Pub Date : 2025-04-14DOI: 10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100213
Sri Masyeni , I Made Wisnu Wardhana , Pande Ayu Nayakasih Permatananda , Arya Giri Prebawa , Saraswati Laksmi Dewi , Erni Juwita Nelwan
Background
Severe dengue is a serious infection associated with cytokine storms.
Objectives: This study investigated the roles of platelet-activating factor (PAF), syndecan-1, and matrix metalloprotein-9 (MMP-9) in dengue severity.
Study design
Blood samples were collected to confirm the diagnosis of dengue infection, and to assess disease severity. Tests performed included non-structural protein 1 dengue test, immunoglobulin G/immunoglobulin M dengue tests, real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and a complete blood count. Patients with dengue infection were classified as having dengue fever or dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Results
The median levels of PAF, syndecan-1, and MMP-9 in all patients were 73.27 (14.2–769.1) pg/mL, 5.4 (2–64.3) pg/mL, and 197.8 (95.3–962.8) pg/mL, respectively. The levels of all three biomarkers were significantly higher in the dengue hemorrhagic fever and secondary infection groups; with p values < 0.001. Multivariate analysis revealed that PAF and syndecan-1 levels significantly correlated with the severity of dengue infection. Syndecan-1 had the strongest correlation, with a correlation coefficient of 0.43, whereas PAF had a correlation coefficient of 0.30.
Conclusions
PAF and syndecan-1 were both independently associated with severe dengue; however, further longitudinal studies are required to validate their predictive potential.
{"title":"Elevated levels of platelet-activating factor and syndecan-1 in severe dengue infections","authors":"Sri Masyeni , I Made Wisnu Wardhana , Pande Ayu Nayakasih Permatananda , Arya Giri Prebawa , Saraswati Laksmi Dewi , Erni Juwita Nelwan","doi":"10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100213","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100213","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Severe dengue is a serious infection associated with cytokine storms.</div><div>Objectives: This study investigated the roles of platelet-activating factor (PAF), syndecan-1, and matrix metalloprotein-9 (MMP-9) in dengue severity.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>Blood samples were collected to confirm the diagnosis of dengue infection, and to assess disease severity. Tests performed included non-structural protein 1 dengue test, immunoglobulin G/immunoglobulin M dengue tests, real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and a complete blood count. Patients with dengue infection were classified as having dengue fever or dengue hemorrhagic fever.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The median levels of PAF, syndecan-1, and MMP-9 in all patients were 73.27 (14.2–769.1) pg/mL, 5.4 (2–64.3) pg/mL, and 197.8 (95.3–962.8) pg/mL, respectively. The levels of all three biomarkers were significantly higher in the dengue hemorrhagic fever and secondary infection groups; with <em>p</em> values < 0.001. Multivariate analysis revealed that PAF and syndecan-1 levels significantly correlated with the severity of dengue infection. Syndecan-1 had the strongest correlation, with a correlation coefficient of 0.43, whereas PAF had a correlation coefficient of 0.30.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>PAF and syndecan-1 were both independently associated with severe dengue; however, further longitudinal studies are required to validate their predictive potential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73673,"journal":{"name":"Journal of clinical virology plus","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 100213"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143834557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-08DOI: 10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100210
Chiraz Naffouti , Hela Hannachi , Wafa Aissi , Ikram Ayari , Fatma Ben Salem , Manel Hamdoun , Olfa Bahri
Background
As SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are deployed worldwide, assessing the kinetics and magnitude of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies post-vaccination at various time points is crucial to optimize immunization strategies. This study aims to evaluate the humoral response in healthcare workers (HCWs) after primary vaccination and booster doses both in the short and long term and to examine the effect of preexisting immunity, age, sex, and vaccine type on this response.
Methods
Prior to the primary vaccination, an initial serology was performed to determine the immunity to SARS-CoV-2. Based on the outcomes of this serology or the rapid diagnostic tests, participants were split into two groups: COVID-19-free and COVID-19-recovered people. In each group, serological tests were conducted one and six months following the first vaccination(M1,M6).The vaccines administrated were mRNA, viral vector and inactivated viral vaccines. The follow-up was done one and six months after the booster dose (mRNA vaccine) (M1B,M6B). Anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-S IgG were evaluated using the Access SARS-CoV-2 IgGII® test (BECKMAN COULTER).
Results
A total of 319 HCWs were sampled. For COVID-19-recovered people, the median anti-S level was significantly higher at 130AU/mL(IQR 51.5–184) compared to 89AU/mL(IQR 34.1–145.4),p=0.0042. At every stage, there was a statistically significant increase in anti-S levels in adenovirus or inactivated vaccinations. Participants who received mRNA vaccines had significantly the highest anti-S levels at M1, M6, and M6B, according to post-hoc analysis. The anti-S level increased significantly one month after the third dose, from 12.7AU/mL(IQR 6.4–28.4) to 140.6AU/mL(IQR 88.6–258.5),p<0.001. Six months after the booster dose, the anti-S titer dropped but remained positive at 40.8AU/mL(IQR22.5–91.3). In every time period, there was no correlation or association between anti-S level and age or sex.
Conclusion
The administration of mRNA vaccines allows to an enhanced humoral response in individuals recovering from COVID-19. Six months following the initial immunization, one dose has the same immunogenicity as two doses. However, a third dose of the mRNA vaccine should be given to lengthen the duration of the humoral in both COVID-19-free and COVID-19-recovered people. Booster doses should be administrated to high risk group who can transmit the disease to susceptible patient.
{"title":"Monitoring humoral immune response following COVID-19 immunization and booster dose: A prospective study in tunisian healthcare workers","authors":"Chiraz Naffouti , Hela Hannachi , Wafa Aissi , Ikram Ayari , Fatma Ben Salem , Manel Hamdoun , Olfa Bahri","doi":"10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100210","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100210","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>As SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are deployed worldwide, assessing the kinetics and magnitude of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies post-vaccination at various time points is crucial to optimize immunization strategies. This study aims to evaluate the humoral response in healthcare workers (HCWs) after primary vaccination and booster doses both in the short and long term and to examine the effect of preexisting immunity, age, sex, and vaccine type on this response.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Prior to the primary vaccination, an initial serology was performed to determine the immunity to SARS-CoV-2. Based on the outcomes of this serology or the rapid diagnostic tests, participants were split into two groups: COVID-19-free and COVID-19-recovered people. In each group, serological tests were conducted one and six months following the first vaccination(M1,M6).The vaccines administrated were mRNA, viral vector and inactivated viral vaccines. The follow-up was done one and six months after the booster dose (mRNA vaccine) (M1B,M6B). Anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-S IgG were evaluated using the Access SARS-CoV-2 IgGII® test (BECKMAN COULTER).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 319 HCWs were sampled. For COVID-19-recovered people, the median anti-S level was significantly higher at 130AU/mL(IQR 51.5–184) compared to 89AU/mL(IQR 34.1–145.4),<strong><em>p</em></strong> <strong>=</strong> <strong>0.0042.</strong> At every stage, there was a statistically significant increase in anti-S levels in adenovirus or inactivated vaccinations. Participants who received mRNA vaccines had significantly the highest anti-S levels at M1, M6, and M6B, according to post-hoc analysis. The anti-S level increased significantly one month after the third dose, from 12.7AU/mL(IQR 6.4–28.4) to 140.6AU/mL(IQR 88.6–258.5),<strong><em>p</em></strong> <strong><</strong> <strong>0.001</strong>. Six months after the booster dose, the anti-S titer dropped but remained positive at 40.8AU/mL(IQR22.5–91.3). In every time period, there was no correlation or association between anti-S level and age or sex.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The administration of mRNA vaccines allows to an enhanced humoral response in individuals recovering from COVID-19. Six months following the initial immunization, one dose has the same immunogenicity as two doses. However, a third dose of the mRNA vaccine should be given to lengthen the duration of the humoral in both COVID-19-free and COVID-19-recovered people. Booster doses should be administrated to high risk group who can transmit the disease to susceptible patient.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73673,"journal":{"name":"Journal of clinical virology plus","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 100210"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143817528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-31DOI: 10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100207
David Alejandro Cabrera Gaytán , Porfirio Felipe Hernández Bautista , Clara Esperanza Santacruz Tinoco , Julio Elias Alvarado Yaah , Yu-Mei Anguiano Hernández , Bernardo Martínez Miguel , Alfonso Vallejos Parás , Lumumba Arriaga Nieto , Nancy Sandoval Gutiérrez , Concepción Grajales Muñiz , Alejandro Moctezuma Paz , Leticia Jaimes Betancourt
Background
Mexico has experienced six waves were experiences between 2019 and 2023 of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the first wave, diagnosis relied on RT‒qPCR; rapid tests for SARS‒CoV‒2 were introduced from the second wave onward. However, the patterns of results with this test in Mexico have not been documented in population-based studies.
Objective
To describe the temporal patterns of the results from RT-qPCR and rapid immunochromatography tests for SARS-CoV-2 detection from the second to the sixth epidemic wave in Mexico.
Materials and methods
This was a multicenter study at the national level. The operational definition of suspected cases of viral respiratory illness, confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico, and data for asymptomatic individuals who required rapid testing between 2020 and 2023 were employed; testing was employed for the entirety of the four years. Positivity was estimated per epidemiological week, state, and condition for both tests. Spearman's correlation coefficient, trend chi-square analysis, and odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals were used.
Results
A total of 1749,765 cases had RT‒qPCR data recorded from 2020 to 2023, and 8356,903 cases with rapid tests were conducted for virus identification. Compared with the rest of the country, the southeastern region exhibited different patterns. The positivity rate of rapid tests from the epidemiological surveillance system was lower than that of RT‒qPCR during interepidemics periods, whereas the positivity rate of rapid tests for symptomatic individuals was higher than that of RT‒qPCR tests over two years.
Conclusion
Rapid tests for SARS-CoV-2 identification in Mexico were affordable and timely at the local level. These tests revealed differing epidemic wave patterns in the southeastern region of the country.
{"title":"Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2: Experience with rapid immunochromatography tests and RT‒qPCR","authors":"David Alejandro Cabrera Gaytán , Porfirio Felipe Hernández Bautista , Clara Esperanza Santacruz Tinoco , Julio Elias Alvarado Yaah , Yu-Mei Anguiano Hernández , Bernardo Martínez Miguel , Alfonso Vallejos Parás , Lumumba Arriaga Nieto , Nancy Sandoval Gutiérrez , Concepción Grajales Muñiz , Alejandro Moctezuma Paz , Leticia Jaimes Betancourt","doi":"10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100207","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100207","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Mexico has experienced six waves were experiences between 2019 and 2023 of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the first wave, diagnosis relied on RT‒qPCR; rapid tests for SARS‒CoV‒2 were introduced from the second wave onward. However, the patterns of results with this test in Mexico have not been documented in population-based studies.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To describe the temporal patterns of the results from RT-qPCR and rapid immunochromatography tests for SARS-CoV-2 detection from the second to the sixth epidemic wave in Mexico.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>This was a multicenter study at the national level. The operational definition of suspected cases of viral respiratory illness, confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico, and data for asymptomatic individuals who required rapid testing between 2020 and 2023 were employed; testing was employed for the entirety of the four years. Positivity was estimated per epidemiological week, state, and condition for both tests. Spearman's correlation coefficient, trend chi-square analysis, and odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals were used.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 1749,765 cases had RT‒qPCR data recorded from 2020 to 2023, and 8356,903 cases with rapid tests were conducted for virus identification. Compared with the rest of the country, the southeastern region exhibited different patterns. The positivity rate of rapid tests from the epidemiological surveillance system was lower than that of RT‒qPCR during interepidemics periods, whereas the positivity rate of rapid tests for symptomatic individuals was higher than that of RT‒qPCR tests over two years.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Rapid tests for SARS-CoV-2 identification in Mexico were affordable and timely at the local level. These tests revealed differing epidemic wave patterns in the southeastern region of the country.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73673,"journal":{"name":"Journal of clinical virology plus","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 100207"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143785855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-25DOI: 10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100208
Kira Winkler , Lucia Otten , Alina Abramian , Eva Weber , Florian Winkler , Niklas Klümper , Anna Maria Schmidt , Zahrasadat Safavieh , Anna Maria Eis-Hübinger , Stephan Herberhold
Introduction
Human Coronaviruses (HCoVs), including HCoV-OC43, HCoV-HKU1, HCoV-NL63, and HCoV-229E, are endemic viruses that circulate globally and infect humans. In contrast to SARS-CoV-2, which causes more severe symptoms, these endemic HCoVs typically induce mild cold symptoms and confer only temporary immunity [1,2]]. Understanding the presence and persistence of HCoVs in the human population, particularly in asymptomatic individuals, is crucial for understanding their potential role in immunity and viral dynamics.
Methods
This study aimed to investigate the presence of nucleic acids of endemic HCoVs (HCoV-OC43, HCoV-HKU1, HCoV-NL63, and HCoV-229E) in individuals without symptoms of acute respiratory infection. A total of 78 adenoid tissue samples were collected from children (up to 10 years old) without current symptoms of airway infection. The samples were analyzed using RT-nested PCR to detect viral RNA.
Results
Of the 78 adenoid samples, 24 (30,8 %) tested positive for at least one type of endemic HCoV. Additionally, throat swabs were collected from 56 participants immediately before surgery. Endemic HCoV RNA was rarely detected in these throat swabs, with only 3 out of 56 samples testing positive.
Discussion
Our findings suggest the frequent presence of endemic HCoV nucleic acids in the lymphatic tissue of Waldeyer's ring, especially in children. This observation supports the concept of these viruses acting as immune triggers. The persistence of viral remnants in the adenoid tissue may contribute to continuous immune surveillance, which could have implications for immunity to future infections and for understanding viral dynamics in asymptomatic individuals.
{"title":"Persistent nucleic acids from endemic human coronaviruses in adenoids: Do they enhance children's immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection?","authors":"Kira Winkler , Lucia Otten , Alina Abramian , Eva Weber , Florian Winkler , Niklas Klümper , Anna Maria Schmidt , Zahrasadat Safavieh , Anna Maria Eis-Hübinger , Stephan Herberhold","doi":"10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100208","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100208","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Human Coronaviruses (HCoVs), including HCoV-OC43, HCoV-HKU1, HCoV-NL63, and HCoV-229E, are endemic viruses that circulate globally and infect humans. In contrast to SARS-CoV-2, which causes more severe symptoms, these endemic HCoVs typically induce mild cold symptoms and confer only temporary immunity [<span><span>1</span></span>,<span><span>2</span></span>]]. Understanding the presence and persistence of HCoVs in the human population, particularly in asymptomatic individuals, is crucial for understanding their potential role in immunity and viral dynamics.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the presence of nucleic acids of endemic HCoVs (HCoV-OC43, HCoV-HKU1, HCoV-NL63, and HCoV-229E) in individuals without symptoms of acute respiratory infection. A total of 78 adenoid tissue samples were collected from children (up to 10 years old) without current symptoms of airway infection. The samples were analyzed using RT-nested PCR to detect viral RNA.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the 78 adenoid samples, 24 (30,8 %) tested positive for at least one type of endemic HCoV. Additionally, throat swabs were collected from 56 participants immediately before surgery. Endemic HCoV RNA was rarely detected in these throat swabs, with only 3 out of 56 samples testing positive.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Our findings suggest the frequent presence of endemic HCoV nucleic acids in the lymphatic tissue of Waldeyer's ring, especially in children. This observation supports the concept of these viruses acting as immune triggers. The persistence of viral remnants in the adenoid tissue may contribute to continuous immune surveillance, which could have implications for immunity to future infections and for understanding viral dynamics in asymptomatic individuals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73673,"journal":{"name":"Journal of clinical virology plus","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 100208"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143724847","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Urgent attention for health care services preparedness to address rising human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases","authors":"Md. Salman Sohel , Safayet Jamil , Md. Naimur Rahman","doi":"10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100209","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100209","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73673,"journal":{"name":"Journal of clinical virology plus","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 100209"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143739010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jcvp.2024.100201
Michelle Nina Braun , Anna Wolfschmidt , Andrea Kaifie , Ruediger Stephan Goertz
Objective
Evaluation of the rate and symptoms of Post-COVID-19 condition in employees in childcare.
Methods
A structured questionnaire collected data from two distinct collectives: Collective 1 (C1) consisted of a prospective cohort of 44 employees after COVID-19 disease, whereas Collective 2 (C2) included 222 employees who were retrospectively interviewed. The questionnaire mainly focused on symptoms and wellbeing during or after COVID-19.
Results
The main symptoms of Post-COVID-19 condition were impairment of focus, fatigue/exhaustion, reduced stamina, headache and dyspnoea. 30 % of the employees in C1 and 7.6 % of C2 suffered from a clinically relevant Post-COVID-19 condition with impairment of the general wellbeing. According to the WHO definition, a Post-COVID-19 condition was found in 56.6 % (C1) and 25.5 % (C2).
Conclusions
A Post-COVID-19 condition was a common finding in both our collectives but did not automatically cause an impairment of general wellbeing.
{"title":"The frequency of post-COVID-19 condition and its clinical relevance after COVID-19 disease of employees in facilities of preschool childcare","authors":"Michelle Nina Braun , Anna Wolfschmidt , Andrea Kaifie , Ruediger Stephan Goertz","doi":"10.1016/j.jcvp.2024.100201","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcvp.2024.100201","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Evaluation of the rate and symptoms of Post-COVID-19 condition in employees in childcare.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A structured questionnaire collected data from two distinct collectives: Collective 1 (C1) consisted of a prospective cohort of 44 employees after COVID-19 disease, whereas Collective 2 (C2) included 222 employees who were retrospectively interviewed. The questionnaire mainly focused on symptoms and wellbeing during or after COVID-19.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The main symptoms of Post-COVID-19 condition were impairment of focus, fatigue/exhaustion, reduced stamina, headache and dyspnoea. 30 % of the employees in C1 and 7.6 % of C2 suffered from a clinically relevant Post-COVID-19 condition with impairment of the general wellbeing. According to the WHO definition, a Post-COVID-19 condition was found in 56.6 % (C1) and 25.5 % (C2).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>A Post-COVID-19 condition was a common finding in both our collectives but did not automatically cause an impairment of general wellbeing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73673,"journal":{"name":"Journal of clinical virology plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100201"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143135905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100204
Vinit Upasani , Marjolein Knoester , Daniele Pantano , Lili Gard , Jolanda M. Smit , Bernardina T.F. van der Gun , Adriana Tami , Izabela A. Rodenhuis-Zybert
Introduction
The current diagnostic methods for SARS-CoV-2 rely on quantitative RT-PCR. However, the presence of viral RNA in samples does not necessarily reflect the presence of an infectious virus. Therefore, the reliable detection of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in clinical samples is necessary to limit viral transmission.
Methods
We developed a flow cytometry-based surrogate assay (FlowSA), wherein the presence of infectious SARS-CoV-2 was detected using virus nucleocapsid-specific antibodies.
Results
We showed that FlowSA allows the detection of a wide range of viral titers of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants. Furthermore, the assay was successfully used to detect infectious SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swabs from SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals, including those with high Ct values. Notably, FlowSA identified the presence of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in biological specimens that scored negative for cytopathic effect (CPE) in cell culture and would otherwise be considered negative.
Conclusion
We propose that FlowSA can be adopted as an alternative to conventional CPE methods for viral diagnostics.
{"title":"Evaluation of a flow cytometry-based surrogate assay (FlowSA) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in clinical samples","authors":"Vinit Upasani , Marjolein Knoester , Daniele Pantano , Lili Gard , Jolanda M. Smit , Bernardina T.F. van der Gun , Adriana Tami , Izabela A. Rodenhuis-Zybert","doi":"10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100204","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100204","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The current diagnostic methods for SARS-CoV-2 rely on quantitative RT-PCR. However, the presence of viral RNA in samples does not necessarily reflect the presence of an infectious virus. Therefore, the reliable detection of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in clinical samples is necessary to limit viral transmission.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We developed a flow cytometry-based surrogate assay (FlowSA), wherein the presence of infectious SARS-CoV-2 was detected using virus nucleocapsid-specific antibodies.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We showed that FlowSA allows the detection of a wide range of viral titers of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants. Furthermore, the assay was successfully used to detect infectious SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swabs from SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals, including those with high Ct values. Notably, FlowSA identified the presence of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in biological specimens that scored negative for cytopathic effect (CPE) in cell culture and would otherwise be considered negative.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>We propose that FlowSA can be adopted as an alternative to conventional CPE methods for viral diagnostics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73673,"journal":{"name":"Journal of clinical virology plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100204"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143135907","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination has demonstrated efficacy in preventing infection, mitigating disease severity, and lowering the incidence of Long COVID. To enhance vaccine effectiveness, it is not only important to develop more effective vaccines but also to clarify factors, including lifestyle, that affect the immune response. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of lifestyle factors on COVID-19 vaccination antibody titers.
Methods
Antibody titers of 354 hospital workers who received two COVID-19 vaccination doses were measured five times for more than six months. Information on medical history, demographic characteristics, and lifestyle-related items was obtained from hospital health checkups. The outcome variable (Lower-25 %) was defined as the antibody titer value below the 25th percentile of the fifth measurement. The Cox proportional hazard survival model was used to evaluate the hazard ratio for incidence of Lower-25 % according to lifestyle-related items.
Results
The crude incidence rates per 1,000 person-days for Lower-25 % among women and men were 1.35 and 1.66, respectively. The hazard ratios for Lower-25 % of those in their 40 s, 50 s, and 60 s compared with those in their 20 s were 5.82 (95 % confidence interval [CI], 2.05–16.51), 7.12 (95 % CI, 2.46–20.63), and 9.96 (95 % CI, 3.07–32.34), respectively. The hazard ratios for “daily” versus “never” drinking habits were 2.26 (95 % CI 1.17–4.34).
Conclusions
The results of this study indicate that shortening vaccination intervals for individuals over 40 years and discontinuing daily alcohol consumption are associated with the preservation of acquired antibody titers for optimizing vaccine efficacy.
{"title":"Effect of daily alcohol consumption and age over 40 years on COVID-19 vaccination antibody titers in the Delta era among hospital workers in northern Okinawa, Japan: A retrospective cohort study","authors":"Takuji Kishimoto , Daisuke Tasato , Yoshitaka Nagasawa , Akihiro Yamashiro , Hayashi Shokita","doi":"10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100205","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100205","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination has demonstrated efficacy in preventing infection, mitigating disease severity, and lowering the incidence of Long COVID. To enhance vaccine effectiveness, it is not only important to develop more effective vaccines but also to clarify factors, including lifestyle, that affect the immune response. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of lifestyle factors on COVID-19 vaccination antibody titers.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Antibody titers of 354 hospital workers who received two COVID-19 vaccination doses were measured five times for more than six months. Information on medical history, demographic characteristics, and lifestyle-related items was obtained from hospital health checkups. The outcome variable (Lower-25 %) was defined as the antibody titer value below the 25th percentile of the fifth measurement. The Cox proportional hazard survival model was used to evaluate the hazard ratio for incidence of Lower-25 % according to lifestyle-related items.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The crude incidence rates per 1,000 person-days for Lower-25 % among women and men were 1.35 and 1.66, respectively. The hazard ratios for Lower-25 % of those in their 40 s, 50 s, and 60 s compared with those in their 20 s were 5.82 (95 % confidence interval [CI], 2.05–16.51), 7.12 (95 % CI, 2.46–20.63), and 9.96 (95 % CI, 3.07–32.34), respectively. The hazard ratios for “daily” versus “never” drinking habits were 2.26 (95 % CI 1.17–4.34).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The results of this study indicate that shortening vaccination intervals for individuals over 40 years and discontinuing daily alcohol consumption are associated with the preservation of acquired antibody titers for optimizing vaccine efficacy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73673,"journal":{"name":"Journal of clinical virology plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100205"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143135904","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jcvp.2024.100200
Arsène Kabamba-Tshikongo , Adolphe Baleebenga , Bernard Kalunga-Tompa , Claude Mwamba-Mulumba , Henry Manya-Mboni , Cedrick Mutombo-Shakalenga , Pierrot Mwamba-Tshilumba , Sébastien Bontems , Géraldine Dessilly , Benoît Kabamba-Mukadi , Albert Longanga-Otshudi
The indication for treatment of viral hepatitis B and C depends on the degree of deterioration of liver function and secondarily viral load. APRI and MELD scores are WHO-validated tests for the assessment of liver fibrosis. They are inexpensive and non-invasive. Many patients suffer from viral hepatitis B or C in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These scores are an asset in the medical management of these patients. The objective of this study was to compare APRI and MELD scores in the prediction of fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B in Lubumbashi. It included infected patients followed in the gastroenterology departments of the hospitals of Lubumbashi and the Center of Excellence and Expertise for Viral Hepatitis and other Pathologies (CEEHP). Biological parameters of patient samples were evaluated to calculate APRI and MELD scores. Analytical performance of APRI and MELD scores was evaluated by using liver biopsy as gold standard.
The APRI and MELD scores had a sensitivity of 100 % and a specificity of 93.5 and 88.6 %, respectively. In the fibrosis group of patients infected with HBV, the mean APRI score was of 1.89 whereas the mean MELD score was of 12.4 Incorporating these scores in routine clinical practice could reduce the morbidity rate, the costs related to the practice of liver biopsy and thus improve the routine management of viral hepatitis in Lubumbashi.
{"title":"Comparative evaluation of APRI and MELD scores in the prediction of complications of chronic hepatitis in patients infected with hepatitis B or C viruses in Lubumbashi, democratic republic of Congo","authors":"Arsène Kabamba-Tshikongo , Adolphe Baleebenga , Bernard Kalunga-Tompa , Claude Mwamba-Mulumba , Henry Manya-Mboni , Cedrick Mutombo-Shakalenga , Pierrot Mwamba-Tshilumba , Sébastien Bontems , Géraldine Dessilly , Benoît Kabamba-Mukadi , Albert Longanga-Otshudi","doi":"10.1016/j.jcvp.2024.100200","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcvp.2024.100200","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The indication for treatment of viral hepatitis B and C depends on the degree of deterioration of liver function and secondarily viral load. APRI and MELD scores are WHO-validated tests for the assessment of liver fibrosis. They are inexpensive and non-invasive. Many patients suffer from viral hepatitis B or C in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These scores are an asset in the medical management of these patients. The objective of this study was to compare APRI and MELD scores in the prediction of fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B in Lubumbashi. It included infected patients followed in the gastroenterology departments of the hospitals of Lubumbashi and the Center of Excellence and Expertise for Viral Hepatitis and other Pathologies (CEEHP). Biological parameters of patient samples were evaluated to calculate APRI and MELD scores. Analytical performance of APRI and MELD scores was evaluated by using liver biopsy as gold standard.</div><div>The APRI and MELD scores had a sensitivity of 100 % and a specificity of 93.5 and 88.6 %, respectively. In the fibrosis group of patients infected with HBV, the mean APRI score was of 1.89 whereas the mean MELD score was of 12.4 Incorporating these scores in routine clinical practice could reduce the morbidity rate, the costs related to the practice of liver biopsy and thus improve the routine management of viral hepatitis in Lubumbashi.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73673,"journal":{"name":"Journal of clinical virology plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100200"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143135457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100203
Salih A. Hama
Background
The risk of blood-borne infections, particularly hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), continues to persist in developing countries among patients who receive blood products, such as hemophiliacs, but there is a lack of up-to-date data in such countries. This study aims to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections among a group of hemophilia patients in Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
Methods
This prospective cross-sectional study, conducted from June to September 2022, screened 117 hemophilic patients in the region for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies using serologic assays.
Results
One hundred fifteen participants were male (98.3 %) with a mean age of 20.7 years (8–47). HBV seropositivity was found in 9 (7.7 %) patients, while HCV seropositivity was noted in 15 (12.8 %). No significant correlation was observed between HBV/HCV infectivity status and age, residency, or education status (p<0.05). The prevalence of only HBV was significantly higher among patients with more frequent clotting factor intake (p=0.016), which was associated with lower odds of HBV positivity (OR = 0.034, 95 % CI: 0.002–0.492). Moreover, HCV seropositive patients were more commonly associated with surgical history compared to negative cases (20 %vs. 3.9 %; p=0.044), which was associated with significantly increased odds of HCV positivity (OR = 6.125, 95 % CI: 1.221–30.719).
Conclusion
This study reveals an intermediate prevalence of HBV (7.7 %) and a high prevalence of HCV (12.8 %) infections among hemophilia patients in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
{"title":"Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C virus among a group of hemophilia patients in Kurdistan Region, Iraq","authors":"Salih A. Hama","doi":"10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100203","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcvp.2025.100203","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The risk of blood-borne infections, particularly hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), continues to persist in developing countries among patients who receive blood products, such as hemophiliacs, but there is a lack of up-to-date data in such countries. This study aims to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections among a group of hemophilia patients in Kurdistan Region, Iraq.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This prospective cross-sectional study, conducted from June to September 2022, screened 117 hemophilic patients in the region for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies using serologic assays.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>One hundred fifteen participants were male (98.3 %) with a mean age of 20.7 years (8–47). HBV seropositivity was found in 9 (7.7 %) patients, while HCV seropositivity was noted in 15 (12.8 %). No significant correlation was observed between HBV/HCV infectivity status and age, residency, or education status (<em>p</em> <em><</em> <em>0.05</em>). The prevalence of only HBV was significantly higher among patients with more frequent clotting factor intake (<em>p</em> <em>=</em> <em>0.016</em>), which was associated with lower odds of HBV positivity (OR = 0.034, 95 % CI: 0.002–0.492). Moreover, HCV seropositive patients were more commonly associated with surgical history compared to negative cases (20 %vs. 3.9 %; <em>p</em> <em>=</em> <em>0.044</em>), which was associated with significantly increased odds of HCV positivity (OR = 6.125, 95 % CI: 1.221–30.719).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study reveals an intermediate prevalence of HBV (7.7 %) and a high prevalence of HCV (12.8 %) infections among hemophilia patients in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73673,"journal":{"name":"Journal of clinical virology plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100203"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143135906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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