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A Cross-Sectional Study of Exposure Factors Associated with Seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies during the Second Epidemic Wave among a Sample of the University of Corsica (France). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19041953. [PMID: 35206161 PMCID: PMC8872171 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19041953] [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: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection within the staff and student populations of the University of Corsica (France) during the second wave of the epidemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 23 November 2020 to 31 January 2021. The participants underwent blood sampling using a fingerstick procedure and completed an anonymized questionnaire. Sera were tested for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG (ELISA-S) and, if positive, with an in-house virus neutralization test (VNT). Results: A total of 418 persons were included in the study. The overall seroprevalence was 12.8% (95% confidence interval (CI), 9.8–16.6%). A total of 15 (31%) of the 49 individuals who had a positive ELISA-S also had a positive VNT. Seropositivity was associated with living at the city campus during the week and on weekends (OR = 3.74 [1.40–12.00]), using public transportation/carpooling (OR = 2.00 [1.01–4.02]), and being in contact with a person who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (OR = 2.32 [1.20–4.40]). The main symptoms associated with seropositivity were “having had an acute respiratory infection” (OR = 3.05 [1.43–6.43]) and “experiencing loss of smell” (OR = 16.4 [5.87–50.7]). Conclusion: These results could be useful for SARS-CoV-2 prevention and control on university campuses.
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Muro A, Belhassen-García M, Muñoz Bellido JL, Lorenzo Juanes H, Vicente B, Pendones J, Adserias J, Sánchez Hernández G, Rodríguez Rosa M, Vicente Villardón JL, Burguillo J, López Andaluz J, Martín Oterino JA, García Criado FJ, Barbero F, Morales AI, Galindo Villardón P, González Sarmiento R. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies and Factors Associated with Seropositivity at the University of Salamanca: The DIANCUSAL Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3214. [PMID: 34361998 PMCID: PMC8348112 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10153214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systematic screening for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is a crucial tool for surveillance of the COVID-19 pandemic. The University of Salamanca (USAL) in Spain designed a project called "DIANCUSAL" (Diagnosis of New Coronavirus, COVID-19, in University of Salamanca) to measure antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among its ~34,000 students and academic staff, as the influence of the university community in the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the city of Salamanca and neighboring towns hosting USAL campuses could be substantial. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among USAL students, professors and staff and to evaluate the demographic, academic, clinical and lifestyle and behavioral factors related to seropositivity. METHODOLOGY The DIANCUSAL study is an ongoing university population-based cross-sectional study, with the work described herein conducted from July-October 2020. All USAL students, professors and staff were invited to complete an anonymized questionnaire. Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was detected and quantified by using chemiluminescent assays for IgG and IgM. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A total of 8197 (24.71%) participants were included. The mean age was 31.4 (14.5 SD) years, and 66.0% of the participants were female. The seroprevalence was 8.25% overall and was highest for students from the education campus (12.5%) and professors from the biomedical campus (12.6%), with significant differences among faculties (p = 0.006). Based on the questionnaire, loss of smell and fever were the symptoms most strongly associated with seropositivity, and 22.6% of seropositive participants were asymptomatic. Social distancing was the most effective hygiene measure (p = 0.0007). There were significant differences in seroprevalence between participants with and without household exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (p = 0.0000), but not between students who lived in private homes and those who lived in dormitories. IgG antibodies decreased over time in the participants with confirmed self-reported COVID-19 diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS The analysis revealed an overall 8.25% seroprevalence at the end of October 2020, with a higher seroprevalence in students than in staff. Thus, there is no need for tailored measures for the USAL community as the official average seroprevalence in the area was similar (7.8% at 22 June and 12.4 at 15 November of 2020). Instead, USAL members should comply with public health measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Muro
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Moncef Belhassen-García
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Juan Luís Muñoz Bellido
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, University Hospital of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.M.B.); (H.L.J.); (J.P.); (J.A.M.O.); (F.J.G.C.); (A.I.M.); (R.G.S.)
- Microbiology & Parasitology Service, University Hospital of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Helena Lorenzo Juanes
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, University Hospital of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.M.B.); (H.L.J.); (J.P.); (J.A.M.O.); (F.J.G.C.); (A.I.M.); (R.G.S.)
- Microbiology & Parasitology Service, University Hospital of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Belén Vicente
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Josué Pendones
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, University Hospital of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.M.B.); (H.L.J.); (J.P.); (J.A.M.O.); (F.J.G.C.); (A.I.M.); (R.G.S.)
- Microbiology & Parasitology Service, University Hospital of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - José Adserias
- IT Department, University of Salamanca Foundation (FGUSAL), University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain;
| | | | - Miguel Rodríguez Rosa
- Department of Statistics, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (M.R.R.); (J.L.V.V.); (P.G.V.)
| | | | - Javier Burguillo
- Department of Chemistry-Physics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Javier López Andaluz
- Department of Nursing and Phisiotherapy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.A.); (F.B.)
| | - Jose Angel Martín Oterino
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, University Hospital of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.M.B.); (H.L.J.); (J.P.); (J.A.M.O.); (F.J.G.C.); (A.I.M.); (R.G.S.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier García Criado
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, University Hospital of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.M.B.); (H.L.J.); (J.P.); (J.A.M.O.); (F.J.G.C.); (A.I.M.); (R.G.S.)
| | - Fausto Barbero
- Department of Nursing and Phisiotherapy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.A.); (F.B.)
| | - Ana Isabel Morales
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, University Hospital of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.M.B.); (H.L.J.); (J.P.); (J.A.M.O.); (F.J.G.C.); (A.I.M.); (R.G.S.)
- Toxicology Unit, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Rogelio González Sarmiento
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, University Hospital of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.M.B.); (H.L.J.); (J.P.); (J.A.M.O.); (F.J.G.C.); (A.I.M.); (R.G.S.)
- Molecular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
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Napolitano F, Di Giuseppe G, Montemurro MV, Molinari AM, Donnarumma G, Arnese A, Pavia M, Angelillo IF. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Adults and Healthcare Workers in Southern Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4761. [PMID: 33947008 PMCID: PMC8125185 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was carried out to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a Southern Italian population. METHODS The study was performed among students and workers of the University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" and the relative Teaching Hospital. Participants were invited to undergo a blood sampling, an interview or to complete a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 140 participants (5.8%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Positive SARS-CoV-2 test results increased significantly during the months of testing, and those who had had at least one symptom among fever, cough, dyspnea, loss of taste or smell and who had had contact with a family member/cohabitant with confirmed COVID-19 were more likely to test positive. Faculty members were less likely to have a positive test result compared to the healthcare workers (HCWs). Among HCWs, physicians showed the lowest rate of seroconversion (5.2%) compared to nurses (8.9%) and other categories (10%). Nurses and other HCWs compared to the physicians, those who had had at least one symptom among fever, cough, dyspnea, loss of taste or smell, and who had had contact with a family member/cohabitant with confirmed COVID-19 were more likely to test positive. CONCLUSIONS The results have demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 infection is rapidly spreading even in Southern Italy and confirm the substantial role of seroprevalence studies for the assessment of SARS-CoV-2 infection circulation and potential for further spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Napolitano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. Armanni, 5 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (G.D.G.); (G.D.); (A.A.); (M.P.)
| | - Gabriella Di Giuseppe
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. Armanni, 5 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (G.D.G.); (G.D.); (A.A.); (M.P.)
| | - Maria Vittoria Montemurro
- Health Direction, Teaching Hospital of the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 104 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Anna Maria Molinari
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio, 7 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Donnarumma
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. Armanni, 5 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (G.D.G.); (G.D.); (A.A.); (M.P.)
| | - Antonio Arnese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. Armanni, 5 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (G.D.G.); (G.D.); (A.A.); (M.P.)
| | - Maria Pavia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. Armanni, 5 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (G.D.G.); (G.D.); (A.A.); (M.P.)
| | - Italo Francesco Angelillo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. Armanni, 5 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (G.D.G.); (G.D.); (A.A.); (M.P.)
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