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Madinga J, Mbala-Kingebeni P, Nkuba-Ndaye A, Baketana-Kinzonzi L, Matungulu-Biyala E, Mutombo-Lupola P, Seghers CA, Smekens T, Ariën KK, Van Damme W, Kalk A, Peeters M, Ahuka-Mundeke S, Muyembe-Tamfum JJ, Vanlerberghe V. COVID-19 seroprevalence cohort survey among health care workers and their household members in Kinshasa, DR Congo, 2020-2022. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2024; 43:74. [PMID: 38824595 PMCID: PMC11144309 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-024-00536-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Serological surveys offer the most direct measurement to define the immunity status for numerous infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, and can provide valuable insights into understanding transmission patterns. This study describes seroprevalence changes over time in the context of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where COVID-19 case presentation was apparently largely oligo- or asymptomatic, and vaccination coverage remained extremely low. METHODS A cohort of 635 health care workers (HCW) from 5 health zones of Kinshasa and 670 of their household members was interviewed and sampled in 6 rounds between July 2020 and January 2022. At each round, information on risk exposure and a blood sample were collected. Serology was defined as positive when binding antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid proteins were simultaneously present. RESULTS The SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence was high at baseline, 17.3% (95% CI 14.4-20.6) and 7.8% (95% CI 5.5-10.8) for HCW and household members, respectively, and fluctuated over time, between 9% and 62.1%. Seropositivity was heterogeneously distributed over the health zones (p < 0.001), ranging from 12.5% (95% CI 6.6-20.8) in N'djili to 33.7% (95% CI 24.6-43.8) in Bandalungwa at baseline for HCW. Seropositivity was associated with increasing rounds adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 1.75 (95% CI 1.66-1.85), with increasing age aOR 1.11 (95% CI 1.02-1.20), being a female aOR 1.35 (95% CI 1.10-1.66) and being a HCW aOR 2.38 (95% CI 1.80-3.14). There was no evidence that HCW brought the COVID-19 infection back home, with an aOR of 0.64 (95% CI 0.46-0.91) of seropositivity risk among household members in subsequent surveys. There was seroreversion and seroconversion over time, and HCW had a lower risk of seroreverting than household members (aOR 0.60 (95% CI 0.42-0.86)). CONCLUSION SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels were high and dynamic over time in this African setting with low clinical case rates. The absence of association with health profession or general risk behaviors and with HCW positivity in subsequent rounds in HH members, shows the importance of the time-dependent, and not work-related, force of infection. Cohort seroprevalence estimates in a 'new disease' epidemic seem insufficient to guide policy makers for defining control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joule Madinga
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kikwit, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Placide Mbala-Kingebeni
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale & Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Antoine Nkuba-Ndaye
- Virology Unit, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Leonel Baketana-Kinzonzi
- Virology Unit, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Elysé Matungulu-Biyala
- Virology Unit, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Patrick Mutombo-Lupola
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | | | - Tom Smekens
- Public Health Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kevin K Ariën
- Virology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Van Damme
- Public Health Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Andreas Kalk
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Bonn, Germany
| | - Martine Peeters
- Unit Trans VIHMI, University of Montpellier, IRD/INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Steve Ahuka-Mundeke
- Virology Unit, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale & Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum
- Virology Unit, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale & Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Veerle Vanlerberghe
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Unit, Public Health Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Van der Heyden J, Leclercq V, Duysburgh E, Cornelissen L, Desombere I, Roukaerts I, Gisle L. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and associated factors in the adult population of Belgium: a general population cohort study between March 2021 and April 2022. Arch Public Health 2024; 82:72. [PMID: 38750563 PMCID: PMC11094959 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-024-01298-1] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study assessed seroprevalence trends of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the Belgian adult population between March 2021 and April 2022, and explored factors associated with seropositivity and seroreversion among the vaccinated and unvaccinated population. METHODS A prospective longitudinal surveillance study was conducted within a random sample of the general population (18 + years) in Belgium, selected from the national register through a multistage sampling design. Participants provided a saliva sample and completed a survey questionnaire on three occasions: at baseline and in two follow-up waves. Outcome variables included (1) seropositivity, defined as the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, assessed with a semi-quantitative measure of anti-RBD (Receptor Binding Domain) IgG ELISA and (2) seroreversion, defined as passing from a positive to a negative antibody test between two measurements. Trends in SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence were assessed using binary logistic regression with contrasts applying post-stratification. Potential determinants of seropositivity were assessed through multilevel logistic regressions. RESULTS In total 6,178 valid observations were obtained from 2,768 individuals. SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence increased from 25.1% in the beginning of the study period to 92.3% at the end. Among the vaccinated population, factors significantly associated with higher seropositivity rates were being younger, having a bachelor diploma, living with others, having had a vaccine in the last 3 months and having received a nucleic-acid vaccine or a combination. Lower seropositivity rates were observed among vaccinated people with a neurological disease and transplant patients. Factors significantly associated with higher seropositivity rates among the unvaccinated population were having non-O blood type and being non-smoker. Among vaccinated people, the seroreversion rate was much lower (0.3%) in those who had received their latest vaccine in the last 3 months compared to those who had received their latest vaccine more than 3 months ago (2.7%) (OR 0.13; 95%CI 0.04-0.42). CONCLUSIONS The rapid increase in antibody seropositivity in the general adult population in Belgium during the study period was driven by the vaccination campaign which ran at full speed during this period. Among vaccinated people, seropositivity varied in function of the time since last vaccine, the type of vaccine, sociodemographic features and health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Van der Heyden
- Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, Sciensano, Brussels, 1050, Belgium.
| | - Victoria Leclercq
- Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, Sciensano, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
| | - Els Duysburgh
- Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, Sciensano, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
| | - Laura Cornelissen
- Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, Sciensano, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
| | | | | | - Lydia Gisle
- Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, Sciensano, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
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Gehring S, Kowalzik F, Okasha O, Engelmann T, Schreiner D, Jensen C, Mähringer-Kunz A, Hartig-Merkel W, Mai Phuong Tran T, Oostvogels C, Verstraeten T. A prospective cohort study of SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced seroconversion and disease incidence in German healthcare workers before and during the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0294025. [PMID: 38289913 PMCID: PMC10826949 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294025] [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: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
We assessed the seroepidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) before and during the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, in a prospective observational cohort study on healthcare workers (HCWs) in a large tertiary hospital in Mainz, Germany. Antibody status was assessed during six visits between September 2020 and February 2022. Self-reported symptoms were collected using a smartphone application; symptomatic HCWs were tested using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays for SARS-CoV-2. Rates of virologically confirmed and severe COVID-19 were estimated using the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) case definitions, respectively, and were contrasted to background community transmission and circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. A total of 3665 HCWs were enrolled (mean follow-up time: 18 months); 97 met the FDA definition of virologically confirmed COVID-19 (incidence rate (IR) 2.3/1000 person-months (PMs), one severe case). Most cases reported ≥2 symptoms, commonly, cough and anosmia or ageusia. Overall, 263 individuals seroconverted (IR 6.6/1000 PMs-2.9 times the estimated IR of COVID-19), indicating many cases were missed, either due to asymptomatic infections or to an atypical presentation of symptoms. A triphasic trend in anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and seroconversion was observed, with an initial increase following the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, a two-fold decline six months later, and finally a six-fold increase by the end of the study when Omicron was the dominant circulating variant. Despite the increase in infection rates at the end of the study due to the circulation of the Omicron variant, the infection and disease rates observed were lower than the published estimates in HCWs and rates in the general local population. Preferential vaccination of HCWs and the strict monitoring program for SARS-CoV-2 infection are the most likely reasons for the successful control of COVID-19 in this high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Gehring
- Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Frank Kowalzik
- Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Omar Okasha
- P95 Pharmacovigilance and Epidemiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tobias Engelmann
- Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniel Schreiner
- Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Jensen
- Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Hoste L, Prytula A, Dehoorne J, De Bruyne R, Van Biervliet S, De Waele K, Maes E, Bordon V, Vanlander A, Claes K, Vande Walle J, Schelstraete P, Van daele S, Haerynck F. Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion in children with chronic diseases with healthy children and adults during the first waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1210181. [PMID: 37609364 PMCID: PMC10440688 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1210181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is clinically diverse, and children have a low risk of developing severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, children with chronic diseases have a potentially increased risk. Methods We performed a prospective surveillance study with longitudinal serum SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid antibody quantification and questionnaires in pediatric tertiary care patients during the first waves of the COVID-19 pandemic (November 2020-September 2021). The results were compared with those of healthy children and adults from the same geographic area. Results We obtained 525 samples from 362 patients (M/F ratio of 1.3:1; median age of 11.1 years) comprising children with immune-suppressive or immune-modulating drugs (32.9%), inborn errors of immunity (23.5%), type 1 diabetes mellitus (15.2%), and rheumatic diseases (11.9%). A total of 51 (9.7%) samples were seropositive among 37/351 children (10.5%). Seropositivity increased from 5.8% in November-December 2020 to 21.6% in July-September 2021. Compared with adults, a longitudinal analysis revealed reduced seroprevalence but similar kinetics as in children from the same country. Demographic or social variables and disease characteristics did not correlate with seropositivity. Being obese and household contact with COVID-19-infected individuals significantly increased the odds of infection. The majority of seropositive patients had mild symptoms (21/37). One-third were asymptomatic and/or unaware of having COVID-19 (10/37). Four patients (4/37) needed hospitalization, with good clinical outcomes. Conclusions Although harboring a chronic disease, we observed a low SARS-CoV-2 incidence in a cohort of pediatric tertiary care patients, comparable with healthy children during the first year of the pandemic. Infection was mostly associated with mild symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levi Hoste
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Primary Immunodeficiency Research Lab, Centre for Primary Immunodeficiency Ghent, Jeffrey Modell Diagnosis and Research Centre, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Agnieszka Prytula
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jo Dehoorne
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ruth De Bruyne
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stephanie Van Biervliet
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kathleen De Waele
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Evelyn Maes
- Down Syndrome Clinic, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Victoria Bordon
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Vanlander
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karlien Claes
- Primary Immunodeficiency Research Lab, Centre for Primary Immunodeficiency Ghent, Jeffrey Modell Diagnosis and Research Centre, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Johan Vande Walle
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Petra Schelstraete
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sabine Van daele
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Filomeen Haerynck
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Primary Immunodeficiency Research Lab, Centre for Primary Immunodeficiency Ghent, Jeffrey Modell Diagnosis and Research Centre, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Domen J, Verbakel JYJ, Adriaenssens N, Scholtes B, Peeters B, Bruyndonckx R, De Sutter A, Heytens S, Van den Bruel A, Desombere I, Van Damme P, Goossens H, Buret L, Duysburgh E, Coenen S. Validation of a rapid SARS-CoV-2 antibody test in general practice. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069997. [PMID: 37130685 PMCID: PMC10163333 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To validate a rapid serological test (RST) for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies used in seroprevalence studies in healthcare providers, including primary healthcare providers (PHCPs) in Belgium. DESIGN A phase III validation study of the RST (OrientGene) within a prospective cohort study. SETTING Primary care in Belgium. PARTICIPANTS Any general practitioner (GP) working in primary care in Belgium and any other PHCP from the same GP practice who physically manages patients were eligible in the seroprevalence study. For the validation study, all participants who tested positive (376) on the RST at the first testing timepoint (T1) and a random sample of those who tested negative (790) and unclear (24) were included. INTERVENTION At T2, 4 weeks later, PHCPs performed the RST with fingerprick blood (index test) immediately after providing a serum sample to be analysed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G antibodies using a two-out-of-three assay (reference test). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The RST accuracy was estimated using inverse probability weighting to correct for missing reference test data, and considering unclear RST results as negative for the sensitivity and positive for the specificity. Using these conservative estimates, the true seroprevalence was estimated both for T2 and RST-based prevalence values found in a cohort study with PHCPs in Belgium. RESULTS 1073 paired tests (403 positive on the reference test) were included. A sensitivity of 73% (a specificity of 92%) was found considering unclear RST results as negative (positive). For an RST-based prevalence at T1 (13.9), T2 (24.9) and T7 (70.21), the true prevalence was estimated to be 9.1%, 25.9% and 95.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION The RST sensitivity (73%) and specificity (92%) make an RST-based seroprevalence below (above) 23% overestimate (underestimate) the true seroprevalence. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04779424.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Domen
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Centre for General Practice, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Jan Yvan Jos Verbakel
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, EPI-Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Niels Adriaenssens
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Centre for General Practice, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Beatrice Scholtes
- General Practice Department-Primary Care and Health Research Unit, Liege University, Liege, Belgium
| | - Bart Peeters
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Robin Bruyndonckx
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Centre for General Practice, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics (I-BioStat), Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Epidemiology & Pharmavigilance, P95, Leuven, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Ghent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Heytens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Ghent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van den Bruel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, EPI-Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Desombere
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Van Damme
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerpen (Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Herman Goossens
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Laetitia Buret
- General Practice Department-Primary Care and Health Research Unit, Liege University, Liege, Belgium
| | - Els Duysburgh
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Centre for General Practice, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
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van Laak A, Verhees R, Knottnerus JA, Hooiveld M, Winkens B, Dinant GJ. Impact of influenza vaccination on GP-diagnosed COVID-19 and all-cause mortality: a Dutch cohort study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061727. [PMID: 36137620 PMCID: PMC9511012 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES As clinical presentation and complications of both viruses overlap, it was hypothesised that influenza vaccination was associated with lower general practitioner (GP)-diagnosed COVID-19 rates and lower all-cause mortality rates. STUDY DESIGN From a primary care population-based cohort in the Netherlands, GP-diagnosed COVID-19 (between 10 March and 22 November 2020) and all-cause mortality events (between 30 December 2019 and 22 November 2020) were recorded. 223 580 persons were included, representing the influenza vaccination 2019 target group (all aged ≥60 years, and those <60 years with a medical indication). Proportional hazards regression analyses evaluated associations between influenza vaccination in 2019 and two outcomes: GP-diagnosed COVID-19 and all-cause mortality. Covariables were sex, age, comorbidities and number of acute respiratory infection primary care consultations in 2019. RESULTS A slightly positive association (HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.22) was found between influenza vaccination in 2019 and GP-diagnosed COVID-19, after adjusting for covariables. A slightly protective effect for all-cause mortality rates (HR 0.90; 95% CI 0.83 to 0.97) was found for influenza vaccination, after adjusting for covariables. A subgroup analysis among GP-diagnosed COVID-19 cases showed no significant association between influenza vaccination in 2019 and all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS Our hypothesis of a possibly negative association between influenza vaccination in 2019 and GP-diagnosed COVID-19 was not confirmed as we found a slightly positive association. A slightly protective effect on all-cause mortality was found after influenza vaccination, possibly by a wider, overall protective effect on health. Future research designs should include test-confirmed COVID-19 cases and controls, adjustments for behavioural, socioeconomic and ethnic factors and validated cause-specific mortality cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjan van Laak
- Department of General Practice, CAPHRI, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud Verhees
- Department of General Practice, CAPHRI, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J André Knottnerus
- Department of General Practice, CAPHRI, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mariëtte Hooiveld
- General Practice Care, Otterstraat 118, Nivel, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bjorn Winkens
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, CAPHRI, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Geert-Jan Dinant
- Department of General Practice, CAPHRI, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Adriaenssens N, Scholtes B, Bruyndonckx R, Van Ngoc P, Verbakel JYJ, De Sutter A, Heytens S, Van Den Bruel A, Desombere I, Van Damme P, Goossens H, Buret L, Duysburgh E, Coenen S. Prevalence, incidence and longevity of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among primary healthcare providers in Belgium: a prospective cohort study with 12 months of follow-up. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e065897. [PMID: 36123069 PMCID: PMC9485641 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence, incidence and longevity of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among primary healthcare providers (PHCPs). DESIGN Prospective cohort study with 12 months of follow-up. SETTING Primary care in Belgium. PARTICIPANTS Any general practitioner (GP) working in primary care in Belgium and any other PHCP from the same GP practice who physically manages (examines, tests, treats) patients were eligible. A convenience sample of 3648 eligible PHCPs from 2001 GP practices registered for this study (3044 and 604 to start in December 2020 and January 2021, respectively). 3390 PHCPs (92,9%) participated in their first testing time point (2820 and 565, respectively) and 2557 PHCPs (70,1%) in the last testing time point (December 2021). INTERVENTIONS Participants were asked to perform a rapid serological test targeting IgM and IgG against the receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 and to complete an online questionnaire at each of maximum eight testing time points. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The prevalence, incidence and longevity of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 both after natural infection and after vaccination. RESULTS Among all participants, 67% were women and 77% GPs. Median age was 43 years. The seroprevalence in December 2020 (before vaccination availability) was 15.1% (95% CI 13.5% to 16.6%), increased to 84.2% (95% CI 82.9% to 85.5%) in March 2021 (after vaccination availability) and reached 93.9% (95% CI 92.9% to 94.9%) in December 2021 (during booster vaccination availability and fourth (delta variant dominant) COVID-19 wave). Among not (yet) vaccinated participants the first monthly incidence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was estimated to be 2.91% (95% CI 1.80% to 4.01%). The longevity of antibodies is higher in PHCPs with self-reported COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms that occupational health measures provided sufficient protection when managing patients. High uptake of vaccination resulted in high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in PHCPs in Belgium. Longevity of antibodies was supported by booster vaccination and virus circulation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04779424.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Adriaenssens
- Family Medicine & Population Health, Centre for General Practice, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium
| | - Beatrice Scholtes
- General Practice Department, Primary Care and Health Research Unit, Liege University, Liege, Belgium
| | - Robin Bruyndonckx
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics (I-BIOSTAT), Hasselt University, Hasselt, Limburg, Belgium
- Epidemiology & Pharmacovigilance, P95, Leuven, Belgium
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium
| | - Pauline Van Ngoc
- General Practice Department, Primary Care and Health Research Unit, Liege University, Liege, Belgium
| | - Jan Yvan Jos Verbakel
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Heytens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Den Bruel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Desombere
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Van Damme
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium
| | - Herman Goossens
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium
| | - Laetitia Buret
- General Practice Department, Primary Care and Health Research Unit, Liege University, Liege, Belgium
| | - Els Duysburgh
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Family Medicine & Population Health, Centre for General Practice, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium
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8
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Schabus M, Eigl ES, Widauer SS. The coronavirus pandemic: Psychosocial burden, risk-perception, and attitudes in the Austrian population and its relation to media consumption. Front Public Health 2022; 10:921196. [PMID: 36033772 PMCID: PMC9399513 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.921196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim was to assess the psychosocial burden, risk-perception and attitudes regarding the coronavirus pandemic among the Austrian population after the second infection wave in Austria. Methods A self-designed questionnaire was available online from 17th January to 19th February 2021. Knowledge, attitudes, fears, and psychosocial burdens were collected in a comprehensive convenience sample of 3,848 adults from the Austrian general population. Results 67.2% reported their greatest fear was that a close relative could be infected; the fear of dying from COVID-19 oneself, however, was mentioned least frequently (15.2%). Isolation from family and friends (78%), homeschooling for parents (68.4%), and economic consequences (67.7%) were perceived as most stressful factors during the pandemic. Personal risk for COVID-19-associated (ICU) hospitalization was overestimated 3- to 97-fold depending on age group. Depending on the media mainly consumed, the sample could be divided into two subsamples whose estimates were remarkably opposite to each other, with regular public media users overestimating hospitalization risk substantially more. Conclusion The results show a high degree of psychosocial burden in the Austrian population and emphasize the need for more objective risk communication in order to counteract individually perceived risk and consequently anxiety. Altogether data call for a stronger focus and immediate action for supporting mental well-being and general health in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
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9
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Prevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies and Potential Determinants among the Belgian Adult Population: Baseline Results of a Prospective Cohort Study. Viruses 2022; 14:v14050920. [PMID: 35632663 PMCID: PMC9147735 DOI: 10.3390/v14050920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and potential determinants were assessed in a random sample representative of the Belgian adult population. In total, 14,201 individuals (≥18 years) were invited by mail to provide saliva via an Oracol® swab. Survey weights were applied, and potential determinants were estimated using multivariable logistic regressions. Between March and August 2021, 2767 individuals participated in the first data collection. During this period, which coincided with the onset of the vaccination campaign, the seroprevalence in the population increased from 25.2% in March/April to 78.1% in July. Among the vaccinated there was an increase from 74,2% to 98.8%; among the unvaccinated, the seroprevalence remained stable (around 17%). Among the vaccinated, factors significantly associated with the presence of antibodies were: having at least one chronic disease (ORa 0.22 (95% CI 0.08–0.62)), having received an mRNA-type vaccine (ORa 5.38 (95% CI 1.72–16.80)), and having received an influenza vaccine in 2020–2021 (ORa 3.79 (95% CI 1.30–11.07)). Among the unvaccinated, having a non-O blood type (ORa 2.00 (95% CI 1.09–3.67)) and having one or more positive COVID-19 tests (ORa 11.04 (95% CI 4.69–26.02)) were significantly associated. This study provides a better understanding of vaccine- and/or natural-induced presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and factors that are associated with this presence.
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10
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Souan L, Sughayer MA, Abualhour MM, Siag M, Al-Badr S, Al-Atrash T. Comparison of the Immunogenicity and Protective Efficacy of Various SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines among Healthcare Workers: Are Our White Coat Armies Protected? Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10050642. [PMID: 35632398 PMCID: PMC9143190 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050642] [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: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The effective immunization of healthcare workers (HCWs) plays a vital role in preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. There is limited data on the immune response to vaccination among HCWs. We aim to determine seroprevalence rates and neutralizing IgG antibody response to various immunizations among HCWs. Methods: This study was conducted between July and September 2021, in which blood samples were obtained from HCWs and SARS-CoV-2 IgG neutralizing antibodies were measured. Data regarding vaccination status with Pfizer/BioNTech, Sinopharm, or AstraZeneca vaccines, occupation, and prior COVID-19 infection were analyzed. Results: COVID-19 infection post-vaccination was associated with higher mean antibody titers, regardless of vaccine type. Pfizer/BioNTech vaccination produced higher mean antibody titers for HCWs with prior COVID-19 infection (p < 0.00001) than other types of vaccines. Although 96% of HCWs were vaccinated, 3% were seronegative. For HCWs who were seropositive, there were no significant differences between the mean antibody titers when comparing occupations and blood indices. Conclusion: Awareness of the immunity status of HCWs is key to protecting this important group against SARS-CoV-2, especially those without prior COVID-19 infection. Further public health efforts regarding booster vaccination for HCWs are crucial to provide necessary antibody protection.
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11
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Janssens H, Heytens S, Meyers E, De Schepper E, De Sutter A, Devleesschauwer B, Formukong A, Keirse S, Padalko E, Geens T, Cools P. Pre-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among staff and residents of nursing homes in Flanders (Belgium) in fall 2020. Epidemiol Infect 2022; 150:1-25. [PMID: 35234113 PMCID: PMC8943225 DOI: 10.1017/s095026882200036x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG antibodies, using dried blood spots, was determined in October–November 2020, among residents and staff randomly selected from 20 nursing homes (NH) geographically distributed in Flanders, Belgium. Sociodemographic and medical data [including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms and results of RT-PCR tests] were retrieved using questionnaires. The overall seroprevalence was 17.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 14.9–19.5], with 18.9% (95% CI 15.9–22.2) of the residents and 14.9% (95% CI 11.9–18.4) of the staff having antibodies, which was higher than the seroprevalence in blood donors. The seroprevalence in the 20 NH varied between 0.0% and 45.0%. Fourteen per cent of the staff with antibodies, reported no typical COVID-19 symptoms, while in residents, 51.0% of those with antibodies had no symptoms. The generalised mixed effect model showed a positive association between COVID-19 symptoms and positive serology, but this relation was weaker in residents compared to staff. This study shows that NH are more affected by SARS-CoV-2 than the general population. The large variation between NH, suggests that some risk factors for the spread among residents and staff may be related to the NH. Further, the results suggest that infected people, without the typical COVID-19 symptoms, might play a role in outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Janssens
- Research and Analytics, Liantis, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Heytens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eline Meyers
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ellen De Schepper
- Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Brecht Devleesschauwer
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Asangwing Formukong
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Elizaveta Padalko
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Geens
- Research and Analytics, Liantis, Belgium
| | - Piet Cools
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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12
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Knežević D, Petković M, Božić L, Miljuš N, Mijović B, Aćimović J, Djaković-Dević J, Puhalo-Sladoje D, Mašić S, Spaić D, Todorović N, Pilipović-Broćeta N, Petrović V, Bokonjić D, Stojiljković MP, Škrbić R. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among primary healthcare workers in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia & Herzegovina: A cross-sectional study. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung 2022; 69:18-26. [PMID: 35156939 DOI: 10.1556/030.2022.01706] [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: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCW) in primary healthcare centres in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, are on the first combat line with COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among HCW at the primary healthcare centres and to analyse the risk exposure to COVID-19, clinical signs and vaccination status. A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCW at the selected primary healthcare centres between 19 March and 30 April 2021. Antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 1,023 HCW (mean age 45 years; 71% female) were included in the study. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 69.5% of all participants. There was a significant difference in seropositivity among primary healthcare centres from different geographical regions. As many as 432 (42%) of all participants had confirmed COVID-19 symptoms before the study and, 84.8% of them were seropositive. This study showed that 702 primary HCW were vaccinated with any of these vaccines: Sputnik V, Sinopharm, Pfizer/Biontech. High titre of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was found amongst those who received one (92.6%) or both (97.2%) doses of vaccines. In this study, we report high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody among HCW in primary healthcare in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina during the third pandemic wave.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darija Knežević
- 1 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Miroslav Petković
- 1 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ljiljana Božić
- 1 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nataša Miljuš
- 1 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Biljana Mijović
- 2 University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Primary Health Care and Public Health, Foča, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jela Aćimović
- 3 Public Health Institute of the Republic of Srpska, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jelena Djaković-Dević
- 3 Public Health Institute of the Republic of Srpska, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Dragana Puhalo-Sladoje
- 4 University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Foča, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Srdjan Mašić
- 2 University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Primary Health Care and Public Health, Foča, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Dragan Spaić
- 2 University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Primary Health Care and Public Health, Foča, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nevena Todorović
- 5 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Department for Family Medicine, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nataša Pilipović-Broćeta
- 5 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Department for Family Medicine, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Verica Petrović
- 5 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Department for Family Medicine, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Dejan Bokonjić
- 6 University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, Foča, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Miloš P Stojiljković
- 1 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ranko Škrbić
- 1 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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13
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Mariën J, Ceulemans A, Bakokimi D, Lammens C, Ieven M, Heytens S, De Sutter A, Verbakel JY, Van den Bruel A, Goossens H, Van Damme P, Ariën KK, Coenen S. Prospective SARS-CoV-2 cohort study among primary health care providers during the second COVID-19 wave in Flanders, Belgium. Fam Pract 2022; 39:92-98. [PMID: 34448859 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmab094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary health care providers (PHCPs) are assumed to be at high risk of a COVID-19 infection, as they are exposed to patients with usually less personal protective equipment (PPE) than other frontline health care workers (HCWs). Nevertheless, current research efforts focussed on the assessment of COVID-19 seroprevalence rates in the general population or hospital HCWs. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the seroprevalence in PHCPs during the second SARS-CoV-2 wave in Flanders (Belgium) and compared it to the seroprevalence in the general population. We also assessed risk factors, availability of PPE and attitudes towards the government guidelines over time. METHODS A prospective cohort of PHCPs (n = 698), mainly general practitioners, was asked to complete a questionnaire and self-sample capillary blood by finger-pricking at five distinct points in time (June-December 2020). We analysed the dried blood spots for IgG antibodies using a Luminex multiplex immunoassay. RESULTS The seroprevalence of PHCPs remained stable between June and September (4.6-5.0%), increased significantly from October to December (8.1-13.4%) and was significantly higher than the seroprevalence of the general population. The majority of PHCPs were concerned about becoming infected, had adequate PPE and showed increasing confidence in government guidelines. CONCLUSIONS The marked increase in seroprevalence during the second COVID-19 wave shows that PHCPs were more at risk during the second wave compared to the first wave in Flanders. This increase was only slightly higher in PHCPs than in the general population suggesting that the occupational health measures implemented provided sufficient protection when managing patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Mariën
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ann Ceulemans
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Diana Bakokimi
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christine Lammens
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Margareta Ieven
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stefan Heytens
- Centre for Family Medicine, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Centre for Family Medicine, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Y Verbakel
- EPI-Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Herman Goossens
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Pierre Van Damme
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kevin K Ariën
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Centre for General Practice, Department of Family Medicine & Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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14
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Coppeta L, Ferrari C, Mazza A, Trabucco Aurilio M, Rizza S. Factors Associated with Pre-Vaccination SARS-CoV-2 Infection Risk among Hospital Nurses Facing COVID-19 Outbreak. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413053. [PMID: 34948662 PMCID: PMC8701284 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to evaluate the magnitude of COVID-19 spread and the related risk factors among hospital nurses employed in a COVID hospital in Rome, before the beginning of the vaccination programmes commenced in 2021. Participants periodically underwent (every 15–30 days) nasopharyngeal swab and/or blood sample for SARS-CoV-2 IgG examination. From 1 March 2020 to 31 December 2020, we found 162 cases of COVID-19 infection (n = 143 nasopharyngeal swab and n = 19 IgG-positive) in a total of 918 hospital nurses (17.6%). Most SARS-CoV-2-infected hospital nurses were night shift workers (NSWs), smokers, with higher BMI and lower mean age than that of individuals who tested negative. After adjusting for covariates, age (OR = 0.923, 95% C.I. 0.895–0.952), night shift work (OR = 2.056, 95% C.I. 1.320–2.300), smoking status (OR = 1.603, 95% C.I. 1.080–2.378) and working in high-risk settings (OR = 1.607, 95% C.I. 1.036–2.593) were significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 hospital infection, whereas BMI was not significantly related. In conclusion, we found a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among hospital nurses at a Rome COVID hospital in the pre-vaccination period. Smoking, young age, night shift work and high-risk hospital settings are relevant risk factors for hospital SARS-CoV-2 infection; therefore, a close health surveillance should be necessary among hospital nurses exposed to SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Coppeta
- Department of Occupational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (C.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Cristiana Ferrari
- Department of Occupational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (C.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Andrea Mazza
- Department of Occupational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (C.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Marco Trabucco Aurilio
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy;
| | - Stefano Rizza
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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15
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De Geyter D, Vancutsem E, Van Laere S, Piérard D, Lacor P, Weets I, Allard SD. SARS-COV-2 seroprevalence among employees of a University Hospital in Belgium during the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak (COVEMUZ-study). Epidemiol Infect 2021; 149:1-24. [PMID: 34219629 PMCID: PMC8314061 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268821001540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Between 19 May and 12 June 2020, employees of the UZ Brussel were recruited in this study aiming to document the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence, to investigate the potential work-related risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection and to estimate the proportion of asymptomatic infections. In total, 2662 participants were included of whom 7.4% had immunoglobulin G antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Of the participants reporting a positive polymerase chain reaction for SARS-CoV-2, 89% had antibodies at the time of blood sampling. Eleven per cent of the antibody positive participants reported no recent symptoms suggestive of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Participants reporting fever, chest pain and/or anosmia/ageusia were significantly more frequently associated with the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The presence of antibodies was highest in the group that had had contact with COVID-19-infected individuals outside the hospital with or without using appropriate personnel protective equipment (PPE) (P < 0.001). Inside the hospital, a statistically significant difference was observed for the employees considered as low-risk exposure compared to the intermediate-risk exposure group (P = 0.005) as well as the high-risk exposure group compared to the intermediate exposure risk group (P < 0.001). These findings highlight the importance of using correct PPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah De Geyter
- Clinical Biology, Laboratory of Microbiology and Infection Control, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Vancutsem
- Clinical Biology, Laboratory of Microbiology and Infection Control, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sven Van Laere
- Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Denis Piérard
- Clinical Biology, Laboratory of Microbiology and Infection Control, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Patrick Lacor
- Internal Medicine and Infectiology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ilse Weets
- Clinical Biology, Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sabine D. Allard
- Internal Medicine and Infectiology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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16
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Mortgat L, Verdonck K, Hutse V, Thomas I, Barbezange C, Heyndrickx L, Fischer N, Vuylsteke B, Kabouche I, Ariën KK, Desombere I, Duysburgh E. Prevalence and incidence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers in Belgian hospitals before vaccination: a prospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e050824. [PMID: 34187832 PMCID: PMC8245288 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe prevalence and incidence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among Belgian hospital healthcare workers (HCW) in April-December 2020. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. Follow-up was originally planned until September and later extended. SETTING Multicentre study, 17 hospitals. PARTICIPANTS 50 HCW were randomly selected per hospital. HCW employed beyond the end of the study and whose profession involved contact with patients were eligible. 850 HCW entered the study in April-May 2020, 673 HCW (79%) attended the September visit and 308 (36%) the December visit. OUTCOME MEASURES A semiquantitative ELISA was used to detect IgG against SARS-CoV-2 in serum (Euroimmun) at 10 time points. In seropositive samples, neutralising antibodies were measured using a virus neutralisation test. Real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect SARS-CoV-2 on nasopharyngeal swabs. Participant characteristics and the presence of symptoms were collected via an online questionnaire. RESULTS Among all participants, 80% were women, 60% nurses and 21% physicians. Median age was 40 years. The seroprevalence remained relatively stable from April (7.7% (95% CI: 4.8% to 12.1%) to September (8.2% (95% CI: 5.7% to 11.6%)) and increased thereafter, reaching 19.7% (95% CI: 12.0% to 30.6%) in December 2020. 76 of 778 initially seronegative participants seroconverted during the follow-up (incidence: 205/1000 person-years). Among all seropositive individuals, 118/148 (80%) had a positive neutralisation test, 83/147 (56%) presented or reported a positive RT-qPCR, and 130/147 (88%) reported COVID-19-compatible symptoms at least once. However, only 46/73 (63%) of the seroconverters presented COVID-19-compatible symptoms in the month prior to seroconversion. CONCLUSIONS The seroprevalence among hospital HCW was slightly higher than that of the general Belgian population but followed a similar evolution, suggesting that infection prevention and control measures were effective and should be strictly maintained. After two SARS-CoV-2 waves, 80% of HCW remained seronegative, justifying their prioritisation in the vaccination strategy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04373889.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Mortgat
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
- European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), ECDC, Solna, Sweden
| | - Kristien Verdonck
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Veronik Hutse
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Thomas
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cyril Barbezange
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Leo Heyndrickx
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Natalie Fischer
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
- European Public Health Microbiology Training (EUPHEM), ECDC, Solna, Sweden
| | - Bea Vuylsteke
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ines Kabouche
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin K Ariën
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Desombere
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Els Duysburgh
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
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Duysburgh E, Mortgat L, Barbezange C, Dierick K, Fischer N, Heyndrickx L, Hutse V, Thomas I, Van Gucht S, Vuylsteke B, Ariën KK, Desombere I. Persistence of IgG response to SARS-CoV-2. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020; 21:163-164. [PMID: 33341124 PMCID: PMC7833610 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30943-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Els Duysburgh
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Laure Mortgat
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cyril Barbezange
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katelijne Dierick
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Natalie Fischer
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; European Public Health Microbiology Training, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Leo Heyndrickx
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Veronik Hutse
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Thomas
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steven Van Gucht
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bea Vuylsteke
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kevin K Ariën
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Desombere
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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