to no longer be a global health emergency. The rise of new COVID-19 variants XBB.1.5 and XBB.1.16, a product of recombinant variants and sub-strains, has fueled a need for continued surveillance of the pandemic as they have been deemed increasingly infectious. Regardless of the severity of the variant, this has caused an increase in hospitalizations, a strain in resources, and a rise of concern for public health. In addition, there is a growing population of patients experiencing cardiovascular complications as a result of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. This review aims to focus on what was known about SARS-CoV-2 and its past variants (Alpha, Delta, Omicron) and how the knowledge has grown today with new emerging variants, with an emphasis on cardiovascular complexities. We focus on the possible mechanisms that cause the observations of chronic cardiac conditions seen even after patients have recovered from the infection. Further understanding of these mechanisms will help to close the gap in knowledge on post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 and the differences between the effects of variants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Laxmansa C. Katwa
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (N.V.); (R.B.G.); (M.P.T.)
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Pedersen ESL, Schreck LD, Goutaki M, Bellu S, Copeland F, Lucas JS, Zwahlen M, Kuehni CE. Incidence and Severity of SARS-CoV-2 Infections in People With Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1605561. [PMID: 37663372 PMCID: PMC10470037 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1605561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: There is little data on SARS-CoV-2 in people with rare chronic diseases. We studied incidence and severity of SARS-CoV-2 and its risk factors in people with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) from May 2020 to May 2022. Methods: We used self-reported questionnaire data from the COVID-PCD study at baseline or during weekly follow-ups. We studied factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 and symptoms using Poisson regression. Results: By May 2022, 728 people participated (40% male, median age 27 years; range 0-85). 87 (12%) reported SARS-CoV-2 at baseline or during follow-up and 62 people reported an incident SARS-CoV-2 infection during 716 person-years (incidence rate 9 per 100 person years). The strongest predictors for reporting SARS-CoV-2 were exposure during periods where Delta variant was dominant (IRR 4.52, 95% CI 1.92-10.6) and Omicron variants (IRR 13.3, 95% CI 5.2-33.8). Severity was mild; 12 (14%) were asymptomatic and 75 (86%) had symptoms among whom four were hospitalized. None needed intensive care and nobody died. Conclusion: The COVID-PCD study participants did not have a higher incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections nor higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease than people from the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva S. L. Pedersen
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Leonie D. Schreck
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Health Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Myrofora Goutaki
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Children’s University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sara Bellu
- Associazione Italiana Discinesia Ciliare Primaria Sindrome di Kartagener Onlus, Onlus, Italy
| | | | - Jane S. Lucas
- Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Centre, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
- School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Marcel Zwahlen
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Claudia E. Kuehni
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Children’s University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Dimcheff DE, Blair CN, Zhu Y, Chappell JD, Gaglani M, McNeal T, Ghamande S, Steingrub JS, Shapiro NI, Duggal A, Busse LW, Frosch AEP, Peltan ID, Hager DN, Gong MN, Exline MC, Khan A, Wilson JG, Qadir N, Ginde AA, Douin DJ, Mohr NM, Mallow C, Martin ET, Johnson NJ, Casey JD, Stubblefield WB, Gibbs KW, Kwon JH, Talbot HK, Halasa N, Grijalva CG, Baughman A, Womack KN, Hart KW, Swan SA, Surie D, Thornburg NJ, McMorrow ML, Self WH, Lauring AS. Total and Subgenomic RNA Viral Load in Patients Infected With SARS-CoV-2 Alpha, Delta, and Omicron Variants. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:235-244. [PMID: 36883903 PMCID: PMC10420395 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genomic and subgenomic RNA levels are frequently used as a correlate of infectiousness. The impact of host factors and SARS-CoV-2 lineage on RNA viral load is unclear. METHODS Total nucleocapsid (N) and subgenomic N (sgN) RNA levels were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in specimens from 3204 individuals hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at 21 hospitals. RT-qPCR cycle threshold (Ct) values were used to estimate RNA viral load. The impact of time of sampling, SARS-CoV-2 variant, age, comorbidities, vaccination, and immune status on N and sgN Ct values were evaluated using multiple linear regression. RESULTS Mean Ct values at presentation for N were 24.14 (SD 4.53) for non-variants of concern, 25.15 (SD 4.33) for Alpha, 25.31 (SD 4.50) for Delta, and 26.26 (SD 4.42) for Omicron. N and sgN RNA levels varied with time since symptom onset and infecting variant but not with age, comorbidity, immune status, or vaccination. When normalized to total N RNA, sgN levels were similar across all variants. CONCLUSIONS RNA viral loads were similar among hospitalized adults, irrespective of infecting variant and known risk factors for severe COVID-19. Total N and subgenomic RNA N viral loads were highly correlated, suggesting that subgenomic RNA measurements add little information for the purposes of estimating infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek E Dimcheff
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Christopher N Blair
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Yuwei Zhu
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - James D Chappell
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Manjusha Gaglani
- Baylor Scott and White Health, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Tresa McNeal
- Baylor Scott and White Health, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Shekhar Ghamande
- Baylor Scott and White Health, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Jay S Steingrub
- Department of Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nathan I Shapiro
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Abhijit Duggal
- Department of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Anne E P Frosch
- Department of Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ithan D Peltan
- Department of Medicine, Intermountain Medical Center, Murray, Utah, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - David N Hager
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michelle N Gong
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Health System, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Matthew C Exline
- Department of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Akram Khan
- Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jennifer G Wilson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Nida Qadir
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Adit A Ginde
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - David J Douin
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Nicholas M Mohr
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Emily T Martin
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nicholas J Johnson
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jonathan D Casey
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - William B Stubblefield
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kevin W Gibbs
- Department of Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennie H Kwon
- Department of Medicine, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - H Keipp Talbot
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Natasha Halasa
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Carlos G Grijalva
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Adrienne Baughman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kelsey N Womack
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kimberly W Hart
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sydney A Swan
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Diya Surie
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Natalie J Thornburg
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Meredith L McMorrow
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Wesley H Self
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Adam S Lauring
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Anderegg N, Schwab T, Borcard L, Mugglin C, Keune-Dübi B, Ramette A, Fenner L. Population-Based Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Whole-Genome Sequencing and Contact Tracing During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Switzerland. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:251-260. [PMID: 36967680 PMCID: PMC10420393 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testing and contact tracing (CT) can interrupt transmission chains of SARS-CoV-2. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) can potentially strengthen these investigations and provide insights on transmission. METHODS We included all laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases diagnosed between 4 June and 26 July 2021, in a Swiss canton. We defined CT clusters based on epidemiological links reported in the CT data and genomic clusters as sequences with no single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) differences between any 2 pairs of sequences being compared. We assessed the agreement between CT clusters and genomic clusters. RESULTS Of 359 COVID-19 cases, 213 were sequenced. Overall, agreement between CT and genomic clusters was low (Cohen's κ = 0.13). Of 24 CT clusters with ≥2 sequenced samples, 9 (37.5%) were also linked based on genomic sequencing but in 4 of these, WGS found additional cases in other CT clusters. Household was most often reported source of infection (n = 101 [28.1%]) and home addresses coincided well with CT clusters: In 44 of 54 CT clusters containing ≥2 cases (81.5%), all cases in the cluster had the same reported home address. However, only a quarter of household transmission was confirmed by WGS (6 of 26 genomic clusters [23.1%]). A sensitivity analysis using ≤1-SNP differences to define genomic clusters resulted in similar results. CONCLUSIONS WGS data supplemented epidemiological CT data, supported the detection of potential additional clusters missed by CT, and identified misclassified transmissions and sources of infection. Household transmission was overestimated by CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanina Anderegg
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tiana Schwab
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Loïc Borcard
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Catrina Mugglin
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bettina Keune-Dübi
- Cantonal Physician’s Office, Gesundheitsamt, Canton of Solothurn, Solothurn, Switzerland
| | - Alban Ramette
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Fenner
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Reichmuth ML, Hodcroft EB, Althaus CL. Importation of Alpha and Delta variants during the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Switzerland: Phylogenetic analysis and intervention scenarios. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011553. [PMID: 37561788 PMCID: PMC10443857 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has led to the emergence of various variants of concern (VoCs) that are associated with increased transmissibility, immune evasion, or differences in disease severity. The emergence of VoCs fueled interest in understanding the potential impact of travel restrictions and surveillance strategies to prevent or delay the early spread of VoCs. We performed phylogenetic analyses and mathematical modeling to study the importation and spread of the VoCs Alpha and Delta in Switzerland in 2020 and 2021. Using a phylogenetic approach, we estimated between 383-1,038 imports of Alpha and 455-1,347 imports of Delta into Switzerland. We then used the results from the phylogenetic analysis to parameterize a dynamic transmission model that accurately described the subsequent spread of Alpha and Delta. We modeled different counterfactual intervention scenarios to quantify the potential impact of border closures and surveillance of travelers on the spread of Alpha and Delta. We found that implementing border closures after the announcement of VoCs would have been of limited impact to mitigate the spread of VoCs. In contrast, increased surveillance of travelers could prove to be an effective measure for delaying the spread of VoCs in situations where their severity remains unclear. Our study shows how phylogenetic analysis in combination with dynamic transmission models can be used to estimate the number of imported SARS-CoV-2 variants and the potential impact of different intervention scenarios to inform the public health response during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina L. Reichmuth
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emma B. Hodcroft
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christian L. Althaus
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Mahmud R, Islam MA, Haque ME, Hussain DA, Islam MR, Monayem FB, Kamal MM, Sina H, Islam MF, Datta PK, Sayeed SJB, Dhali SA, Islam K, Ratul RH, Hossain SMR, Prince HN, Chowdhury AH, Ahmed KG, Miah MT, Rahman MM. Difference in presentation, outcomes, and hospital epidemiologic trend of COVID-19 among first, second, and third waves: a review of hospital records and prospective cohort study. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:3816-3826. [PMID: 37554920 PMCID: PMC10405996 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study aimed to examine the differences in epidemiologic and disease aspects among patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). METHODS The authors reviewed the hospital records between April 2020 and September 2021 and followed up on the patients for post-COVID complications. FINDINGS Older adult patients were predominantly affected during the third wave, and middle-aged patients were predominantly affected during the first and second waves. Men were predominantly admitted, considering the three waves, although more women were admitted in the second wave. Cough was more common in the second and third waves than in the first wave 522 (59.7%). Respiratory distress was the most common in the third wave, 251(67.1%), and least common in the first wave, 403 (46.1%). Anosmia was more common in the third wave 116 (31.2%). In the third wave, patients presenting in a critical state 23 (6.2%) and with severe disease 152 (40.8%) were more common. The hospital admission median (IQR) was longer in the first wave, 12 (8-20), than in other waves. More patients were admitted in the first wave (52%) than in the other waves, and patients received more oxygen in the third wave (75%) than in the other waves. Death occurred more commonly in the first wave (51%) than in the other waves. The positivity rate was higher in the third wave (22.8%) than in the other waves. In the third wave, the positivity rate was higher in women (24.3%) than in men. Post-COVID cough increased in the second wave, and fatigue was higher in the third wave than in the other waves. Tiredness and memory loss were greater during the second wave than in other waves. CONCLUSION The authors found differences in the presentation, outcomes, and hospital epidemiologic trend of COVID-19 among the three waves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reaz Mahmud
- Department of Neurology, Dhaka Medical College
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hashmi Sina
- Department of Neurology, Dhaka Medical College
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rifat H. Ratul
- COVID-19 Post-acute Care and Follow-up Clinic, Dhaka Medical College
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Md. Mujibur Rahman
- Department of Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Zhang Q, Qiao R, Niu J, Xiong X, Wang N, Zhang R, Luo S, Guo Y, Liu Z, Peng L, Zhang S, Tan G, Song K, Sun M, Xu L, Zhang R, Wu X. Evaluation of an identification method for the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant based on the amplification-refractory mutation system. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1180297. [PMID: 37475960 PMCID: PMC10354518 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1180297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 dominated the COVID-19 pandemic due to its high viral replication capacity and immune evasion, causing massive outbreaks of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Currently, variant identification is performed mainly by sequencing. However, the high requirements for equipment and operators as well as its high cost have limited its application in underdeveloped regions. To achieve an economical and rapid method of variant identification suitable for undeveloped areas, we applied an amplification-refractory mutation system (ARMS) based on PCR for the detection of novel coronavirus variants. The results showed that this method could be finished in 90 min and detect as few as 500 copies/mL and not react with SARS-Coronavirus, influenza A H1N1(2009), and other cross-pathogens or be influenced by fresh human blood, α- interferon, and other interfering substances. In a set of double-blind trials, tests of 262 samples obtained from patients confirmed with Delta variant infection revealed that our method was able to accurately identify the Delta variant with high sensitivity and specificity. In conclusion, the ARMS-PCR method applied in Delta variant identification is rapid, sensitive, specific, economical, and suitable for undeveloped areas. In our future study, ARMS-PCR will be further applied in the identification of other variants, such as Omicron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhang
- The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Runjie Qiao
- The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiaojiao Niu
- The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xia Xiong
- The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nan Wang
- The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruixian Zhang
- The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sha Luo
- The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuwan Guo
- Research and Development Department, Jiangsu Bioperfectus Technologies Company Limited, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- Research and Development Department, Jiangsu Bioperfectus Technologies Company Limited, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Peng
- Research and Development Department, Jiangsu Bioperfectus Technologies Company Limited, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shaoduo Zhang
- Research and Development Department, Jiangsu Bioperfectus Technologies Company Limited, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guolei Tan
- The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Keyu Song
- The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mei Sun
- The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lulu Xu
- The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Research and Development Department, Jiangsu Bioperfectus Technologies Company Limited, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuping Wu
- The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Howerton E, Contamin L, Mullany LC, Qin M, Reich NG, Bents S, Borchering RK, Jung SM, Loo SL, Smith CP, Levander J, Kerr J, Espino J, van Panhuis WG, Hochheiser H, Galanti M, Yamana T, Pei S, Shaman J, Rainwater-Lovett K, Kinsey M, Tallaksen K, Wilson S, Shin L, Lemaitre JC, Kaminsky J, Hulse JD, Lee EC, McKee C, Hill A, Karlen D, Chinazzi M, Davis JT, Mu K, Xiong X, Piontti APY, Vespignani A, Rosenstrom ET, Ivy JS, Mayorga ME, Swann JL, España G, Cavany S, Moore S, Perkins A, Hladish T, Pillai A, Toh KB, Longini I, Chen S, Paul R, Janies D, Thill JC, Bouchnita A, Bi K, Lachmann M, Fox S, Meyers LA, Srivastava A, Porebski P, Venkatramanan S, Adiga A, Lewis B, Klahn B, Outten J, Hurt B, Chen J, Mortveit H, Wilson A, Marathe M, Hoops S, Bhattacharya P, Machi D, Cadwell BL, Healy JM, Slayton RB, Johansson MA, Biggerstaff M, Truelove S, Runge MC, Shea K, Viboud C, Lessler J. Informing pandemic response in the face of uncertainty. An evaluation of the U.S. COVID-19 Scenario Modeling Hub. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.06.28.23291998. [PMID: 37461674 PMCID: PMC10350156 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.28.23291998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Our ability to forecast epidemics more than a few weeks into the future is constrained by the complexity of disease systems, our limited ability to measure the current state of an epidemic, and uncertainties in how human action will affect transmission. Realistic longer-term projections (spanning more than a few weeks) may, however, be possible under defined scenarios that specify the future state of critical epidemic drivers, with the additional benefit that such scenarios can be used to anticipate the comparative effect of control measures. Since December 2020, the U.S. COVID-19 Scenario Modeling Hub (SMH) has convened multiple modeling teams to make 6-month ahead projections of the number of SARS-CoV-2 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. The SMH released nearly 1.8 million national and state-level projections between February 2021 and November 2022. SMH performance varied widely as a function of both scenario validity and model calibration. Scenario assumptions were periodically invalidated by the arrival of unanticipated SARS-CoV-2 variants, but SMH still provided projections on average 22 weeks before changes in assumptions (such as virus transmissibility) invalidated scenarios and their corresponding projections. During these periods, before emergence of a novel variant, a linear opinion pool ensemble of contributed models was consistently more reliable than any single model, and projection interval coverage was near target levels for the most plausible scenarios (e.g., 79% coverage for 95% projection interval). SMH projections were used operationally to guide planning and policy at different stages of the pandemic, illustrating the value of the hub approach for long-term scenario projections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Samantha Bents
- National Institutes of Health Fogarty International Center (NIH)
| | | | | | - Sara L Loo
- Johns Hopkins University Infectious Disease Dynamics (JHU-IDD)
| | - Claire P Smith
- Johns Hopkins University Infectious Disease Dynamics (JHU-IDD)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shi Chen
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC)
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36
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Ison MG, Weinstein DF, Dobryanska M, Holmes A, Phelan AM, Li Y, Gupta D, Narayan K, Tosh K, Hershberger E, Connolly LE, Yalcin I, Campanaro E, Hawn P, Schmidt P. Prevention of COVID-19 Following a Single Intramuscular Administration of Adintrevimab: Results From a Phase 2/3 Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial (EVADE). Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad314. [PMID: 37496612 PMCID: PMC10368201 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in vulnerable populations is a global health priority. EVADE was a phase 2/3 multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of adintrevimab, an extended-half-life monoclonal antibody, for postexposure (PEP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) of symptomatic COVID-19. Methods Eligible participants (vaccine-naive, aged ≥12 years) were randomized 1:1 to receive a single 300-mg intramuscular injection of adintrevimab or placebo. Primary efficacy end points were reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 through day 28 in the PEP cohort (RT-PCR-negative at baseline) and through month 3 in the PrEP cohort (RT-PCR-negative and seronegative at baseline) among participants randomized before emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Omicron variant (November 30, 2021). Safety was assessed through 6 months. Results Between April 27, 2021, and January 11, 2022, 2582 participants were randomized. In the primary efficacy analysis, RT-PCR-confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 occurred in 3/175 (1.7%) vs 12/176 (6.8%) adintrevimab- and placebo-treated PEP participants, respectively (74.9% relative risk reduction [RRR]; standardized risk difference, -5.0%; 95% CI, -8.87% to -1.08%; P = .0123) and in 12/752 (1.6%) vs 40/728 (5.5%) adintrevimab- and placebo-treated PrEP participants, respectively (71.0% RRR; standardized risk difference, -3.9%; 95% CI, -5.75% to -2.01%; P < .0001). In a prespecified exploratory analysis of 428 PrEP participants randomized after the emergence of Omicron, adintrevimab reduced RT-PCR-confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 by 40.6% (standardized risk difference -8.4%; 95% CI, -15.35% to -1.46%; nominal P = .0177) vs placebo. Adintrevimab was well tolerated, with no serious drug-related adverse events reported. Conclusions A single intramuscular injection of adintrevimab provided prophylactic efficacy against COVID-19 due to susceptible variants without safety concerns. Clinical trial registration. NCT04859517.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Ison
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Marta Dobryanska
- Department of Emergency Care and ARENSIA Exploratory Medicine, Kyiv City Clinical Hospital No. 12, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | | | - Yong Li
- Invivyd, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pete Schmidt
- Correspondence: Pete Schmidt, MD, MS, Invivyd, Inc., 1601 Trapelo Road, Suite 178, Waltham, MA 02451 ()
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37
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Belvis F, Aleta A, Padilla-Pozo Á, Pericàs JM, Fernández-Gracia J, Rodríguez JP, Eguíluz VM, De Santana CN, Julià M, Benach J. Key epidemiological indicators and spatial autocorrelation patterns across five waves of COVID-19 in Catalonia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9709. [PMID: 37322048 PMCID: PMC10272129 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36169-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This research studies the evolution of COVID-19 crude incident rates, effective reproduction number R(t) and their relationship with incidence spatial autocorrelation patterns in the 19 months following the disease outbreak in Catalonia (Spain). A cross-sectional ecological panel design based on n = 371 health-care geographical units is used. Five general outbreaks are described, systematically preceded by generalized values of R(t) > 1 in the two previous weeks. No clear regularities concerning possible initial focus appear when comparing waves. As for autocorrelation, we identify a wave's baseline pattern in which global Moran's I increases rapidly in the first weeks of the outbreak to descend later. However, some waves significantly depart from the baseline. In the simulations, both baseline pattern and departures can be reproduced when measures aimed at reducing mobility and virus transmissibility are introduced. Spatial autocorrelation is inherently contingent on the outbreak phase and is also substantially modified by external interventions affecting human behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesc Belvis
- Research Group on Health Inequalities, Environment, and Employment Conditions (GREDS-EMCONET), Department of Political and Social Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08005, Barcelona, Spain.
- Johns Hopkins University-Universitat Pompeu Fabra Public Policy Center (JHU-UPF PPC), 08005, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Alberto Aleta
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Álvaro Padilla-Pozo
- Research Group on Health Inequalities, Environment, and Employment Conditions (GREDS-EMCONET), Department of Political and Social Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08005, Barcelona, Spain
- Johns Hopkins University-Universitat Pompeu Fabra Public Policy Center (JHU-UPF PPC), 08005, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Sociology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Juan-M Pericàs
- Research Group on Health Inequalities, Environment, and Employment Conditions (GREDS-EMCONET), Department of Political and Social Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08005, Barcelona, Spain
- Johns Hopkins University-Universitat Pompeu Fabra Public Policy Center (JHU-UPF PPC), 08005, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute for Research, CIBERehd, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
- Infectious Disease Department, Hospital Clínic, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Fernández-Gracia
- Instituto de Física Interdisciplinar Y Sistemas Complejos IFISC (CSIC-UIB), 07122, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Jorge P Rodríguez
- Instituto de Física Interdisciplinar Y Sistemas Complejos IFISC (CSIC-UIB), 07122, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), 07190, Esporles, Spain
| | - Víctor M Eguíluz
- Instituto de Física Interdisciplinar Y Sistemas Complejos IFISC (CSIC-UIB), 07122, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Charles Novaes De Santana
- Instituto de Física Interdisciplinar Y Sistemas Complejos IFISC (CSIC-UIB), 07122, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Mireia Julià
- Research Group on Health Inequalities, Environment, and Employment Conditions (GREDS-EMCONET), Department of Political and Social Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08005, Barcelona, Spain
- Johns Hopkins University-Universitat Pompeu Fabra Public Policy Center (JHU-UPF PPC), 08005, Barcelona, Spain
- ESIMar (Mar Nursing School), Parc de Salut Mar, Universitat Pompeu Fabra-Affiliated, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- SDHEd (Social Determinants and Health Education Research Group), IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), 08005, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Benach
- Research Group on Health Inequalities, Environment, and Employment Conditions (GREDS-EMCONET), Department of Political and Social Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08005, Barcelona, Spain
- Johns Hopkins University-Universitat Pompeu Fabra Public Policy Center (JHU-UPF PPC), 08005, Barcelona, Spain
- Ecological Humanities Research Group (GHECO), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
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Orf GS, Pérez LJ, Ciuoderis K, Cardona A, Villegas S, Hernández-Ortiz JP, Baele G, Mohaimani A, Osorio JE, Berg MG, Cloherty GA. The Principles of SARS-CoV-2 Intervariant Competition Are Exemplified in the Pre-Omicron Era of the Colombian Epidemic. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0534622. [PMID: 37191534 PMCID: PMC10269686 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05346-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The first 18 months of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in Colombia were characterized by three epidemic waves. During the third wave, from March through August 2021, intervariant competition resulted in Mu replacing Alpha and Gamma. We employed Bayesian phylodynamic inference and epidemiological modeling to characterize the variants in the country during this period of competition. Phylogeographic analysis indicated that Mu did not emerge in Colombia but acquired increased fitness there through local transmission and diversification, contributing to its export to North America and Europe. Despite not having the highest transmissibility, Mu's genetic composition and ability to evade preexisting immunity facilitated its domination of the Colombian epidemic landscape. Our results support previous modeling studies demonstrating that both intrinsic factors (transmissibility and genetic diversity) and extrinsic factors (time of introduction and acquired immunity) influence the outcome of intervariant competition. This analysis will help set practical expectations about the inevitable emergences of new variants and their trajectories. IMPORTANCE Before the appearance of the Omicron variant in late 2021, numerous SARS-CoV-2 variants emerged, were established, and declined, often with different outcomes in different geographic areas. In this study, we considered the trajectory of the Mu variant, which only successfully dominated the epidemic landscape of a single country: Colombia. We demonstrate that Mu competed successfully there due to its early and opportune introduction time in late 2020, combined with its ability to evade immunity granted by prior infection or the first generation of vaccines. Mu likely did not effectively spread outside of Colombia because other immune-evading variants, such as Delta, had arrived in those locales and established themselves first. On the other hand, Mu's early spread within Colombia may have prevented the successful establishment of Delta there. Our analysis highlights the geographic heterogeneity of early SARS-CoV-2 variant spread and helps to reframe the expectations for the competition behaviors of future variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory S. Orf
- Infectious Disease Research, Abbott Diagnostics Division, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
| | - Lester J. Pérez
- Infectious Disease Research, Abbott Diagnostics Division, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
| | - Karl Ciuoderis
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
- UW-GHI One Health Colombia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede en Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Andrés Cardona
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
- UW-GHI One Health Colombia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede en Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Simón Villegas
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
- UW-GHI One Health Colombia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede en Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan P. Hernández-Ortiz
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
- UW-GHI One Health Colombia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede en Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Guy Baele
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Clinical and Evolutionary Virology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Aurash Mohaimani
- Infectious Disease Research, Abbott Diagnostics Division, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
| | - Jorge E. Osorio
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
- UW-GHI One Health Colombia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede en Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
- UW-GHI One Health Colombia, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Michael G. Berg
- Infectious Disease Research, Abbott Diagnostics Division, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
| | - Gavin A. Cloherty
- Infectious Disease Research, Abbott Diagnostics Division, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
- Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), Abbott Park, Illinois, USA
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Justo Arevalo S, Uribe Calampa CS, Jimenez Silva C, Quiñones Aguilar M, Bouckaert R, Rebello Pinho JR. Phylodynamic of SARS-CoV-2 during the second wave of COVID-19 in Peru. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3557. [PMID: 37322028 PMCID: PMC10272135 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39216-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
At over 0.6% of the population, Peru has one of the highest SARS-CoV-2 mortality rate in the world. Much effort to sequence genomes has been done in this country since mid-2020. However, an adequate analysis of the dynamics of the variants of concern and interest (VOCIs) is missing. We investigated the dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru with a focus on the second wave, which had the greatest case fatality rate. The second wave in Peru was dominated by Lambda and Gamma. Analysis of the origin of Lambda shows that it most likely emerged in Peru before the second wave (June-November, 2020). After its emergence it reached Argentina and Chile from Peru where it was locally transmitted. During the second wave in Peru, we identify the coexistence of two Lambda and three Gamma sublineages. Lambda sublineages emerged in the center of Peru whereas the Gamma sublineages more likely originated in the north-east and mid-east. Importantly, it is observed that the center of Peru played a prominent role in transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to other regions within Peru.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Justo Arevalo
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Ricardo Palma, Lima, Peru.
- Laboratório Clínico do Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brasil.
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil.
| | | | | | | | - Remco Bouckaert
- School of Computer Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joao Renato Rebello Pinho
- Laboratório Clínico do Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brasil
- LIM03/07, Department of Gastroenterology and Pathology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
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40
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Turner S, Alisoltani A, Bratt D, Cohen-Lavi L, Dearlove BL, Drosten C, Fischer WM, Fouchier RAM, Gonzalez-Reiche AS, Jaroszewski L, Khalil Z, LeGresley E, Johnson M, Jones TC, Mühlemann B, O'Connor D, Sedova M, Shukla M, Theiler J, Wallace ZS, Yoon H, Zhang Y, van Bakel H, Degrace MM, Ghedin E, Godzik A, Hertz T, Korber B, Lemieux J, Niewiadomska AM, Post DJ, Rolland M, Scheuermann R, Smith DJ. US National Institutes of Health Prioritization of SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:e221646. [PMID: 37054986 PMCID: PMC10124642 DOI: 10.3201/eid2905.221646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Since late 2020, SARS-CoV-2 variants have regularly emerged with competitive and phenotypic differences from previously circulating strains, sometimes with the potential to escape from immunity produced by prior exposure and infection. The Early Detection group is one of the constituent groups of the US National Institutes of Health National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases SARS-CoV-2 Assessment of Viral Evolution program. The group uses bioinformatic methods to monitor the emergence, spread, and potential phenotypic properties of emerging and circulating strains to identify the most relevant variants for experimental groups within the program to phenotypically characterize. Since April 2021, the group has prioritized variants monthly. Prioritization successes include rapidly identifying most major variants of SARS-CoV-2 and providing experimental groups within the National Institutes of Health program easy access to regularly updated information on the recent evolution and epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 that can be used to guide phenotypic investigations.
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41
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Arantes I, Bello G, Nascimento V, Souza V, da Silva A, Silva D, Nascimento F, Mejía M, Brandão MJ, Gonçalves L, Silva G, da Costa CF, Abdalla L, Santos JH, Ramos TCA, Piantham C, Ito K, Siqueira MM, Resende PC, Wallau GL, Delatorre E, Gräf T, Naveca FG. Comparative epidemic expansion of SARS-CoV-2 variants Delta and Omicron in the Brazilian State of Amazonas. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2048. [PMID: 37041143 PMCID: PMC10089528 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37541-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) Delta and Omicron spread globally during mid and late 2021, respectively. In this study, we compare the dissemination dynamics of these VOCs in the Amazonas state, one of Brazil's most heavily affected regions. We sequenced the virus genome from 4128 patients collected in Amazonas between July 1st, 2021, and January 31st, 2022, and investigated the viral dynamics using a phylodynamic approach. The VOCs Delta and Omicron BA.1 displayed similar patterns of phylogeographic spread but different epidemic dynamics. The replacement of Gamma by Delta was gradual and occurred without an upsurge of COVID-19 cases, while the rise of Omicron BA.1 was extremely fast and fueled a sharp increase in cases. Thus, the dissemination dynamics and population-level impact of new SARS-CoV-2 variants introduced in the Amazonian population after mid-2021, a setting with high levels of acquired immunity, greatly vary according to their viral phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ighor Arantes
- Laboratório de AIDS e Imunologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gonzalo Bello
- Laboratório de AIDS e Imunologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Valdinete Nascimento
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fiocruz, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Victor Souza
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fiocruz, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Arlesson da Silva
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fiocruz, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Dejanane Silva
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fiocruz, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Nascimento
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fiocruz, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Matilde Mejía
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fiocruz, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Maria Júlia Brandão
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fiocruz, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Luciana Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fiocruz, Manaus, Brazil
- Fundação de Vigilância em Saúde do Amazonas - Dra Rosemary Costa Pinto, Manaus, Brazil
| | - George Silva
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fiocruz, Manaus, Brazil
- Fundação Centro de Controle de Oncologia do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Fernandes da Costa
- Fundação de Vigilância em Saúde do Amazonas - Dra Rosemary Costa Pinto, Manaus, Brazil
- Conselho de Secretários Municipais de Saúde do Amazonas COSEMS - AM, Manaus, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Chayada Piantham
- Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kimihito Ito
- International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Marilda Mendonça Siqueira
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paola Cristina Resende
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Luz Wallau
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Brazil
- Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Edson Delatorre
- Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Ciências Exatas, Naturais e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alegre, Brazil
| | - Tiago Gräf
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fiocruz, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Felipe Gomes Naveca
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fiocruz, Manaus, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Arbovírus e Vírus Hemorrágicos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Petrone ME, Lucas C, Menasche B, Breban MI, Yildirim I, Campbell M, Omer SB, Holmes EC, Ko AI, Grubaugh ND, Iwasaki A, Wilen CB, Vogels CBF, Fauver JR. Nonsystematic Reporting Biases of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant Mu Could Impact Our Understanding of the Epidemiological Dynamics of Emerging Variants. Genome Biol Evol 2023; 15:evad052. [PMID: 36974986 PMCID: PMC10113931 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evad052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing a timely and effective response to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) is of paramount public health importance. Global health surveillance does not rely on genomic data alone to identify concerning variants when they emerge. Instead, methods that utilize genomic data to estimate the epidemiological dynamics of emerging lineages have the potential to serve as an early warning system. However, these methods assume that genomic data are uniformly reported across circulating lineages. In this study, we analyze differences in reporting delays among SARS-CoV-2 VOCs as a plausible explanation for the timing of the global response to the former VOC Mu. Mu likely emerged in South America in mid-2020, where its circulation was largely confined. In this study, we demonstrate that Mu was designated as a VOC ∼1 year after it emerged and find that the reporting of genomic data for Mu differed significantly than that of other VOCs within countries, states, and individual laboratories. Our findings suggest that nonsystematic biases in the reporting of genomic data may have delayed the global response to Mu. Until they are resolved, the surveillance gaps that affected the global response to Mu could impede the rapid and accurate assessment of future emerging variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Petrone
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carolina Lucas
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine
| | - Bridget Menasche
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine
| | - Mallery I Breban
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health
| | - Inci Yildirim
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health
- Department of Pediatric, Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Yale University School of Medicine
- Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University
| | - Melissa Campbell
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine
| | - Saad B Omer
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health
- Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine
| | - Edward C Holmes
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Albert I Ko
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine
| | - Nathan D Grubaugh
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University
| | - Akiko Iwasaki
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
| | - Craig B Wilen
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine
| | - Chantal B F Vogels
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health
| | - Joseph R Fauver
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health
- College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center
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43
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Gu H, Quadeer AA, Krishnan P, Ng DYM, Chang LDJ, Liu GYZ, Cheng SMS, Lam TTY, Peiris M, McKay MR, Poon LLM. Within-host genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1793. [PMID: 37002233 PMCID: PMC10063955 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37468-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral and host factors can shape SARS-CoV-2 evolution. However, little is known about lineage-specific and vaccination-specific mutations that occur within individuals. Here, we analysed deep sequencing data from 2,820 SARS-CoV-2 respiratory samples with different viral lineages to describe the patterns of within-host diversity under different conditions, including vaccine-breakthrough infections. In unvaccinated individuals, variant of Concern (VOC) Alpha, Delta, and Omicron respiratory samples were found to have higher within-host diversity and were under neutral to purifying selection at the full genome level compared to non-VOC SARS-CoV-2. Breakthrough infections in 2-dose or 3-dose Comirnaty and CoronaVac vaccinated individuals did not increase levels of non-synonymous mutations and did not change the direction of selection pressure. Vaccine-induced antibody or T cell responses did not appear to have significant impact on within-host SARS-CoV-2 sequence diversification. Our findings suggest that vaccination does not increase exploration of SARS-CoV-2 protein sequence space and may not facilitate emergence of viral variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haogao Gu
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ahmed Abdul Quadeer
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pavithra Krishnan
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Daisy Y M Ng
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lydia D J Chang
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Gigi Y Z Liu
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Samuel M S Cheng
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tommy T Y Lam
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Immunology & Infection, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Malik Peiris
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Immunology & Infection, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Matthew R McKay
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Leo L M Poon
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Centre for Immunology & Infection, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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44
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Lai J, Coleman KK, Tai SHS, German J, Hong F, Albert B, Esparza Y, Srikakulapu AK, Schanz M, Maldonado IS, Oertel M, Fadul N, Gold TL, Weston S, Mullins K, McPhaul KM, Frieman M, Milton DK. Exhaled Breath Aerosol Shedding of Highly Transmissible Versus Prior Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Variants. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 76:786-794. [PMID: 36285523 PMCID: PMC9620356 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aerosol inhalation is recognized as the dominant mode of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission. Three highly transmissible lineages evolved during the pandemic. One hypothesis to explain increased transmissibility is that natural selection favors variants with higher rates of viral aerosol shedding. However, the extent of aerosol shedding of successive SARS-CoV-2 variants is unknown. We aimed to measure the infectivity and rate of SARS-CoV-2 shedding into exhaled breath aerosol (EBA) by individuals during the Delta and Omicron waves and compared those rates with those of prior SARS-CoV-2 variants from our previously published work. METHODS Individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (n = 93; 32 vaccinated and 20 boosted) were recruited to give samples, including 30-minute breath samples into a Gesundheit-II EBA sampler. Samples were quantified for viral RNA using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and cultured for virus. RESULTS Alpha (n = 4), Delta (n = 3), and Omicron (n = 29) cases shed significantly more viral RNA copies into EBAs than cases infected with ancestral strains and variants not associated with increased transmissibility (n = 57). All Delta and Omicron cases were fully vaccinated and most Omicron cases were boosted. We cultured virus from the EBA of 1 boosted and 3 fully vaccinated cases. CONCLUSIONS Alpha, Delta, and Omicron independently evolved high viral aerosol shedding phenotypes, demonstrating convergent evolution. Vaccinated and boosted cases can shed infectious SARS-CoV-2 via EBA. These findings support a dominant role of infectious aerosols in transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Monitoring aerosol shedding from new variants and emerging pathogens can be an important component of future threat assessments and guide interventions to prevent transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyu Lai
- Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Kristen K Coleman
- Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - S H Sheldon Tai
- Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer German
- Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Filbert Hong
- Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Barbara Albert
- Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Yi Esparza
- Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Aditya K Srikakulapu
- Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Maria Schanz
- Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Isabel Sierra Maldonado
- Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Molly Oertel
- Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Naja Fadul
- Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - T Louie Gold
- Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Stuart Weston
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kristin Mullins
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kathleen M McPhaul
- Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew Frieman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Donald K Milton
- Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
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45
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Carabelli AM, Peacock TP, Thorne LG, Harvey WT, Hughes J, Peacock SJ, Barclay WS, de Silva TI, Towers GJ, Robertson DL. SARS-CoV-2 variant biology: immune escape, transmission and fitness. Nat Rev Microbiol 2023; 21:162-177. [PMID: 36653446 PMCID: PMC9847462 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-022-00841-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 180.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In late 2020, after circulating for almost a year in the human population, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) exhibited a major step change in its adaptation to humans. These highly mutated forms of SARS-CoV-2 had enhanced rates of transmission relative to previous variants and were termed 'variants of concern' (VOCs). Designated Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron, the VOCs emerged independently from one another, and in turn each rapidly became dominant, regionally or globally, outcompeting previous variants. The success of each VOC relative to the previously dominant variant was enabled by altered intrinsic functional properties of the virus and, to various degrees, changes to virus antigenicity conferring the ability to evade a primed immune response. The increased virus fitness associated with VOCs is the result of a complex interplay of virus biology in the context of changing human immunity due to both vaccination and prior infection. In this Review, we summarize the literature on the relative transmissibility and antigenicity of SARS-CoV-2 variants, the role of mutations at the furin spike cleavage site and of non-spike proteins, the potential importance of recombination to virus success, and SARS-CoV-2 evolution in the context of T cells, innate immunity and population immunity. SARS-CoV-2 shows a complicated relationship among virus antigenicity, transmission and virulence, which has unpredictable implications for the future trajectory and disease burden of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas P Peacock
- Department of Infectious Disease, St Mary's Medical School, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lucy G Thorne
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - William T Harvey
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Joseph Hughes
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sharon J Peacock
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Wendy S Barclay
- Department of Infectious Disease, St Mary's Medical School, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Thushan I de Silva
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Greg J Towers
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - David L Robertson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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46
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Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 viral load and detection of infectious virus in the respiratory tract are the two key parameters for estimating infectiousness. As shedding of infectious virus is required for onward transmission, understanding shedding characteristics is relevant for public health interventions. Viral shedding is influenced by biological characteristics of the virus, host factors and pre-existing immunity (previous infection or vaccination) of the infected individual. Although the process of human-to-human transmission is multifactorial, viral load substantially contributed to human-to-human transmission, with higher viral load posing a greater risk for onward transmission. Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern have further complicated the picture of virus shedding. As underlying immunity in the population through previous infection, vaccination or a combination of both has rapidly increased on a global scale after almost 3 years of the pandemic, viral shedding patterns have become more distinct from those of ancestral SARS-CoV-2. Understanding the factors and mechanisms that influence infectious virus shedding and the period during which individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 are contagious is crucial to guide public health measures and limit transmission. Furthermore, diagnostic tools to demonstrate the presence of infectious virus from routine diagnostic specimens are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olha Puhach
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Meyer
- Centre for Vaccinology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Isabella Eckerle
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Geneva Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
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47
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W. Lambisia A, H. Mudhune G, M. Morobe J, Said Mohammed K, O. Makori T, Ndwiga L, W. Mburu M, O. Moraa E, Musyoki J, Murunga N, N. Waliaula I, K. Mumelo A, Bejon P, Isabella Ochola-Oyier L, Githinji G, Nokes J, Agoti C. Temporal distribution and clinical characteristics of the Alpha, Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in Laikipia, Kenya: institutional and community-based genomic surveillance. Wellcome Open Res 2023. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18306.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Understanding the molecular epidemiology and clinical presentation of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOC) in rural-urban populations in Kenya is important for informing future public health responses and clinical care. Methods: We undertook a retrospective analysis of the clinical presentation and phylogenetic relatedness of specimens from 97 SARS-CoV-2 cases collected between 24th April and 31st December 2021 in Laikipia county, Kenya. VOC were related to observed symptoms. Phylogenetic analyses included contemporaneous sequences from across Kenya and the globe, to contextualise local transmission dynamics. Results: These sequences fell into three VOC; Alpha (n=8), Delta (n=52) and Omicron (n=37). We estimated 75 independent SARS-CoV-2 introductions into the county. The Alpha and Delta VOC were commonly detected in persons aged 31 to 45 years, 50.0% and 30.8%, respectively. The Omicron VOC was mostly detected in 16 to 30-year-olds (51.4%). Whereas relative to the other VOCs, Omicron was associated with mild upper-respiratory tract symptoms (cough, OR 3.78; 95% CI 1.1 – 16.74, p= 0.026) and sore throat, OR 22.42; 95% CI 7.11 – 81.40, p<0.001), Delta was associated with moderate to severe lower-respiratory tract symptoms (shortness of breath, OR 26.8; 95% CI 3.89 – 1158.14, p<0.001) and fever (OR 6.11; 95% CI 1.57 – 35.35, p= 0.004). Post-acute phase neurological complications were suspected in four Delta infected cases (neuralgia, neuritis, peripheral neuropathy, numbness of hand and tinnitus). Conclusion: We highlight the distinctive clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, as observed in Laikipia, Kenya, to support evidence-based clinical decisions. Multiple introductions of the VOCs were recorded despite the public health measures that were in place questioning their effectiveness during the study period.
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48
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Shkurnikov M, Nersisyan S, Averinskaya D, Chekova M, Polyakov F, Titov A, Doroshenko D, Vechorko V, Tonevitsky A. HLA-A*01:01 allele diminishing in COVID-19 patients population associated with non-structural epitope abundance in CD8+ T-cell repertoire. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14707. [PMID: 36691482 PMCID: PMC9864130 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In mid-2021, the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant caused the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in several countries worldwide. The pivotal studies were aimed at studying changes in the efficiency of neutralizing antibodies to the spike protein. However, much less attention was paid to the T-cell response and the presentation of virus peptides by MHC-I molecules. In this study, we compared the features of the HLA-I genotype in symptomatic patients with COVID-19 in the first and third waves of the pandemic. As a result, we could identify the diminishing of carriers of the HLA-A*01:01 allele in the third wave and demonstrate the unique properties of this allele. Thus, HLA-A*01:01-binding immunoprevalent epitopes are mostly derived from ORF1ab. A set of epitopes from ORF1ab was tested, and their high immunogenicity was confirmed. Moreover, analysis of the results of single-cell phenotyping of T-cells in recovered patients showed that the predominant phenotype in HLA-A*01:01 carriers is central memory T-cells. The predominance of T-lymphocytes of this phenotype may contribute to forming long-term T-cell immunity in carriers of this allele. Our results can be the basis for highly effective vaccines based on ORF1ab peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Shkurnikov
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, HSE University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Stepan Nersisyan
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, HSE University, Moscow, Russia,Institute of Molecular Biology, The National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia,Armenian Bioinformatics Institute (ABI), Yerevan, Armenia,Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Darya Averinskaya
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, HSE University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Milena Chekova
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, HSE University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Fedor Polyakov
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, HSE University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksei Titov
- National Research Center for Hematology, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Alexander Tonevitsky
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, HSE University, Moscow, Russia,Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Gomes da Silva P, Gonçalves J, Torres Franco A, Rodriguez E, Diaz I, Orduña Domingo A, Garcinuño Pérez S, March Roselló GA, Dueñas Gutiérrez CJ, São José Nascimento M, Sousa SI, Garcia Encina P, Mesquita JR. Environmental Dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 in a University Hospital during the COVID-19 5th Wave Delta Variant Peak in Castile-León, Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1574. [PMID: 36674328 PMCID: PMC9866319 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The dominant SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant (B.1.617.2) became the main circulating variant among countries by mid 2021. Attention was raised to the increased risk of airborne transmission, leading to nosocomial outbreaks even among vaccinated individuals. Considering the increased number of COVID-19 hospital admissions fueled by the spread of the variant, with Spain showing the highest COVID-19 rates in mainland Europe by July 2021, the aim of this study was to assess SARS-CoV-2 environmental contamination in different areas of a University Hospital in the region of Castile-León, Spain, during the peak of the 5th wave of COVID-19 in the country (July 2021). Air samples were collected from sixteen different areas of the Hospital using a Coriolis® μ air sampler. Surface samples were collected in these same areas using sterile flocked plastic swabs. RNA extraction followed by a one-step RT-qPCR were performed for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Of the 21 air samples, only one was positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, from the emergency waiting room. Of the 40 surface samples, 2 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, both from the microbiology laboratory. These results may be relevant for risk assessment of nosocomial infection within healthcare facilities, thus helping prevent and minimize healthcare staff's exposure to SARS-CoV-2, reinforcing the importance of always wearing appropriate and well-fit masks at all times and proper PPE when in contact with infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Gomes da Silva
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIunit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
| | - José Gonçalves
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina S/N., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Andrés Torres Franco
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina S/N., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Elisa Rodriguez
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina S/N., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Israel Diaz
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina S/N., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Antonio Orduña Domingo
- Microbiology Service, Valladolid University Clinical Hospital (HCUV), Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | | | | | - Carlos Jesús Dueñas Gutiérrez
- Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases Section, Valladolid University Clinical Hospital (HCUV), 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Sofia I.V. Sousa
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Garcia Encina
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina S/N., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - João R. Mesquita
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIunit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
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Dequeker S, Callies M, Catteau L, Int Panis L, Islamaj E, Klamer S, Latour K, Pauwels M, Vernemmen C, Mahieu R, Masson H, Savsin M, De Clercq E, Thomas M, Catry B, Vandael E. COVID-19 Clusters in Belgian Nursing Homes: Impact of Facility Characteristics and Vaccination on Cluster Occurrence, Duration and Severity. Viruses 2023; 15:232. [PMID: 36680272 PMCID: PMC9867491 DOI: 10.3390/v15010232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 severely affected nursing home residents from March 2020 onwards in Belgium. This study aimed to model the impact of vaccination and facility characteristics on cluster occurrence, duration and severity in this setting. Possible clusters were identified between June 2020 and January 2022, based on the Belgian COVID-19 surveillance in nursing homes. Median attack rates (AR) among residents and staff, case hospitalization rates (CHR) and case fatality rates (CFR) were calculated. A negative binomial model was used to identify the association between nursing home characteristics and the number of cases, hospital admissions and deaths and the duration of the cluster. A total of 2239 clusters were detected in more than 80% of nursing homes. Most of these (62%) occurred before the start of COVID-19 vaccination (end of December 2020). After vaccination, the number of clusters, the AR among residents and staff, the CHR and the CFR dropped. Previous cluster(s) and vaccination decreased the number of cases, hospital admissions and deaths among residents. Previous cluster experience and having started vaccination were protective factors. We recommend continued implementation of targeted interventions such as vaccination, large-scale screening and immediate implementation of additional infection prevention and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Dequeker
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Milena Callies
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lucy Catteau
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laura Int Panis
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Esma Islamaj
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sofieke Klamer
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katrien Latour
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marijke Pauwels
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catharina Vernemmen
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Romain Mahieu
- Department of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Common Community Commission, Brussels-Capital Region, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hanna Masson
- Agency for Care and Health, Infection Prevention and Control, Government of Flanders, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Muhammet Savsin
- Direction de la Recherche, de la Statistique et de la Veille des Politiques, AVIQ, 6061 Charleroi, Belgium
| | - Etienne De Clercq
- Iriscare, Brussels Public Agency for Health and Social Care, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mireille Thomas
- Cellule des Maladies Infectieuses, Département Santé et Personnes Âgées, Ministère de la Communauté Germanophone, 4700 Eupen, Belgium
| | - Boudewijn Catry
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Faculty of Medecine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eline Vandael
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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