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Perumal N, Schönfeld V, Wichmann O. Application of the screening method for estimating COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness using routine surveillance data: Germany's experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, July 2021 to March 2023. Euro Surveill 2024; 29. [PMID: 38390650 PMCID: PMC10899814 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.29.8.2300329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The screening method represents a simple, quick, and practical tool for estimating vaccine effectiveness (VE) using routine disease surveillance and vaccine coverage data, even if these data cannot be linked. In Germany, where notification data, laboratory testing data, and vaccine coverage data cannot be linked due to strict data protection requirements, the screening method was used to assess COVID-19 VE continuously between July 2021 and March 2023. During this period, when Delta and Omicron variants circulated, VE estimates were produced in real-time for different age groups and clinical outcomes. Here we describe the country's overall positive experience using the screening method, including its strengths and limitations, and provide practical guidance regarding a few issues, such as case definition stringency, testing behaviour, and data stratification, that require careful consideration during data analysis and the interpretation of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nita Perumal
- These authors contributed equally to this work and share first authorship
- Immunization Unit, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Viktoria Schönfeld
- These authors contributed equally to this work and share first authorship
- Immunization Unit, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ole Wichmann
- Immunization Unit, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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Stern D, Meyer TC, Treindl F, Mages HW, Krüger M, Skiba M, Krüger JP, Zobel CM, Schreiner M, Grossegesse M, Rinner T, Peine C, Stoliaroff-Pépin A, Harder T, Hofmann N, Michel J, Nitsche A, Stahlberg S, Kneuer A, Sandoni A, Kubisch U, Schlaud M, Mankertz A, Schwarz T, Corman VM, Müller MA, Drosten C, de la Rosa K, Schaade L, Dorner MB, Dorner BG. A bead-based multiplex assay covering all coronaviruses pathogenic for humans for sensitive and specific surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 humoral immunity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21846. [PMID: 38071261 PMCID: PMC10710470 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48581-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Serological assays measuring antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 are key to describe the epidemiology, pathobiology or induction of immunity after infection or vaccination. Of those, multiplex assays targeting multiple antigens are especially helpful as closely related coronaviruses or other antigens can be analysed simultaneously from small sample volumes, hereby shedding light on patterns in the immune response that would otherwise remain undetected. We established a bead-based 17-plex assay detecting antibodies targeting antigens from all coronaviruses pathogenic for humans: SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, HCoV strains 229E, OC43, HKU1, and NL63. The assay was validated against five commercial serological immunoassays, a commercial surrogate virus neutralisation test, and a virus neutralisation assay, all targeting SARS-CoV-2. It was found to be highly versatile as shown by antibody detection from both serum and dried blot spots and as shown in three case studies. First, we followed seroconversion for all four endemic HCoV strains and SARS-CoV-2 in an outbreak study in day-care centres for children. Second, we were able to link a more severe clinical course to a stronger IgG response with this 17-plex-assay, which was IgG1 and IgG3 dominated. Finally, our assay was able to discriminate recent from previous SARS-CoV-2 infections by calculating the IgG/IgM ratio on the N antigen targeting antibodies. In conclusion, due to the comprehensive method comparison, thorough validation, and the proven versatility, our multiplex assay is a valuable tool for studies on coronavirus serology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Stern
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Tanja C Meyer
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fridolin Treindl
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans Werner Mages
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maren Krüger
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Skiba
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Philipp Krüger
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian M Zobel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Marica Grossegesse
- Highly Pathogenic Viruses (ZBS 1), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Rinner
- Highly Pathogenic Viruses (ZBS 1), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Caroline Peine
- Immunization Unit (FG 33), Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Stoliaroff-Pépin
- Immunization Unit (FG 33), Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Harder
- Immunization Unit (FG 33), Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Natalie Hofmann
- Highly Pathogenic Viruses (ZBS 1), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janine Michel
- Highly Pathogenic Viruses (ZBS 1), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Nitsche
- Highly Pathogenic Viruses (ZBS 1), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silke Stahlberg
- Central Epidemiological Laboratory (FG 22), Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, 12101, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antje Kneuer
- Central Epidemiological Laboratory (FG 22), Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, 12101, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Sandoni
- Central Epidemiological Laboratory (FG 22), Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, 12101, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Kubisch
- Central Epidemiological Laboratory (FG 22), Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, 12101, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Schlaud
- Central Epidemiological Laboratory (FG 22), Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, 12101, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annette Mankertz
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Viruses Affecting Immunocompromised Patients (FG 12), Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tatjana Schwarz
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Victor M Corman
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Corporate Member, Freie Universität Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Corporate Member, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcel A Müller
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Drosten
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kathrin de la Rosa
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Schaade
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin B Dorner
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Brigitte G Dorner
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
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Bartig S, Beese F, Wachtler B, Grabka MM, Mercuri E, Schmid L, Schmid-Küpke NK, Schranz M, Goßner L, Niehues W, Zinn S, Poethko-Müller C, Schaade L, Hövener C, Gößwald A, Hoebel J. Socioeconomic Differences in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Vaccination in Germany: A Seroepidemiological Study After One Year of COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1606152. [PMID: 37780135 PMCID: PMC10538434 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the socioeconomic patterns of SARS-CoV-2 antigen contacts through infection, vaccination or both ("hybrid immunity") after 1 year of vaccination campaign. Methods: Data were derived from the German seroepidemiological Corona Monitoring Nationwide study (RKI-SOEP-2; n = 10,448; November 2021-February 2022). Combining serological and self-report data, we estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) of SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 vaccination, basic immunization (at least two SARS-CoV-2 antigen contacts through vaccination and/or infection), and three antigen contacts by education and income. Results: Low-education groups had 1.35-times (95% CI 1.01-1.82) the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to high-education groups. COVID-19 vaccination (at least one dose) and basic immunization decreased with lower education and income. Low-education and low-income groups were less likely to have had at least three antigen contacts (PR low vs. high education: 0.74, 95% CI 0.65-0.84; PR low vs. high income: 0.66, 95% CI 0.57-0.77). Conclusion: The results suggest a lower level of protection against severe COVID-19 for individuals from low and medium socioeconomic groups. Pandemic response and vaccination campaigns should address the specific needs and barriers of these groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Bartig
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Beese
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin Wachtler
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus M. Grabka
- Socio-Economic Panel, German Institute for Economic Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisabetta Mercuri
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lorenz Schmid
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Madlen Schranz
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Goßner
- Institute for Employment Research (IAB), Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Wenke Niehues
- Research Centre of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF-FZ), Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Zinn
- Socio-Economic Panel, German Institute for Economic Research, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Lars Schaade
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Hövener
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antje Gößwald
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Hoebel
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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Puyskens A, Michel J, Stoliaroff-Pepin A, Bayram F, Sesver A, Wichmann O, Harder T, Schaade L, Nitsche A, Peine C. Direct comparison of clinical diagnostic sensitivity of saliva from buccal swabs versus combined oro-/nasopharyngeal swabs in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 Omicron. J Clin Virol 2023; 165:105496. [PMID: 37269606 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2023.105496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE While current guidelines recommend the use of respiratory tract specimens for the direct detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection, saliva has recently been suggested as preferred sample type for the sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron). By comparing saliva collected using buccal swabs and oro-/nasopharyngeal swabs from patients hospitalized due to COVID-19, we aimed at identifying potential differences in virus detection sensitivity between these sample types. METHODS We compare the clinical diagnostic sensitivity of paired buccal swabs and combined oro-/nasopharyngeal swabs from hospitalized, symptomatic COVID-19 patients collected at median six days after symptom onset by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antigen test. RESULTS Of the tested SARS-CoV-2 positive sample pairs, 55.8% were identified as SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 and 44.2% as Omicron BA.2. Real-time PCR from buccal swabs generated significantly higher quantification cycle (Cq) values compared to those from matched combined oro-/nasopharyngeal swabs and resulted in an increased number of false-negative PCR results. Reduced diagnostic sensitivity of buccal swabs by real-time PCR was observed already at day one after symptom onset. Similarly, antigen test detection rates were reduced in buccal swabs compared to combined oro-/nasopharyngeal swabs. CONCLUSION Our results suggest reduced clinical diagnostic sensitivity of saliva collected using buccal swabs when compared to combined oro-/nasopharyngeal swabs in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron in symptomatic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Puyskens
- Highly Pathogenic Viruses, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, WHO Reference Laboratory for SARS-CoV-2 and WHO Collaborating Centre for Emerging Infections and Biological Threats, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janine Michel
- Highly Pathogenic Viruses, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, WHO Reference Laboratory for SARS-CoV-2 and WHO Collaborating Centre for Emerging Infections and Biological Threats, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Stoliaroff-Pepin
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Immunization Unit, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fatimanur Bayram
- Highly Pathogenic Viruses, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, WHO Reference Laboratory for SARS-CoV-2 and WHO Collaborating Centre for Emerging Infections and Biological Threats, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Akin Sesver
- Highly Pathogenic Viruses, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, WHO Reference Laboratory for SARS-CoV-2 and WHO Collaborating Centre for Emerging Infections and Biological Threats, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ole Wichmann
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Immunization Unit, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Harder
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Immunization Unit, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Schaade
- Highly Pathogenic Viruses, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, WHO Reference Laboratory for SARS-CoV-2 and WHO Collaborating Centre for Emerging Infections and Biological Threats, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Nitsche
- Highly Pathogenic Viruses, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, WHO Reference Laboratory for SARS-CoV-2 and WHO Collaborating Centre for Emerging Infections and Biological Threats, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Caroline Peine
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Immunization Unit, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.
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Stoliaroff-Pepin A, Peine C, Herath T, Lachmann J, Hellenbrand W, Perriat D, Dörre A, Nitsche A, Michel J, Grossegesse M, Hofmann N, Rinner T, Kohl C, Brinkmann A, Meyer T, Stern D, Treindl F, Dorner BG, Hein S, Werel L, Hildt E, Gläser S, Schühlen H, Isner C, Peric A, Ghouzi A, Reichardt A, Janneck M, Lock G, Huster D, Grünewald T, Schaade L, Wichmann O, Harder T. Vaccine effectiveness against severe COVID-19 during the Omicron wave in Germany: results from the COViK study. Infection 2023;:1-10. [PMID: 36913112 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02012-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE COViK, a prospective hospital-based multicenter case-control study in Germany, aims to assess the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against severe disease. Here, we report vaccine effectiveness (VE) against COVID-19-caused hospitalization and intensive care treatment during the Omicron wave. METHODS We analyzed data from 276 cases with COVID-19 and 494 control patients recruited in 13 hospitals from 1 December 2021 to 5 September 2022. We calculated crude and confounder-adjusted VE estimates. RESULTS 21% of cases (57/276) were not vaccinated, compared to 5% of controls (26/494; p < 0.001). Confounder-adjusted VE against COVID-19-caused hospitalization was 55.4% (95% CI: 12-78%), 81.5% (95% CI: 68-90%) and 95.6% (95%CI: 88-99%) after two, three and four vaccine doses, respectively. VE against hospitalization due to COVID-19 remained stable up to one year after three vaccine doses. CONCLUSION Three vaccine doses remained highly effective in preventing severe disease and this protection was sustained; a fourth dose further increased protection.
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