Covid19-Sources

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Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection
Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection
First infection with SARS-CoV-2 is associated with increased risk of acute and post-acute death and sequelae in the pulmonary and extrapulmonary organ systems. However, whether reinfection adds to the risk incurred after the first infection is not clear. Here we use the national health care da...
The constellation of findings show that reinfection adds non-trivial risks of all-cause mortality, hospitalization, and adverse health outcomes in the acute and post-acute phase of the reinfection. Reducing overall burden of death and disease due to SARS-CoV-2 will require strategies for reinfection prevention.
We show that compared to people with first infection, reinfection contributes additional risks of all-cause mortality, hospitalization, and adverse health outcomes in the pulmonary and several extrapulmonary organ systems (cardiovascular disorders, coagulation and hematologic disorders, diabetes, fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney disorders, mental health disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, and neurologic disorders); the risks were evident in those who were unvaccinated, had 1 shot, or 2 or more shots prior to the second infection; the risks were most pronounced in the acute phase, but persisted in the post-acute phase of reinfection, and most were still evident at 6 months after reinfection.
·researchsquare.com·
Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection
Duration of immune protection of SARS-CoV-2 natural infection against reinfection in Qatar
Duration of immune protection of SARS-CoV-2 natural infection against reinfection in Qatar
BACKGROUND: The future of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic hinges on virus evolution and duration of immune protection of natural infection against reinfection. We investigated duration of protection afforded by natural infection, the effect of viral immune evasion on duration of protection, and protection against severe reinfection, in Qatar, between February 28, 2020 and June 5, 2022. METHODS: Three national, matched, retrospective cohort studies were conducted to compare incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity among unvaccinated persons with a documented SARS-CoV-2 primary infection, to incidence among those infection-naive and unvaccinated. Associations were estimated using Cox proportional-hazard regression models. RESULTS: Effectiveness of pre-Omicron primary infection against pre-Omicron reinfection was 85.5% (95% CI: 84.8-86.2%). Effectiveness peaked at 90.5% (95% CI: 88.4-92.3%) in the 7th month after the primary infection, but waned to ~70% by the 16th month. Extrapolating this waning trend using a Gompertz curve suggested an effectiveness of 50% in the 22nd month and
·medrxiv.org·
Duration of immune protection of SARS-CoV-2 natural infection against reinfection in Qatar
Corona: Früherkennung neuer Virusvarianten durch Abwassersequenzierung
Corona: Früherkennung neuer Virusvarianten durch Abwassersequenzierung
Epidemiolog*innen glauben, dass die Omikron-Subvariante BA.5 eine Sommerwelle auslösen wird. Zwei Drittel der Corona-Infektionen in Deutschland gehen inzwischen auf diese Omikron-Subvariante zurück. Doch welche Virusvariante oder -subvariante wird im Herbst in Deutschland vorherrschend sein? Das…
·scilogs.spektrum.de·
Corona: Früherkennung neuer Virusvarianten durch Abwassersequenzierung
Detection of Post-COVID-19 Patients Using Medical Scent Detection Dogs—A Pilot Study
Detection of Post-COVID-19 Patients Using Medical Scent Detection Dogs—A Pilot Study
There is a growing number of COVID-19 patients experiencing long-term symptoms months after their acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Previous research proved dogs' ability to detect acute SARS-CoV-2 infections, but has not yet shown if dogs also indicate samples of patients with post-COVID-19 condition (Long COVID). Nine dogs, previously trained to detect samples of acute COVID-19 patients, were confronted with samples of Long COVID patients in two testing scenarios. In test scenario I (samples of acute COVID-19 vs. Long COVID) dogs achieved a mean sensitivity (for acute COVID-19) of 86.7% (95%CI: 75.4–98.0%) and a specificity of 95.8% (95%CI: 92.5–99.0%). When dogs were confronted with Long COVID and negative control samples in scenario IIa, dogs achieved a mean sensitivity (for Long COVID) of 94.4 (95%CI: 70.5–100.0%) and a specificity of 96.1% (95%CI: 87.6–100.0%). In comparison, when acute SARS-CoV-2 positive samples and negative control samples were comparatively presented (scenario IIb), a mean sensitivity of 86.9 (95%CI: 55.7–100.0%) and a specificity of 88.1% (95%CI: 82.7–93.6%) was attained. This pilot study supports the hypothesis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) being long-term present after the initial infection in post-COVID-19 patients. Detection dogs, trained with samples of acute COVID-19 patients, also identified samples of Long COVID patients with a high sensitivity when presented next to samples of healthy individuals. This data may be used for further stud...
·frontiersin.org·
Detection of Post-COVID-19 Patients Using Medical Scent Detection Dogs—A Pilot Study
87949991 - 2022.06.29.498117v1.full.pdf
87949991 - 2022.06.29.498117v1.full.pdf
Neurological manifestations are common in COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV 2. Despite reports of SARS-CoV-2 detection in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid of COVID 19 patients, it’s still unclear whether the virus can infect the central nervous system, and which neuropathological alterations can be ascribed to viral tropism, rather than immune-mediated mechanisms. Here, we assess neuropathological alterations in 24 COVID-19 patients and 18 matched controls who died due to pneumonia / respiratory failure. Aside from a wide spectrum of neuropathological alterations, SARS-CoV-2-immunoreactive neurons were detected in specific brainstem nuclei of 5 COVID-19 subjects. Viral RNA was also detected by real-time RT-PCR. Quantification of reactive microglia revealed an anatomically segregated pattern of inflammation within affected brainstem regions, and was higher when compared to controls. While the results of this study support the neuroinvasive potential of SARS-CoV-2, the role of SARS-CoV-2 neurotropism in COVID-19 and its long-term sequelae require further investigation.
·biorxiv.org·
87949991 - 2022.06.29.498117v1.full.pdf
Revisiting the Basic Reproductive Number for Malaria and Its Implications for Malaria Control
Revisiting the Basic Reproductive Number for Malaria and Its Implications for Malaria Control
A new mathematical approach applied to 121 human populations infected with malaria revises the basic reproductive number--an indication of the transmission intensity--up by an order of magnitude, with serious implications for effective malaria control.
·journals.plos.org·
Revisiting the Basic Reproductive Number for Malaria and Its Implications for Malaria Control
Institute of Armchair Immunology on Twitter
Institute of Armchair Immunology on Twitter
Überraschung des Tages im US Experten-Meeting zum Herbst-Impfstoff-Update: Novavax!Die Immun-Ergebnisse zu BA.5 waren im Vergleich zu denen von Moderna und Pfizer beeindruckend.Hier die Präsentation: https://t.co/CnOxg0g0Y11/ pic.twitter.com/F2f0BJlqRQ— Institute of Armchair Immunology (@ArmchairViro) June 28, 2022
·twitter.com·
Institute of Armchair Immunology on Twitter
Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting
Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting
Structural features of our recombinant trimeric spike protein vaccine leads to broadly cross neutralizing antibodies  Displays conserved epitopes across prototype and emerging variants  Adjuvant causes epitope spreading and enhanced recognition of conserved epitopes on spike protein  Previously infected individuals and those vaccinated with NVX-CoV2373 demonstrate broad recognition of variants following booster doses  Antigenic cartography shows boosting minimizes effect of variant escape  Status of ongoing clinical boosting study and vaccine supply
·fda.gov·
Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting
Saliva swabs are the preferred sample for Omicron detection
Saliva swabs are the preferred sample for Omicron detection
The Omicron variant is characterised by more than 50 distinct mutations, the majority of which are located in the spike protein. The implications of these mutations for disease transmission, tissue tropism and diagnostic testing are still to be determined. We evaluated the relative performance of saliva and mid-turbinate swabs as RT-PCR samples for the Delta and Omicron variants. The positive percent agreement (PPA) of saliva swabs and mid-turbinate swabs to a composite standard was 71% (95% CI: 53-84%) and 100% (95% CI: 89-100%), respectively, for the Delta variant. However, for the Omicron variant saliva and mid-turbinate swabs had a 100% (95% CI: 90-100%) and 86% (95% CI: 71-94%) PPA, respectively. This finding supports ex-vivo data of altered tissue tropism from other labs for the Omicron variant. Reassessment of the diagnostic testing standard-of-care may be required as the Omicron variant become the dominant variant worldwide. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Funding Statement This research was funded in whole, or in part, by Wellcome [203135/Z16/Z]. For the purpose of Open Access, the author has applied a CC BY public copyright licence to any Author Accepted Manuscript version arising from this submission. This study was funded in whole, or in part, by National Health Laboratory Service in South Africa. ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: This research has been approved by the University of Cape Town Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 420/2020). I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines and uploaded the relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material as supplementary files, if applicable. Yes All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors.
·medrxiv.org·
Saliva swabs are the preferred sample for Omicron detection
Chris Turnbull on Twitter
Chris Turnbull on Twitter
Covid, SARS 2: New Study: Virus found to invade brainstem in a similar way to SARS 1 and MERS Cov: H/T: @RolandBakerIII pic.twitter.com/qqLgyP5RDA— Chris Turnbull (@EnemyInAState) July 6, 2022
·twitter.com·
Chris Turnbull on Twitter
Fit-tested N95 masks combined with portable HEPA filtration can protect against high aerosolized viral loads over prolonged periods at close range - PubMed
Fit-tested N95 masks combined with portable HEPA filtration can protect against high aerosolized viral loads over prolonged periods at close range - PubMed
Fit-tested N95 masks combined with HEPA filtration protects against high virus aerosol loads at close range and for prolonged periods of time.
·pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov·
Fit-tested N95 masks combined with portable HEPA filtration can protect against high aerosolized viral loads over prolonged periods at close range - PubMed
Evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in seronegative patients with long COVID
Evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in seronegative patients with long COVID
We discovered that IL-2 release (but not IFN-γ release) from T cells in response to SARS-CoV-2 peptides is both sensitive (75% +/−13%) and specific (88%+/−7%) for previous SARS-CoV-2 infection 6 months after a positive PCR test. We identified that 42–53% of patients with Long COVID, but without detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, nonetheless have detectable SARS-CoV-2 specific T cell responses.
There is currently no consensus on the diagnosis, definition, symptoms, or duration of COVID-19 illness. The diagnostic complexity of Long COVID is compounded in many patients who were or might have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 but not tested during the acute illness and/or are SARS-CoV-2 antibody negative.
·thelancet.com·
Evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in seronegative patients with long COVID
Face masks: what the data say
Face masks: what the data say
Nature - The science supports that face coverings are saving lives during the coronavirus pandemic, and yet the debate trundles on. How much evidence is enough?
·nature.com·
Face masks: what the data say
Vaccine surveillance report week 24
Vaccine surveillance report week 24
Four coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines have now been approved for use in the UK. Rigorous clinical trials have been undertaken to understand the immune response, safety profile and efficacy of these vaccines as part of the regulatory process. Ongoing monitoring of the vaccines as they are rolled out in the population is important to continually ensure that clinical and public health guidance on the vaccination programme is built upon the best available evidence. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), formerly Public Health England (PHE), works closely with the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA), NHS England, and other government, devolved administration and academic partners to monitor the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Details of the vaccine surveillance strategy are set on the page COVID-19: vaccine surveillance strategy (1). As with all vaccines, the safety of COVID-19 vaccines is continuously being monitored by the MHRA. They conclude that overall, the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines outweigh any potential risks (2). Please note that this report is published on a monthly basis. The next report will be published on 7 July 2022. This week’s report contains updates on consensus vaccine effectiveness estimates, and vaccination in pregnancy data.
·assets.publishing.service.gov.uk·
Vaccine surveillance report week 24
Leif Erik Sander on Twitter
Leif Erik Sander on Twitter
Sehr, sehr wichtige Studie aus Israel zur Effektivität der COVID-Impfung bei Kindern 5-11J. gegen Omicron-KEIN Schutz vor Infektion nach 1 Dosis-moderater Schutz nach 2 Dosen (36-69%)-Booster notwendig?Thanks @ClalitInnovate @RanBalicer 🙏https://t.co/sradqCx0Ti pic.twitter.com/TQt0Kv6g3D— Leif Erik Sander (@Sander_Lab) July 1, 2022
·twitter.com·
Leif Erik Sander on Twitter
Why SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is milder? A single high-frequency mutation of structural envelope protein matters
Why SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is milder? A single high-frequency mutation of structural envelope protein matters
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is highly transmissible and extensive morbidity, which has raised concerns for antiviral therapy. In addition, the molecular basis for the attenuated pathogenicity and replication capacity of Omicron remains elusive. Here, we report for the first time that a high-frequency mutation T9I on 2-E of SARS-CoV-2 variant Omicron forms a non-selective ion channel with abolished calcium permeability and reduced acid sensitivity compared to the WT channel. In addition, T9I caused less cell death and a weaker cytokine production. The channel property changes might be responsible for the Omicron variant releases less efficiently and induces a comparatively lower level of cell damage in the infected cells. Our study gives valuable insights into key features of the Omicron variant, further supporting 2-E is a promising drug target against SARS-CoV-2 and providing critical information for the COVID-19 treatment. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.
·biorxiv.org·
Why SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is milder? A single high-frequency mutation of structural envelope protein matters
WesElyMD on Twitter
WesElyMD on Twitter
1/🧵 Long COVID Brain Science: 🧠For ~100M suffering 🌎, let’s use data to combat myths & #MisinformationCOVID is biologically dangerous long after virus is gone#LongCOVID affects our….📍Olfactory & Limbic Systems📍 Interferon Autoimmunity📍PET scans📍AstrocytesHow? pic.twitter.com/gfWMoPxGoX— WesElyMD (@WesElyMD) June 15, 2022
·twitter.com·
WesElyMD on Twitter