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Powell AA, Dowell AC, Moss P, Ladhani SN. Current state of COVID-19 in children: 4 years on. J Infect 2024; 88:106134. [PMID: 38432584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2024.106134] [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] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Children have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite evidence of a very low risk of severe disease, children were subjected to extensive lockdown, restriction and mitigation measures, including school closures, to control the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 in most parts of the world. In this review we summarise the UK experience of COVID-19 in children four years into the largest and longest pandemic of this century. We address the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection, immunity, transmission, severity and outcomes in children. We also assess the implementation, uptake, effectiveness and impact of COVID-19 vaccination, as well as the emergence, evolution and near disappearance of PIMS-TS (paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2) and current understanding of long COVID in children. This review consolidates current knowledge on childhood COVID-19 and emphasises the importance of continued research and the need for research-driven public health actions and policy decisions, especially in the context of new variants and future vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel A Powell
- Public Health Programmes, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK.
| | - Alexander C Dowell
- Institute of Immunology & Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Paul Moss
- Institute of Immunology & Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Shamez N Ladhani
- Public Health Programmes, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK; Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St. George's University of London, London, UK
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Ye Q, Wang H, Xu F, Zhang S, Zhang S, Yang Z, Zhang L. Co-Mutations and Possible Variation Tendency of the Spike RBD and Membrane Protein in SARS-CoV-2 by Machine Learning. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4662. [PMID: 38731879 PMCID: PMC11083383 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094662] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 variants capable of breakthrough infections have attracted global attention. These variants have significant mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein and the membrane (M) protein, which may imply an enhanced ability to evade immune responses. In this study, an examination of co-mutations within the spike RBD and their potential correlation with mutations in the M protein was conducted. The EVmutation method was utilized to analyze the distribution of the mutations to elucidate the relationship between the mutations in the spike RBD and the alterations in the M protein. Additionally, the Sequence-to-Sequence Transformer Model (S2STM) was employed to establish mapping between the amino acid sequences of the spike RBD and M proteins, offering a novel and efficient approach for streamlined sequence analysis and the exploration of their interrelationship. Certain mutations in the spike RBD, G339D-S373P-S375F and Q493R-Q498R-Y505, are associated with a heightened propensity for inducing mutations at specific sites within the M protein, especially sites 3 and 19/63. These results shed light on the concept of mutational synergy between the spike RBD and M proteins, illuminating a potential mechanism that could be driving the evolution of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiushi Ye
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China; (Q.Y.)
| | - He Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China; (Q.Y.)
| | - Fanding Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Sijia Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China; (Q.Y.)
| | - Shengli Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China; (Q.Y.)
| | - Zhiwei Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China; (Q.Y.)
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China; (Q.Y.)
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Musa S, Merdrignac L, Skocibusic S, Nedic R, Cilovic-Lagarija S, Kissling E. BBIBP-CorV vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 in patients aged 60 years and older during the Delta-dominant period in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a test-negative case-control study. Vaccine 2024:S0264-410X(24)00471-7. [PMID: 38644077 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.04.047] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) accelerated in the second half of 2021, with greater vaccine availability. In this study, we estimated the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of complete primary series BBIBP-CorV vaccine against COVID-19 in patients aged 60 years and older, during the Delta-dominant period, using a test-negative case-control design. Surveillance sites were 11 primary health care centers (PHC) collecting patient data from October 1, 2021, to January 4, 2022, retrospectively according to a common protocol. In total, we included 1711 participants in the analysis: 933 cases and 778 controls. Of the 933 cases, 508 (54.4 %) had mild and 425 (45.6 %) had moderate to severe disease presentation. We observed no effectiveness against mild COVID-19. Overall vaccine effectiveness was 65.0 % (95 %CI: 40.1-79.5) against moderate to severe COVID-19. In time since vaccination analysis, VE was 78.7 % (95 % CI: 54.8-89.9) in patients who received their last dose < 90 days before onset; 66.0 % (95 % CI: -0.5-88.5) in those 90-119 days before onset; 42.1 % (95 % CI: -88.6-82.3) in those 120-149 days before onset and 45.0 % (95 % CI: -94.0-84.4) in those ≥ 150 days before onset. In our study, two doses of BBIBP-CorV provided considerable protection against moderate to severe COVID-19 in older adults, highest within 3 months after second dose, during the Delta-dominant period. Point estimates declined thereafter, suggesting a need for additional doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjin Musa
- Institute for Public Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | | | - Sinisa Skocibusic
- Institute for Public Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Rozalija Nedic
- Institute for Public Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Seila Cilovic-Lagarija
- Institute for Public Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Kavikondala S, Haeussler K, Wang X, Bausch-Jurken MT, Nassim M, Mishra NK, Malmenäs M, Sharma P, Van de Velde N, Green N, Beck E. Comparative Effectiveness of mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccines Among Older Adults: Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis Using the GRADE Framework. Infect Dis Ther 2024; 13:779-811. [PMID: 38498109 PMCID: PMC11058186 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-024-00936-z] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The mRNA vaccines mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 demonstrated high efficacy against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in phase 3 clinical trials, including among older adults. To inform coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine selection, this systematic literature review (SLR) and meta-analysis assessed the comparative effectiveness of mRNA-1273 versus BNT162b2 in older adults. METHODS We systematically searched for relevant studies reporting COVID-19 outcomes with mRNA vaccines in older adults aged ≥ 50 years by first cross-checking relevant published SLRs. Based on the cutoff date from a previous similar SLR, we then searched the WHO COVID-19 Research Database for relevant articles published between April 9, 2022, and June 2, 2023. Outcomes of interest were SARS-CoV-2 infection, symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19-related hospitalization, and COVID-19-related death following ≥ 2 vaccine doses. Random effects meta-analysis models were used to pool risk ratios (RRs) across studies. Heterogeneity was evaluated using chi-square testing. Evidence certainty was assessed per GRADE framework. RESULTS Twenty-four non-randomized real-world studies reporting clinical outcomes with mRNA vaccines in individuals aged ≥ 50 years were included in the meta-analysis. Vaccination with mRNA-1273 was associated with significantly lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection (RR 0.72 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64‒0.80]), symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection (RR 0.72 [95% CI 0.62‒0.83]), severe SARS-CoV-2 infection (RR 0.67 [95% CI 0.57‒0.78]), and COVID-19-related hospitalization (RR 0.65 [95% CI 0.53‒0.79]) but not COVID-19-related death (RR 0.80 [95% CI 0.64‒1.00]) compared with BNT162b2. There was considerable heterogeneity between studies for all outcomes (I2 > 75%) except death (I2 = 0%). Multiple subgroup and sensitivity analyses excluding specific studies generally demonstrated consistent results. Certainty of evidence across outcomes was rated as low (type 3) or very low (type 4), reflecting the lack of randomized controlled trial data. CONCLUSION Meta-analysis of 24 observational studies demonstrated significantly lower risk of asymptomatic, symptomatic, and severe infections and hospitalizations with the mRNA-1273 versus BNT162b2 vaccine in older adults aged ≥ 50 years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ekkehard Beck
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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Lorenzon A, Palandri L, Uguzzoni F, Cristofor CD, Lozza F, Poluzzi R, Rizzi C, Bertoli P, Zerzer F, Righi E. Effectiveness of the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Preventing Severe Disease-Related Outcomes: A Population-Based Study in the Italian Province of Bolzano (South Tyrol). Int J Public Health 2024; 69:1606792. [PMID: 38550269 PMCID: PMC10976940 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2024.1606792] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of SARS-CoV2 vaccination in preventing ordinary or intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and deaths among cases registered during a variant transitional pandemic phase in the geographically and culturally unique territory of the Province of Bolzano (South Tyrol), an Italian region with low vaccination coverage. Methods: We collected data from 93,643 patients registered as positive for SARS-CoV-2 by health authorities during the winter of 2021-22. The data were analyzed retrospectively using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression. Results: 925 patients were hospitalized (0.99%), 89 (0.10%) were in intensive care, and 194 (0.21%) died. Vaccinated patients had a significantly lower risk of being hospitalized: adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 0.39; 95% CI: 0.33-0.46, ICU admission: aOR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.09-0.29 and death: aOR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.29-0.58. Similar risk reductions were also observed in booster-vaccinated patients, independent of sex, age, and predominant variant. Furthermore, the median length of stay (LoS) in the ICU was significantly longer for unvaccinated individuals compared to vaccinated subjects (9 vs. 6 days; p < 0.003). Conclusion: Primary series vaccination and ongoing campaign booster doses were effective in preventing all severe disease-related outcomes and in reducing ICU Length of Stay, even during a transitional pandemic phase and in a unique territorial context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Lorenzon
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Epidemiological Surveillance Unit, South Tyrolean Health Care Agency, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Lucia Palandri
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Uguzzoni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Filippo Lozza
- Epidemiological Surveillance Unit, South Tyrolean Health Care Agency, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Poluzzi
- Epidemiological Surveillance Unit, South Tyrolean Health Care Agency, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Cristiana Rizzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Bertoli
- Epidemiological Surveillance Unit, South Tyrolean Health Care Agency, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Florian Zerzer
- Epidemiological Surveillance Unit, South Tyrolean Health Care Agency, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Elena Righi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Vasilevska V, Guest PC, Szardenings M, Benros ME, Steiner J. Possible temporal relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis: a meta-analysis. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:139. [PMID: 38459000 PMCID: PMC10923949 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02831-0] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The global impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection has raised concerns about secondary diseases beyond acute illness. This review explores the significance and potential underlying mechanisms of how SARS-CoV-2 infection might elicit an immune response targeting N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, and its implications for autoimmune-driven neuropsychiatric manifestations. We identified 19 published case reports of NMDA receptor encephalitis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination by a systematic literature search. The significance of these reports was limited since it is not clear if a coincidental or causal relationship exists between SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination and manifestation of NMDA receptor encephalitis. The included studies were hampered by difficulties in establishing if these patients had pre-existing NMDA receptor antibodies which entered the brain by infection- or vaccination-associated transient blood-brain barrier leakage. In addition, four cases had comorbid ovarian teratoma, which is a known trigger for development of NMDA receptor encephalitis. Considering that billions of people have contracted COVID-19 or have been vaccinated against this virus, the publication of only 19 case reports with a possible link to NMDA receptor encephalitis, indicates that it is rare. In conclusion, these findings do not support the case that SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination led to an increase of existing or de novo encephalitis mediated by an autoimmune response targeting NMDA receptor function. Nevertheless, this work underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance in monitoring viral outbreaks and their potential impact on the central nervous system through basic, epidemiological and translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Vasilevska
- Department of Psychiatry, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Laboratory of Translational Psychiatry, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Paul C Guest
- Department of Psychiatry, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Laboratory of Translational Psychiatry, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Michael Szardenings
- Ligand Development Unit, Fraunhofer Institute of Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael E Benros
- Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Johann Steiner
- Department of Psychiatry, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Laboratory of Translational Psychiatry, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg, Germany.
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Magdeburg, Germany.
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Center for Intervention and Research on Adaptive and Maladaptive Brain Circuits Underlying Mental Health (C-I-R-C), Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
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Lederman Z, Corcos S. The duty of care and the right to be cared for: is there a duty to treat the unvaccinated? Med Health Care Philos 2024; 27:81-91. [PMID: 38180693 PMCID: PMC10904556 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-023-10186-4] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy or refusal has been one of the major obstacles to herd immunity against Covid-19 in high-income countries and one of the causes for the emergence of variants. The refusal of people who are eligible for vaccination to receive vaccination creates an ethical dilemma between the duty of healthcare professionals (HCPs) to care for patients and their right to be taken care of. This paper argues for an extended social contract between patients and society wherein vaccination against Covid-19 is conceived as essential for the protection of the right of healthcare providers to be taken care of. Thus, a duty of care is only valid when those who can receive vaccination actually receive it. Whenever that is not the case, the continuing functioning of HCPs can only be perceived as supererogatory and not obligatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohar Lederman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, LKS Medical Faculty, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Miyazawa S, Wong TS, Ito G, Iwamoto R, Watanabe K, van Boven M, Wallinga J, Miura F. Wastewater-based reproduction numbers and projections of COVID-19 cases in three areas in Japan, November 2021 to December 2022. Euro Surveill 2024; 29:2300277. [PMID: 38390648 PMCID: PMC10899819 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2024.29.8.2300277] [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] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BackgroundWastewater surveillance has expanded globally as a means to monitor spread of infectious diseases. An inherent challenge is substantial noise and bias in wastewater data because of the sampling and quantification process, limiting the applicability of wastewater surveillance as a monitoring tool.AimTo present an analytical framework for capturing the growth trend of circulating infections from wastewater data and conducting scenario analyses to guide policy decisions.MethodsWe developed a mathematical model for translating the observed SARS-CoV-2 viral load in wastewater into effective reproduction numbers. We used an extended Kalman filter to infer underlying transmissions by smoothing out observational noise. We also illustrated the impact of different countermeasures such as expanded vaccinations and non-pharmaceutical interventions on the projected number of cases using three study areas in Japan during 2021-22 as an example.ResultsObserved notified cases were matched with the range of cases estimated by our approach with wastewater data only, across different study areas and virus quantification methods, especially when the disease prevalence was high. Estimated reproduction numbers derived from wastewater data were consistent with notification-based reproduction numbers. Our projections showed that a 10-20% increase in vaccination coverage or a 10% reduction in contact rate may suffice to initiate a declining trend in study areas.ConclusionOur study demonstrates how wastewater data can be used to track reproduction numbers and perform scenario modelling to inform policy decisions. The proposed framework complements conventional clinical surveillance, especially when reliable and timely epidemiological data are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Miyazawa
- Data Science Department, Shionogi and Co, Ltd, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ting Sam Wong
- SHIMADZU Corporation, Kyoto, Japan
- AdvanSentinel Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Genta Ito
- Data Science Department, Shionogi and Co, Ltd, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryo Iwamoto
- Integrated Disease Care Division, Shionogi and Co, Ltd, Osaka, Japan
- Data Science Department, Shionogi and Co, Ltd, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kozo Watanabe
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Ehime, Japan
| | - Michiel van Boven
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Jacco Wallinga
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Fuminari Miura
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Ehime, Japan
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Aiewsakun P, Jamsai B, Phumiphanjarphak W, Sawaengdee W, Palittapongarnpim P, Mahasirimongkol S. Spatiotemporal evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in the Bangkok metropolitan region, Thailand, 2020-2022: implications for future outbreak preparedness. Microb Genom 2023; 9:001170. [PMID: 38117547 PMCID: PMC10763513 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Thailand experienced five waves of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) between 2020 and 2022, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR) being at the centre of all outbreaks. The molecular evolution of the causative agent of the disease, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has previously been characterized in Thailand, but a detailed spatiotemporal analysis is still lacking. In this study, we comprehensively reviewed the development and timelines of the five COVID-19 outbreaks in Thailand and the public health responses, and also conducted a phylogenetic analysis of 27 913 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from Thailand, together with 7330 global references, to investigate the virus's spatiotemporal evolution during 2020 and 2022, with a particular focus on the BMR. Limited cross-border transmission was observed during the first four waves in 2020 and 2021, but was common in 2022, aligning well with the timeline of change in the international travel restrictions. Within the country, viruses were mostly restricted to the BMR during the first two waves in 2020, but subsequent waves in 2021 and 2022 saw extensive nationwide transmission of the virus, consistent with the timeline of relaxation of disease control measures employed within the country. Our results also suggest frequent epidemiological connections between Thailand and neighbouring countries during 2020 and 2021 despite relatively stringent international travel controls. The overall sequencing rate of the viruses circulating in the BMR was ~0.525 %, meeting the recommended benchmark, and our analysis supports that this is sufficient for tracking of the trend of the virus burden and genetic diversity. Our findings reveal insights into the local transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Thailand, and provide a valuable reference for planning responses to future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pakorn Aiewsakun
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Pornchai Matangkasombut Center for Microbial Genomics, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Bharkbhoom Jamsai
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Pornchai Matangkasombut Center for Microbial Genomics, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Worakorn Phumiphanjarphak
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Pornchai Matangkasombut Center for Microbial Genomics, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Waritta Sawaengdee
- Genomics Medicine Center, Medical Life Sciences Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
| | - Prasit Palittapongarnpim
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Pornchai Matangkasombut Center for Microbial Genomics, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Surakameth Mahasirimongkol
- Genomics Medicine Center, Medical Life Sciences Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
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Weiss T, Reuter T, Dowell E, Singstock M, Smith K, Schlaudecker J. Evaluation of an infection control protocol to limit COVID-19 at residential summer camps in 2021. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282560. [PMID: 38011154 PMCID: PMC10681214 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the effectiveness of an infection control protocol developed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at two multi-week residential summer camps in 2021. SUBJECT AND METHODS Data were collected from 595 camp attendees and staff members at two wilderness camps in Northern Minnesota. Testing was undertaken in all unvaccinated campers before arrival at camp, on day 4 of camp, and in the event of respiratory symptoms. Campers were limited to cohorts during the first 4 days of camp and wore masks indoors. The number of positive COVID-19 cases measured the efficacy of the protocol. RESULTS The testing and cohorting protocol successfully prevented the spread of COVID-19 among campers and staff. During the first summer session, there were zero positive cases of COVID-19 among 257 campers and 127 staff. During the second summer session, compliance with the protocol limited the spread of COVID-19 to just three individuals of 266 campers and 129 staff. Maintaining cohorts at arrival limited spread from a single positive case to only two tent companions. CONCLUSION The testing and cohorting protocol limited the spread of COVID-19 among residential summer wilderness campers and staff. Post-arrival testing ensured newly acquired virus was limited in spread before COVID-19 precautions were relaxed on camp day 5. A strict evidence-based cohorting protocol limited in-camp spread and allowed for a successful summer camp season. The usefulness of this protocol with an evolving pandemic, increasing vaccination rates, and virus variants could have implications for future practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tirzah Weiss
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Tate Reuter
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Evan Dowell
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Mitchell Singstock
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Katherine Smith
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Schlaudecker
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
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Sobierajski T, Rzymski P, Wanke-Rytt M. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Attitudes toward Vaccination: Representative Study of Polish Society. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1069. [PMID: 37376458 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061069] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The study explored the association between individuals' attitudes toward vaccination and their actual vaccination behavior. We also examined the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the ongoing vaccination debate on changing attitudes towards vaccination, specifically within different demographic groups. The survey was conducted among a representative sample of Poles (N = 805) using computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) technology. As demonstrated, those who identified themselves as strong vaccine supporters were statistically significantly more frequently to be vaccinated with COVID-19 booster doses, to follow a physician's recommendation on any vaccine without hesitation, and to be strengthened in their confidence in vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.001 for all). However, over half of the responders declared themselves as moderate vaccine supporters/opponents, the groups whose further attitudes are likely to be affected by (mis)communication. Importantly, more than half of moderate vaccine supporters declared that their vaccine confidence was weakened during the COVID-19 pandemic, while 43% were not vaccinated against COVID-19. In addition, the study demonstrated that older and better-educated individuals were more likely to be COVID-19-vaccinated (p < 0.001 and p = 0.013, respectively). The results of this study imply that, in order to improve vaccine acceptance, it is essential to strengthen public health communication and avoid communication errors conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Sobierajski
- Center of Sociomedical Research, Faculty of Applied Social Sciences and Resocialization, University of Warsaw, 26/28 Krakowskie Przedmieście Str., 00-927 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
- Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Monika Wanke-Rytt
- Department of Pediatrics with Clinical Assessment Unit, Medical University of Warsaw, 63a Żwirki i Wigury Str., 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
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