SARS-CoV-2 Breakthrough Infections in Health Care Workers: An Italian Retrospective Cohort Study on Characteristics, Clinical Course and Outcomes

Dietary habits, traveling and the living situation potentially influence the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection: results from healthcare workers participating in the RisCoin Study

PURPOSE

To explore occupational and non-occupational risk and protective factors for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in healthcare workers (HCWs).

METHODS

Serum specimens and questionnaire data were obtained between October 7 and December 16, 2021 from COVID-19-vaccinated HCWs at a quaternary care hospital in Munich, Germany, and were analyzed in the RisCoin Study.

RESULTS

Of 3,696 participants evaluated, 6.6% have had COVID-19 at least once. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified working in patient care occupations (7.3% had COVID-19, 95% CI 6.4-8.3, Pr = 0.0002), especially as nurses, to be a potential occupation-related COVID-19 risk factor. Non-occupational factors significantly associated with high rates of the disease were contacts to COVID-19 cases in the community (12.8% had COVID-19, 95% CI 10.3-15.8, Pr < 0.0001), being obese (9.9% had COVID-19, 95% CI 7.1-13.5, Pr = 0.0014), and frequent traveling abroad (9.4% had COVID-19, 95% CI 7.1-12.3, Pr = 0.0088). On the contrary, receiving the basic COVID-19 immunization early during the pandemic (5.9% had COVID-19, 95% CI 5.1-6.8, Pr < 0.0001), regular smoking (3.6% had COVID-19, 95% CI 2.1-6.0, Pr = 0.0088), living with the elderly (3.0% had COVID-19, 95% CI 1.0-8.0, Pr = 0.0475), and frequent consumption of ready-to-eat meals (2.6% had COVID-19, 95% CI 1.1-5.4, Pr = 0.0045) were non-occupational factors potentially protecting study participants against COVID-19.

CONCLUSION

The newly discovered associations between the living situation, traveling as well as dietary habits and altered COVID-19 risk can potentially help refine containment measures and, furthermore, contribute to new mechanistic insights that may aid the protection of risk groups and vulnerable individuals.

Frequency of SARS-CoV-2 Infections among Healthcare Workers in Germany: 3-Year Follow-Up Study

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in 2019 led to a global pandemic with a significant impact on healthcare systems. Healthcare workers were particularly vulnerable due to frequent contact with COVID-19 patients. Despite vaccination, they remained at higher risk as the vaccines provided limited protection against infection with viral variants, like Delta or Omicron BA.1 and BA.5. Three years after the onset of the pandemic, we evaluated SARS-CoV-2 infection frequencies among healthcare workers with varying levels of patient contact: high-risk (frequent COVID-19 patient contact), intermediate-risk (non-COVID-19 patient contact), and low-risk (no patient contact). We assessed their cellular and humoral immune responses based on their vaccination status and number of prior infections. SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies were measured by immunoglobulin ELISA, and neutralizing antibody titers were determined against the viral variants D614G, Delta, and Omicron BA.1 and BA.5. Cellular immune responses were analyzed using an interferon-γ ELISpot. Notably, three years into the pandemic, healthcare workers in daily contact with COVID-19 patients did not have higher infection rates compared to healthcare workers with non-COVID-19 patient contact or no patient contact. Immune responses were similar across all groups, highlighting the effectiveness of vaccination and current hygiene standards in preventing virus transmission from patients to staff.

Workplace Safety and Screening of Healthcare Workers for SARS-CoV-2 at a Tertiary Care Hospital in the Northern Emirates of United Arab Emirates

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, People's Republic of China, and caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), As the virus took hold in the world, health experts paced efforts to solve the unknown nature of this threat.

Methodology

We studied the clinical characteristics, laboratory biomarkers of healthcare workers in the single center, analytical cross-sectional study conducted in tertiary care hospital of the UAE. Sample size of 600 HCWs were screened for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay using Seegene Allplex and Andis FAST SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR detection kits for a period of 6 months.

Findings

All the health care workers (HCWs) were vaccinated for the SARS-CoV-2. Out of these, 240 HCWs were reported to be positive. rRT-PCR with a Ct value of <38 was taken as positive >38. The laboratory investigations of the positive cases were collected and analysed further. A comparison of the laboratory tests was made between (I) COVID severe (Ct < 25) and nonsevere (Ct > 25) groups and (II) frontline workers and non-frontline workers. Besides finding short-term and sudden relief, investigators directed their efforts to provide a long-term solution for an ensuing pandemic that influenced all areas of life in unprecedented ways.

Conclusion

Awareness among healthcare workers and further long-term studies focusing on their mental health the overall wellness and especially the psychological burden on doctors have received heightened awareness in media and research publications. This information can assist in developing surveillance and infection and control policies and preparedness for future COVID epidemics in similar scenarios in the future.

COVID-19 on Oral Health: A New Bilateral Connection for the Pandemic

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and transmission are generally known to be produced by respiratory droplets and aerosols from the oral cavity (O.C.) of infected subjects, as stated by the World Health Organization. Saliva also retains the viral particles and aids in the spread of COVID-19. Angiotensin-converting enzyme Type 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) are two of the numerous factors that promote SARS-CoV-2 infection, expressed by O.C. structures, various mucosa types, and the epithelia of salivary glands. A systemic SARS-CoV-2 infection might result from viral replication in O.C. cells. On the other hand, cellular damage of different subtypes in the O.C. might be associated with various clinical signs and symptoms. Factors interfering with SARS-CoV-2 infection potential might represent fertile ground for possible local pharmacotherapeutic interventions, which may confine SARS-CoV-2 virus entry and transmission in the O.C., finally representing a way to reduce COVID-19 incidence and severity.

SARS-CoV-2 Infections, Re-Infections and Clinical Characteristics: A Two-Year Retrospective Study in a Large University Hospital Cohort of Vaccinated Healthcare Workers

At the University Hospital of Bari, during the first year after the start of the mandatory vaccination campaign with BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, the preliminary results of an observational study showed a significant prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections (BIs) among healthcare workers (HCWs), but no hospitalization or deaths. In the present study, we extended the observation period (January 2021-January 2023) with the aim of determining the incidence, characteristics and clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 BIs among 6213 HCWs. All HCWs were regularly monitored and screened. To allow return to work after BI, the protocol required one negative nasopharyngeal swab test followed by a medical examination certifying complete clinical recovery. We observed an overall incidence rate of SARS-CoV-2 BIs of 20.2%. Females were most affected, especially in the nurse group compared with doctors and other HCWs (p < 0.0001). Cardiovascular diseases were the most frequent comorbidity (n = 140; 11.4%). The source of infection was non-occupational in 52.4% of cases. Most cases (96.9%) showed minor symptoms and only two cases of hospitalization (one in intensive care unit), 13 cases of re-infection and no deaths were recorded. Our results confirm that SARS-CoV-2 infection can break vaccination protection but the clinical course is favorable.

Infection Control among Healthcare Workers and Management of a Scabies Outbreak in a Large Italian University Hospital

This retrospective observational study describes the results of an ad-hoc designated prevention protocol aimed at containing the spread of the scabies infestation among healthcare workers (HCWs) of a large University Hospital in Italy. The outbreak started on October 2022 and a preventive protocol was set up thanks to a multidisciplinary approach. HCWs at high scabies risk were defined as subjects working in Operative Units with a scabies prevalence higher than 2%, close contacts of a confirmed case of scabies, or HCWs with signs and symptoms of the disease. All cases at high scabies risk underwent a dermatological examination, and the infested HCWs were suspended from work until definitive healing. Mass drug administration was established for all HCWs working in Operative Units with a scabies prevalence higher than 2%. Until March 2023, out of 183 screening dermatological examinations, 21 (11.5%) were diagnostic for scabies. Between 11 October 2022 (date of the first diagnosed scabies case) and 6 March 2023 (the end of incubation period related to the last case detected), the frequency of scabies was 0.35% (21 scabies cases/6000 HCWs). The duration of the outbreak in our hospital was 14.7 weeks. Statistical analysis shows a significant association between scabies and being a nurse and having an allergy to dust mites. We obtained a low frequency of scabies infection, limiting the duration of the outbreak and the related economic burden.

Severity and Outcome of Post-Vaccine COVID-19 among Healthcare Workers in a University Hospital in India

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of COVID-19 infection despite vaccination. Limited data exist on COVID-19 cases among vaccinated HCWs. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of RT PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases in vaccinated HCWs, at a COVID clinic in a medical college hospital. This single-center, prospective cohort study included HCWs who received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and tested positive for COVID-19 within 6 months. Data on demographics, symptoms, work category, COVID-19 vaccination interval, and infection severity were collected. Of 2381 vaccinated HCWs, 105 tested positive and were categorized as mild, moderate, or severe cases. Among vaccinated HCWs, 4.41% had post-vaccine COVID-19 infections. All 105 cases received the first dose, and 79 received the second dose. Of the cases, 47.6% were partially vaccinated, and 53.3% were breakthrough cases. The mean age was 30.90±8.69 years, with 63.8% male and 36.2% female cases. Most cases (85.7%) acquired infection in the hospital, and 47.6% had direct contact with COVID-19 patients. Common symptoms included fatigue (85.7%), fever (82.9%), and cough (64.8%). Among cases, 93.3% were mild, 5.7% were moderate, and 0.9% were severe. Hospital admission and supplemental oxygen therapy were required for moderate and severe cases. No mortality was reported. Certain variables were associated with age, preventive measures, workplace type, symptoms, and comorbidities. Breakthrough infections can occur among fully vaccinated HCWs but with reduced severity and mortality. Monitoring and infection control measures remain crucial even in vaccinated individuals. This study provides insights into clinical presentations, oxygen therapy requirements, and outcomes of post-vaccine COVID-19 cases among HCWs. The data will inform strategies for booster doses to prevent COVID-19.

Damage from Carbonated Soft Drinks on Enamel: A Systematic Review

The present study was conducted to analyze the erosive potential of the ever-increasing consumption of carbonated drinks on the dental surface. To identify relevant studies, a comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science covering the last 5 years (2018–2023) using the following Boolean keywords: “soft drinks AND tooth”. Finally, a total of 19 studies were included. The initial search provided a total of 407 items. Nineteen records were finally involved in the inclusion phase, seven of which were in vivo and twelve in vitro. An abuse of carbonated acid substances leads to an increase in the possibility of dental erosion with consequent structural disintegration and reduction of the physical and mechanical properties of the enamel. There is thus greater bacterial adhesion on rougher surfaces, determined by the erosive process, and therefore a greater risk of caries. The pH of most commercialized carbonated drinks is lower than the critical pH for the demineralization of the enamel. Carbonated drinks’ pH and duration of exposure have different deleterious effects on enamel.