Asymptomatic Workers Research Articles

Screening for Small Airway Obstruction in Garment Industry: A Pilot Study

Abstract Aim and Background: A noticeable gap in the literature is observed in factors associated with the occurrence of respiratory illness among people working in garment industries. This study aims to investigate whether spirometry screening is warranted for individuals employed within the garment industry. Subjects and Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional pilot study conducted in asymptomatic workers of various sectors in a garment industry using spirometry to check for the presence of small airway obstruction. Duration of work along with the nature of work was taken into consideration to see if any correlation exists with the small airway obstruction. Results: A random sample of 40 asymptomatic individuals was drawn consisting of 16 males and 24 females with 47.5% of them working for around 5–10 years. Ninety-five percentage showed no evidence of small airway obstruction and only 5% showed small airway obstruction showing that no correlation exists between the duration of work and the development of small airway obstruction in the garment industry. Conclusion: There appears to be no significant link between the duration of employment in the garment industry and the development of small airway obstruction as compared to the textile/cotton industry, yet annual screening could be integrated into routine health assessments.

Morbimortality profile by COVID-19 in telework and on-site work in an oil and gas company in Brazil.

As a reflection of the health emergency caused by COVID-19, many countries adopted guidelines, which included activity restrictions. As a result, some companies maintained their activities with on-site work and telework. Analyzing the morbidity and mortality profile due to COVID-19 of workers in telework and on-site work in an oil and gas company. Cross-sectional, quantitative, and analytical study that included 8,394 workers diagnosed with COVID-19 at an oil and gas company in Brazil, from June 2020 to June 2021. The company's Surveillance Program database was used as an information source. The total prevalence of cases was 21.7%. For teleworking and face-to-face workers, they were 20.7% and 23.3%, respectively. There was a predominance of women (19.7%), white ethnicity/colour (64.7%), higher level position (52.6%), age group over 40 years (36.7%), married (53, 8%), working at the company for a period that ranges from 7 to 10 years (17%), administrative activity (68.5%), and a higher number of symptomatic workers and deaths in telework compared to on-site work. The results suggest that testing is important to refrain the virus spread in the company's work environments, as it allowed asymptomatic workers to be diagnosed with COVID-19. The study suggested that on-site work was not a transmission facilitator in the occupational environment, which points out the importance of preventive measures in the workplace and the adoption of remote work for the largest possible number of workers to improve the safety of employees, workers who remained in the on-site work modality.

Early diagnosis of small airway disease in asymptomatic polishing sector workers of a leather factory

Background: The leather industry stands as one of India’s burgeoning sectors, boasting significant manpower. Workers in the finishing sector, particularly those involved in polishing, face heightened risks due to exposure to formaldehyde, aniline, and resins, which can lead to respiratory complications. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to determine the small airway obstruction in asymptomatic finishing sector workers of a leather factory. Materials and Methods: The current study was a cross-sectional study conducted in a leather factory located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. A random sample of 60 workers was drawn from different sectors of a leather factory. Basic demographic details, smoking history, nature of work, exposure to irritants along with duration, and respiratory symptoms were collected. All workers were subjected to spirometry as per ATS guidelines and the results were analyzed. Association between length (years) of exposure, respiratory symptoms, and spirometry impairment among the workers were analysed. Results: Out of 60 samples, 38 were exposed to irritants and 22 were not exposed to irritants. Out of 38, 25 had small airway disease, seven had large airway obstruction, one had a restrictive pattern, and five had normal spirometry. 42.1% of them were asymptomatic. Conclusion: Small airway obstruction is notably prevalent, especially among asymptomatic workers in the polishing sector. Prolonged exposure is associated with the development of large airway obstructive disease. This study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring for airway diseases in occupationally exposed workers, advocating for timely preventive and protective measures to curb disease progression.

Revealing the Hidden Impacts: Insights into Biological Aging and Long-Term Effects in Pauci- and Asymptomatic COVID-19 Healthcare Workers.

This study explores the role of inflammation and oxidative stress, hallmarks of COVID-19, in accelerating cellular biological aging. We investigated early molecular markers-DNA methylation age (DNAmAge) and telomere length (TL)-in blood leukocytes, nasal cells (NCs), and induced sputum (IS) one year post-infection in pauci- and asymptomatic healthcare workers (HCWs) infected during the first pandemic wave (February-May 2020), compared to COPD patients, model for "aged lung". Data from questionnaires, Work Ability Index (WAI), blood analyses, autonomic cardiac balance assessments, heart rate variability (HRV), and pulmonary function tests were collected. Elevated leukocyte DNAmAge significantly correlated with advancing age, male sex, daytime work, and an aged phenotype characterized by chronic diseases, elevated LDL and glycemia levels, medications affecting HRV, and declines in lung function, WAI, lymphocyte count, hemoglobin levels, and HRV (p < 0.05). Increasing age, LDL levels, job positions involving intensive patient contact, and higher leukocyte counts collectively contributed to shortened leukocyte TL (p < 0.05). Notably, HCWs exhibited accelerated biological aging in IS cells compared to both blood leukocytes (p ≤ 0.05) and NCs (p < 0.001) and were biologically older than COPD patients (p < 0.05). These findings suggest the need to monitor aging in pauci- and asymptomatic COVID-19 survivors, who represent the majority of the general population.

Compliance Among Healthcare Workers on Hydroxychloroquine Prophylaxis in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital during COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, recommended chemoprophylaxis with Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for asymptomatic healthcare workers treating patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 disease during the initial period of the pandemic. Compliance remains a major determining factor behind the success of any Community prophylaxis program. Objective: The study aimed to assess the extent of compliance with the Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) prophylaxis schedule as per ICMR guidelines among healthcare workers and to find out the factors associated with compliance. Methods: Informed consent was obtained from the study participants, and a questionnaire on parameters and associated factors affecting compliance were filled out by every study participant upon completion of their HCQ prophylaxis. Results: A total of 160 participants were enrolled in the study. The majority of the staff enrolled was the nursing staff (34%). 66% of the total participants were involved in the care of the suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. The major source of information about HCQ prophylaxis for COVID- 19 infection among all the participants was from the Institutional circular (56%). 10% of healthcare workers believed that HCQ could give them 100% prevention against COVID-19 infection. 56% of the enrolled healthcare workers consumed the medicine on the same day of collection throughout the schedule. 24% of enrolled healthcare workers completed the full course as per ICMR guidelines. The most motivating factor for compliance was the presence of cases of COVID-19 in the hospital. The most common factor for lack of compliance among enrolled healthcare workers was cited to be no contact with COVID-19-positive patients. Conclusion: In our study, 24% of healthcare workers enrolled for HCQ prophylaxis completed the full course of the prescribed regimen as per ICMR guidelines. The main reason for the lack of compliance was the absence of direct contact with COVID-19-positive patients, followed by fear of ADRs.

Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Among Asymptomatic Healthcare Workers of Dezful Ganjavian Hospital, Southwest Iran

Background: The 21st century has seen the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Objectives: Given the elevated risk of COVID-19 transmission among healthcare workers, our objective was to assess the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in asymptomatic healthcare workers at Dezful Ganjavian Hospital in 2021. Methods: A total of 276 participants were included in this descriptive cross-sectional study. The study assessed the participants' medical history, including autoimmune diseases, corticosteroid administration, and underlying conditions. Additionally, the history of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and exposure to COVID-19 patients was recorded. Results: The results showed that 32.6% of the participants had a history of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. No significant associations were found between the previous infection history and variables such as sex, age, corticosteroid administration, autoimmune disease, or exposure to COVID-19 patients. However, a significant association was observed between the participants' history of COVID-19 and underlying conditions. Serum analysis revealed that 10.1% of the participants tested positive for IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, while 1.8% tested positive for IgM antibodies. A significant relationship was found between the presence of IgG antibodies and a history of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Similarly, all participants with IgM antibodies had a history of previous infection. Conclusions: The study findings indicate that a significant proportion of asymptomatic healthcare workers at Dezful Ganjavian Hospital have been previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2. These results can inform infection control measures and help protect both healthcare workers and patients in the hospital setting.

Influence of sitting time on pulmonary function in computerusing office workers.

We aimed to identify the changes in pulmonary function after prolonged sitting. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) allow physicians to assess the respiratory capability of patients under numerous clinical circumstances and when there are risk factors for lung sickness, occupational exposure, and pulmonary toxicity. PFTs are routinely performed in the standing or high sitting position because of the devices and patient comfort. A total of 180 asymptomatic office workers were recruited as eligibility criteria and divided into three groups according to their daily sitting duration (group 1:2-4 h, group 2:4-6 h, and group 3: > 6 h). PFTs were performed twice consecutively to determine the mean of the readings. A Helios 401 spirometer was used to quantify lung function. The parameters were "forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)", "forced vital capacity (FVC)", "peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)", and the "ratio of FEV1 to FVC (FEV1/FVC)". Our results suggest that noteworthy changes were present in the lung function of all the participants. For individuals with > 6 h of sitting; FVC, FEV1, and PEFR were higher compared to those of the participants with 2-4 h and 4-6 h of sitting. The FEV1/FVC ratio was also reduced in individuals with prolonged hours of sitting. Body position impacts the result of PFTs; however, that as it may, the ideal position and extent of advantage changed between the review populaces. These results suggested that noteworthy changes occur in the lung function of healthy individuals exposed to sitting time.

A comparison of neck and shoulder postures in symptomatic and asymptomatic female office workers in the actual work environment

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to compare the static and dynamic sitting posture during computer work among symptomatic and asymptomatic office workers in actual work environment. MethodsSeventy female office workers were divided into two groups: asymptomatic (n = 35) and symptomatic (n = 35). Subsequent to this classification, adjustments to their respective workstations were implemented in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. The assessment of neck (CV) and shoulder (FS) angles were conducted during both a typical seated posture and at intervals of 20 min over a duration of 3 h of computer work. ResultThe asymptomatic group had a range of age from 26 to 40 years, a BMI of 21.11 ± 2.14, and a working experience ranged from 1 to 16 years. In contrast, the symptomatic group had an age range from 24 to 40 years, a BMI of 21.12 ± 2.27, and a working experience ranged from 3 to 16 years. During static sitting posture, significant differences were observed in both CV (p = 0.01) and FS angles (p = 0.00) between the two groups. Additionally, during computer work sessions lasting for 3 h, a significant time effect (p = 0.00) was noted for the CV angle. Furthermore, the FS angle exhibited significant group (p = 0.00), time (p = 0.00), and interaction (p = 0.00) effects during work. ConclusionThis study underscores the development of neck flexion during prolong working in both groups. In addition, asymptomatic group experienced a progression more rounded shoulder during a 3-h working period. Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use appear to have adverse effects on neck and shoulder health, underlining the importance of implementing measures to mitigate these effects.

COVID-19 Pozitif Sağlık Çalışanlarının Semptom, Laboratuvar ve Toraks Bilgisayarlı Tomografi Bulgularının Değerlendirilmesi: Rektrospektif Çalışma

Objective: The study was carried out to examine the symptoms and laboratory and thoracic computed tomography findings of COVID-19-positive healthcare professionals in northeastern Turkey. &#x0D; Material and Method: The sample of this descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study consisted of 146 healthcare professionals who had positive COVID-19. Data were collected using electronic data from the hospital information management system and the personal health records of healthcare professionals. &#x0D; Results: 50.6% of COVID-19-positive healthcare professionals were symptomatic, 49.4% were asymptomatic, 52.7% of nurses, midwives, and health officers, and those who were symptomatic experienced the most cough, muscle-joint pain, and fatigue. Healthcare workers had a high leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet mean, C reactive protein, and D-dimer, and 24.1% had COVID-19-compatible thorax computed tomography. Symptomatic healthcare professionals had a lower median of leukocyte and a higher median of C reactive protein and procalcitonin compared to asymptomatic healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals with COVID-19 compatible thorax computed tomography had a lower leukocyte, median, and platelet mean, lower high C reactive protein median, and higher D-dimer median. &#x0D; Conclusion: The study found that half of the healthcare professionals are symptomatic, and leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, C reactive protein, and platelet values affect the development of COVID-19-compatible thoracic computed tomography. The results can be used as a knowledge base for research and by health workers and institutional authorities to implement methods to improve prevention levels.

Effects of 1-hour computer use on ulnar and median nerve conduction velocity and muscle activity in office workers.

To compare the effects of 1-hour computer use on ulnar and median nerve conduction velocity and muscle activity in office workers with symptomatic neck pain and asymptomatic office workers. A total of 40 participants, both male and female office workers, with symptomatic neck pain (n = 20) and asymptomatic (n = 20), were recruited. Pain intensity, ulnar nerve conduction velocity, median nerve conduction velocity, and muscle activity were determined before and after 1 hour of computer use. There was a significant increase in pain intensity in the neck area in both groups (P < .001). The symptomatic neck pain group revealed a significant decrease in the sensory nerve conduction velocity of the ulnar nerve (P = .008), whereas there was no difference in the median nerve conduction velocity (P > .05). Comparing before and after computer use, the symptomatic neck pain group had less activity of the semispinalis muscles and higher activity of the anterior scalene muscle than the asymptomatic group (P < .05). The trapezius and wrist extensor muscles showed no significant differences in either group (P > .05). This study found signs of neuromuscular deficit of the ulnar nerve, semispinalis muscle, and anterior scalene muscle after 1hour of computer use among office workers with symptomatic neck pain, which may indicate the risk of neuromuscular impairment of the upper extremities. The recommendation of resting, and encouraging function and flexibility of the neuromuscular system after 1hour of computer use should be considered.

Comparing physical work exposures between men and women: findings from 65 281 workers in France

ObjectivesMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a leading cause of disability and sick leave among workers. Although MSDs are associated with physical exposures, there are gender differences in the prevalence and related...

Evaluation of the effect of photoplethysmograms on workers' exposure to methyl bromide using second derivative.

Methyl bromide (MB) is worldwide the only effective fumigant heavily used for quarantine pre-shipment treatment and has a critical use exemption for soil fumigations due to its excellent permeability and insecticidal effect. However, MB should be replaced as it is an an ozone-depleting substance and also highly toxic to humans. Recently, MB has been shown to be hazardous even for asymptomatic workers, affecting their central and autonomic nervous systems. However, the effects of MB exposure on vascular health have not been explored. This study aimed to determine whether MB affects the arterial system of asymptomatic workers. We measured the second derivative of the photoplethysmogram (SDPTG) indices, which are indicators of vascular load and aging, and urinary bromide ion (Br-) concentrations in 44 fumigators (study group) and 20 inspectors (control group) before and after fumigation. In fumigators, the mean values of post-work SDPTG indices (b/a, c/a, d/a, e/a, and SDPTG aging index) and Br- levels were significantly changed compared to their pre-work values (p < 0.05), indicating a negative effect on their cardiovascular health. In contrast, SDPTG indices and Br- levels in inspectors did not show any differences before and after work. All SDPTG indices except c/a showed significant correlations with Br- levels in all individuals (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the Br- levels and SDPTG indices of fumigators varied after MB work, and they experienced negative effects on their health despite being asymptomatic.

Development and evaluation of the gender-specific CONSTANCES job exposure matrix for physical risk factors in France.

This study aimed to construct and evaluate a gender-specific job exposure matrix (JEM) for 27 physical work exposures, based on self-report. We constructed a JEM using questionnaire data on current physical exposures from 29 381 male and 35 900 female asymptomatic workers aged 18-69 years in the French CONSTANCES cohort study. We excluded workers with musculoskeletal pain to reduce potential reporting bias. We grouped 27 self-reported physical exposures using the French national job codes and stratified by gender. We compared individual and group-based exposures using the performance indicators Cohen's kappa (κ), sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). JEM validation showed fair-to-moderate agreement (κ 0.21-0.60) for most physical exposures for both genders except for 'reach behind' (poor), 'bend neck' (poor), 'finger pinch' (poor), standing' (good), 'use computer screen' (good), and 'use keyboard or scanner' (good). We found the highest AUC for 'standing' (men 0.85/ women 0.87), 'kneel/squat' (men 0.80/women 0.81), 'use computer screen' (men/women 0.81), and 'use keyboard or scanner' (men 0.82/ women 0.84). The AUC was <0.60 for only three exposures: 'bend neck' (men 0.58/women 0.57), 'finger pinch' (men 0.56/ women 0.55), and 'reach behind' (men 0.54/ women 0.51). The constructed JEM validation measures were comparable for men and women for all exposures. Further research will examine the predictive ability of this gender-specific JEM for musculoskeletal disorders and the relevance of gender-stratification in this process, knowing accuracy of each exposure.

Whole-genome sequencing for One Health surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in conflict zones: a case study of Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. in the West Bank, Palestine.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global concern driven by the overuse, misuse, and/or usage of inadequate antibiotics on humans, animals' agriculture, and as a result of contaminated environments. This study is the first One Health survey in the Middle East that incorporated whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to examine the spread of AMR in Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. This cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the role of AMR at the human-animal-environmental interface and was performed in Ramallah/Al-Bireh and Jerusalem governorates of the central West Bank, Palestine. In 2021 and 2022, a total of 592 samples were collected and analyzed. From a total of 65 Campylobacter jejuni and 19 Salmonella spp. isolates, DNA was extracted for WGS using Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION platform. We found that the dominant serotypes of C. jejuni and Salmonella enterica were present in chicken manure, chicken meat sold in markets, and feces of asymptomatic farm workers, with high genetic similarities between the isolates regardless of origin. Additionally, our results showed rapid strain turnover in C. jejuni from the same sites between 2021 and 2022. Most of the positive Salmonella spp. samples were multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. enterica serovar Muenchen carrying the plasmid of emerging S. infantis (pESI) megaplasmid, conferring resistance to multiple antibiotics. Our findings highlight the spread of MDR foodborne pathogens from animals to humans through the food chain, emphasizing the importance of a One Health approach that considers the interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health. IMPORTANCE Prior to this study, there existed hardly an integrated human-animal-environmental study of Salmonellosis and Campylobacteriosis and related AMR in Middle Eastern countries. The few existing studies lack robust epidemiological study designs, adequate for a One Health approach, and did not use WGS to determine the circulating serotypes and their AMR profiles. Civil unrest and war in Middle Eastern countries drive AMR because of the breakdown of public health and food security services. This study samples simultaneously humans, animals, and the environment to comprehensively investigate foodborne pathogens in the broiler chicken production chain in Palestine using WGS. We show that identical serotypes of C. jejuni and S. enterica can be found in samples from chicken farms, chicken meat sold in markets, and asymptomatic broiler chicken production workers. The most striking feature is the rapid dynamic of change in the genetic profile of the detected species in the same sampling locations. The majority of positive Salmonella spp. samples are MDR S. enterica serovar Muenchen isolates carrying the pESI megaplasmid. The results demonstrate a close relationship between the S. enterica serovar Muenchen isolates found in our sample collection and those responsible for 40% of all clinical Salmonella spp. isolates in Israel as previously reported, with a sequence identity of over 99.9%. These findings suggest the transboundary spread of MDR S. enterica serovar Muenchen strains from animals to humans through the food chain. The study underscores the importance of combining integrated One Health studies with WGS for detecting environmental-animal-human transmission of foodborne pathogens that could not be detected otherwise. This study showcases the benefits of integrated environmental-animal-human sampling and WGS for monitoring AMR. Environmental samples, which may be more accessible in conflict-torn places where monitoring systems are limited and regulations are weak, can provide an effective AMR surveillance solution. WGS of bacterial isolates provides causal inference of the distribution and spread of bacterial serotypes and AMR in complex social-ecological systems. Consequently, our results point toward the expected benefits of operationalizing a One Health approach through closer cooperation of public and animal health and food safety authorities.

High Frequency of Osteophytes Detected by High-Resolution Ultrasound at the Finger Joints of Asymptomatic Factory Workers.

Hand Osteoarthritis (HOA) is a frequently occurring musculoskeletal disease that impacts health. Diagnostic criteria often incorporate osteophytes documented through imaging procedures. Radiographic imaging is considered the gold standard; however, more sensitive and safer methods like ultrasound imaging are becoming increasingly important. We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study to examine the prevalence, grade, and pattern of osteophytes using high-resolution ultrasound investigation. Factory workers were recruited on-site for the study. Each participant had 26 finger joints examined using ultrasonography to grade the occurrence of osteophytes on a semi-quantitative scale ranging from 0-3, where higher scores indicate larger osteophytes. A total of 427 participants (mean age 53.5 years, range 20-79 years) were included, resulting in 11,000 joints scored. At least one osteophyte was found in 4546 out of 11,000 (41.3%) joints or in 426 out of 427 (99.8%) participants, but only 5.0% (553) of the joints showed grade 2 or 3 osteophytes. The total osteophyte sum score increased by 0.18 per year as age increased (p < 0.001). The distal interphalangeal joints were the most commonly affected, with 61%, followed by the proximal interphalangeal joints with 48%, carpometacarpal joint 1 with 39%, and metacarpophalangeal joints with 16%. There was no observed impact of gender or workload. In conclusion, ultrasound imaging proves to be a practical screening tool for osteophytes and HOA. Grade 1 osteophytes are often detected in the working population through ultrasound assessments and their incidence increases with age. The occurrence of grade 2 or 3 osteophytes is less frequent and indicates the clinical presence of HOA. Subsequent evaluations are imperative to ascertain the predictive significance of early osteophytes.

Interpretation of molecular detection of avian influenza A virus in respiratory specimens collected from live bird market workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh: infection or contamination?

ObjectivesInterpreting real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) results for human avian influenza A virus (AIV) detection in contaminated settings like live bird markets (LBMs) without serology or viral culture poses a challenge. MethodsDuring February-March 2012 and November 2012-February 2013, we screened workers at nine LBMs in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to confirm molecular detections of AIV RNA in respiratory specimens with serology. We tested nasopharyngeal (NP) and throat swabs from workers with influenza-like illness (ILI) and NP, throat, and arm swabs from asymptomatic workers for influenza virus by rRT-PCR and sera for seroconversion and antibodies against HPAI A(H5N1) and A(H9N2) viruses. ResultsAmong 1273 ILI cases, 34 (2.6%) had A(H5), 56 (4%) had A(H9), and six (0.4%) had both A(H5) and A(H9) detected by rRT-PCR. Of 192 asymptomatic workers, A(H5) was detected in eight (4%) NP and 38 (20%) arm swabs. Of 28 ILI cases with A(H5) or A(H9) detected, none had evidence of seroconversion, but one (3.5%) and 12 (43%) were seropositive for A(H5) and A(H9), respectively. ConclusionDetection of AIV RNA in respiratory specimens from symptomatic and asymptomatic LBM workers without evidence of seroconversion or virus isolation suggests environmental contamination, emphasizing caution in interpreting rRT-PCR results in high viral load settings.

Asymptomatic Healthcare Worker PCR Screening during SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Surge, Germany, 2022.

During 2022, a total of 9,515 asymptomatic healthcare workers of a large hospital in Germany underwent SARS-CoV-2 PCR screening twice weekly. Of 398,784 saliva samples, 3,555 (0.89%) were PCR positive (median cycle threshold value 30). Early identification of infected healthcare workers can help reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the hospital environment.

Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Asymptomatic Bangladeshi Female Garment Workers

Antibody titer study is very important to assess the degree of undetected transmission in the community. This study aimed to estimate the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 infection in a group of asymptomatic female workers and compare the clinical and socio-demographic parameters of seropositive and seronegative subjects in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 285 female workers who had come to BIRDEM General Hospital for the COVID-19 test in November 2021 from different areas of Bangladesh. RBD-specific antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 were measured by using Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA) for all participants. Overall antibody positivity was estimated at 91.9% (262), and only 8.1% of participants had a negative IgG antibody response. Of the 262 participants 96.18% were asymptomatic. In the age group, the highest seropositivity was between 21-30 years (58%). The median IgG titer of the antibody was estimated at 578.50 AU/ml. The participants of Khulna had the highest median IgG titer of 3966 AU/ml followed by other areas (p=0.043). There was no significant difference in median IgG titer in symptomatic, asymptomatic, and vaccinated, non-vaccinated participants. Based on the geographical area Dhaka and Barisal had significantly more seropositive subjects than seronegative subjects (p = 0.001) and (p = 0.011). The high number of undiagnosed COVID-19 patients in the population is reflected in the percentage of seropositive people. Our findings will assist academics in better understanding immune status and policymakers in taking proactive measures during pandemic situations and future health emergencies.

Influenza A(H5N1) detection in two asymptomatic poultry farm workers in Spain, September to October 2022: suspected environmental contamination.

In autumn 2022, the Spanish Influenza National Reference Laboratory (NRL) confirmed the detection of influenza A(H5N1) in samples from two asymptomatic workers linked to an outbreak in a poultry farm in Spain. Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken according to a national screening protocol for exposed workers. Absence of symptoms, low viral load and negative serology in both workers suggested environmental contamination. These findings motivated an update of the early detection strategy specifying timing and sampling conditions in asymptomatic exposed persons.

Reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay as a rapid molecular diagnostic tool for COVID-19 in healthcare workers

In December 2019, the Chinese Center for Disease Control (CDC of China) reported an outbreak of pneumonia in the city of Wuhan (Hubei province, China) that haunted the world, resulting in a global pandemic. This outbreak was caused by a betacoronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Several of these cases have been observed in healthcare professionals working in hospitals and providing care on the pandemic's frontline. In the present study, nasopharyngeal swab samples of healthcare workers were used to assess the performance of the reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay and subsequently compared with the real‐time reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) method. Thus, in this study, we validated a method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 based on RT-LAMP that can be used to diagnose these workers. The methodology used was based on analyzing the sensitivity, specificity, evaluation of the detection limit, and cross-reaction with other respiratory viruses. The agreement was estimated using a dispersion diagram designed using the Bland-Altman method. A total of 100 clinical specimens of nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic healthcare workers in Pelotas, Brazil, during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. RT-LAMP assay, it was possible to detect SARS-CoV-2 in 96.7% of the healthcare professionals tested using the E gene and N gene primers approximately and 100% for the gene of human β-actin. The observed agreement was considered excellent for the primer set of the E and N genes (k = 0.957 and k = 0.896), respectively. The sensitivity of the RT-LAMP assay was positive for the primer set of the E gene, detected to approximately 2 copies per reaction. For the primer set of the N gene, the assay was possible to verify an LoD of approximately 253 copies per reaction. After executing the RT-LAMP assay, no positive reactions were observed for any of the virus respiratory tested. Therefore, we conclude that RT-LAMP is effective for rapid molecular diagnosis during the COVID-19 outbreak period in healthcare professionals.