Coronavirus Disease 2019 Antibody Research Articles

Outcomes of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Post COVID-19 Patients Presenting with ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is thought to predispose patients to wide variety of thrombotic disease, including Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS). While such fact is established in literature to occur during the acute infection, data regarding the long term thrombotic effects of COVID-19 are still unclear. Aim and Objectives To determine the special coronary angiographic findings, the procedural and clinical success of revascularization among post COVID-19 patients presenting with STEMI. Patients and Methods This study was performed on a 100 patients who presented to emergency departments of Ain shams university hospitals with ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and underwent primary PCI, during a period of 6 months: From January to June of 2022. The patients were randomized into two groups: Group (A) the Post COVID-19 group, comprising 50 patients who developed COVID-19 infection in the past 6 months, as diagnosed at the time by RT-PCR or a CT chest of CORADS-IV or more – and group (B) the Control group, comprising 50 patients who deny COVID-19 infection in the past 6 months, endorsed by a negative COVID-19 antibody test. A subgroup analysis was done where patients in group (A) were further divided into two subgroups: the Early Post-COVID subgroup, having developed STEMI within 8 weeks of infection and comprising 16 patients, and the Late Post-COVID subgroup, having developed STEMI >8-24 weeks post infection and comprising 34 patients. The groups were compared as regards clinical, angiographic, laboratory and echocardiographic outcomes of percutaneous intervention. Results Our study demonstrated that patients who developed STEMI within 8 weeks of a COVID-19 infection (the Early Post-COVID subgroup) showed a statistically significant high thrombus burden on angiography, at 81.3% versus 48% of the control group. A high thrombus burden was defined in our study as having a modified thrombus grade of 4 or more. This subsequently resulted in higher use of pre-dilatation (56.2% versus 24%) and thrombus aspiration (43.8% versus 4%) in the Early Post- COVID subgroup, both at a statistically significant level (P-values = 0.015 and 0.001 respectively). Coronary No-Reflow was a much more frequent complication following PCI in the Early post-COVID subgroup (62.5%) compared to the Control group (22%). These patients also suffered a lower Ejection Fraction on Echocardiography (Mean 36% versus 43.4%) and a larger LVIDs (Mean 47mm versus 43.9mm) as compared to the Control group. This data translated clinically into a higher MACE among the Early Post-COVID patients, at 31.3% versus 6% of the control group. Of note that these differences were not as evident upon comparing the whole post COVID group to the control group. Conclusion We concluded that the thrombogenic effect of COVID-19 on the outcomes of STEMI persists even after resolution of the infection but gradually declines overtime. It affects the angiographic, procedural and overall clinical success of revascularization during in-hospital stay. This effect is maximal during the first 8 weeks after infection, but declines thereafter.

Relationship of various COVID-19 antibody titer with individual characteristics and prediction of future epidemic trend in Xiamen City, China.

Reinfection of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has raised concerns about how reliable immunity from infection and vaccination is. With mass testing for the virus halted, understanding the current prevalence of COVID-19 is crucial. This study investigated 1,191 public health workers at the Xiamen Center for Disease Control, focusing on changes in antibody titers and their relationship with individual characteristics. The study began by describing the epidemiological characteristics of the study participants. Multilinear regression (MLR) models were employed to explore the associations between individual attributes and antibody titers. Additionally, group-based trajectory models (GBTMs) were utilized to identify trajectories in antibody titer changes. To predict and simulate future epidemic trends and examine the correlation of antibody decay with epidemics, a high-dimensional transmission dynamics model was constructed. Analysis of epidemiological characteristics revealed significant differences in vaccination status between infected and non-infected groups (χ2=376.706, P<0.05). However, the distribution of antibody titers among the infected and vaccinated populations was not significantly different. The MLR model identified age as a common factor affecting titers of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and neutralizing antibody (NAb), while other factors showed varying impacts. History of pulmonary disease and hospitalization influenced IgG titer, and factors such as gender, smoking, family history of pulmonary diseases, and hospitalization impacted NAb titers. Age was the sole determinant of IgM titers in this study. GBTM analysis indicated a "gradual decline type" trajectory for IgG (95.65%), while IgM and NAb titers remained stable over the study period. The high-dimensional transmission dynamics model predicted and simulated peak epidemic periods in Xiamen City, which correlated with IgG decay. Age-group-specific simulations revealed a higher incidence and infection rate among individuals aged 30-39 years during both the second and third peaks, followed by those aged 40-49, 50-59, 18-29, and 70-79 years. Our study shows that antibody titer could be influenced by age, previous pulmonary diseases as well as smoking. Furthermore, the decline in IgG titers is consistent with epidemic trends. These findings emphasize the need for further exploration of these factors and the development of optimized self-protection countermeasures against reinfection.

COVID-19 Seropositivity Among Adults of Tribal Origin Attending a Primary Care Centre in Wayanad Kerala- A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious viral illness caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Serological surveys help in understanding the burden of past infections. The World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests the need for populationbased sero-epidemiological investigations to acquire data for implementing containment measures. The tribal population, being the most marginalised and vulnerable section, is at a higher risk for COVID-19. However, there is limited literature regarding the seroprevalence of COVID-19 among the tribal population in our country. Aim: To assess the COVID-19 seropositivity, associated factors, and knowledge among adults of tribal origin attending a primary care centre in Wayanad, Kerala. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 279 adults of tribal origin, aged between 18 and 95 years, attending a primary tribal healthcare centre at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, India, from August 2021 to October 2021. A semistructured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic details, history of COVID-19 infection, vaccination status, and participants’ knowledge and awareness about COVID-19. Antibody presence was tested using the WANTAI test kit. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS) version 21.0 A multivariable logistic regression was conducted following univariate analysis to identify independent factors associated with COVID-19 seropositivity. Results: The mean age of the study population was 45.34±15.86 years. Among the 279 participants, the proportion of seropositivity to COVID-19 antibodies was found to be 245 (87.8%) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 83.98 to 91.62. Regarding knowledge and awareness related to COVID-19, 186 (66.7%) participants were not aware of the common symptoms of COVID19. Individuals aged above 60 years had a five times higher probability of having COVID-19 antibodies compared to those aged 30 years or younger (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.71, 95% CI 0.111 to 20.025). Those who had received atleast one dose of the vaccine were nine times more likely to have seropositivity (aOR 8.58, 95% CI 1.390 to 53.028). Conclusion: The seropositivity of COVID-19 was high at 87.8%. Older people and vaccinated individuals were more likely to be seropositive. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen vaccination efforts among all age groups. Continued sero-surveillance and vaccination surveys need to be conducted to gain more insights into the antibody kinetics of this novel pathogen.

Maternal Seroprevalence and Placental Transfer of COVID-19 Antibodies in Pregnancy: A Hospital-Based Study.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a relatively new disease with high morbidity and mortality.Information about the prevalence of infections in pregnancy could help identify herd immunity, project epidemics, and decide policy guidelines. The aim of this study was to determine the infection susceptibility risk of COVID-19 in pregnancy, to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies (IgG & IgM), and to evaluate the determinants of COVID-19 antibody positivity in pregnancy. This was an analytical cross-sectional study involving 258 consenting pregnant women recruited at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State, Nigeria. Of these, 179 participants were recruited from the antenatal clinic, and 79 from the gynecology emergency unit. A structured questionnaire was administered at baseline. Venous blood was obtained at enrolment to test for total antibodies using ELISA. A nasopharyngeal swab was simultaneously obtained for COVID-19 PCR for all participants. Umbilical cord blood was taken after delivery in those who had positive serology. Socio-demographic variables and clinical presentation of respondents were considered as exposure variables, and this was cross-tabulated with outcome variables in bivariate analysis using chi-square with a level of significance at a P-value less than 0.05. Variables in bivariate analysis of chi-square that have a P-value less than 0.2 were entered into a logistic regression using multivariate logistic models. The study detected active COVID-19 infections among 7.4% (19/258) of the study participants. The study demonstrated a seroprevalence of COVID-19 antibodies in 62.4% (161/258) of the participants at recruitment and showed a strong correlation between working in the healthcare setting and living in an urban environment. Our study also reported 5.3% (8/152) of cord blood antibody positivity among study participants. The concentration of maternal immunoglobulin strongly and positively correlated with cord blood seropositivity. Prevalence estimates are an underestimate of the actual proportion of pregnant women with prior COVID-19 exposure as observed in the study discrepancy of confirmed PCR infection and evidence of previous infection from serology. The study also highlighted a low efficiency of placental transfer of COVID-19 antibodies at birth among those who were seropositive at baseline and showed that maternal antibody levels play an important role in determining the efficiency of placenta transfer of COVID-19 antibodies in pregnancy.

A case of granulomatosis of polyangiitis presenting with COVID-19 infection: False-positivity or co-existence?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a global pandemic and a public health emergency worldwide in March 2020.&#x0D; COVID-19 presents with non-specific symptoms of the upper airway and pulmonary system, which can overlap with other diseases&#x0D; involving the respiratory system as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Both diseases have high morbidity and mortality rates&#x0D; and it is important to promptly differentiate and treat them. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)&#x0D; is currently the recommended method for diagnosing COVID-19. Antibody-based tests are used to diagnose both pat and current&#x0D; COVID-19 infections.&#x0D; We present a previously healthy thirteen-year-old girl who was admitted with upper airway symptoms and pulmonary involvement,&#x0D; and progressed to acute kidney failure. Laboratory findings showed leukocytosis, anemia, elevated kidney function tests and 2+&#x0D; proteinuria. Computed tomography (CT) of the lungs showed multiple nodules, cavities, and ground-glass opacities (GGOs). We&#x0D; performed RT-PCR tests for COVID-19 for three times. Results were all negative, but the COVID-19 immunoglobulin (Ig)M test&#x0D; sent simultaneously was positive. Based on the cytoplasmic antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (c-ANCA) positivity, upper airway,&#x0D; pulmonary, and renal involvement, she was diagnosed as GPA.&#x0D; This report highlights that COVID-19 antibody tests can be false-positive in patients with autoimmune diseases including GPA.

Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 and longitudinal antibody levels in a community-based cohort.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection invokes variable immune responses and poses a risk of post-acute sequelae SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) symptoms; however, most data on natural history are derived from patients with severe infection. Further data are needed among patients with mild infection, who comprise most cases. The Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW) COVID-19 Prevalence Study included 21,597 community-dwelling adults (ages 18-89) who underwent COVID-19 PCR and anti-nucleocapsid antibody testing between July 2020 and March 2021. We invited participants with positive COVID-19 results (cases) and a subset with negative results (controls), matched on age, sex, race/ethnicity, and ZIP code, to complete a follow-up questionnaire for PASC symptoms and repeat anti-nucleocapsid testing, and anti-spike antibody testing between July and December 2021. Of 3,917 adults invited to participate, 2260 (57.7%) completed the questionnaire- 1150 cases and 1110 controls. Persistent symptoms were reported in 21.1% of cases, with the most common being shortness of breath, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. Among 292 cases with asymptomatic infection, >15% reported new fatigue and 8-10% reported new loss of taste/smell, myalgias, or headache. Median anti-nucleocapsid levels in cases decreased from 3.5U to 0.7U over a median follow-up of 8.6 months. Anti-spike antibody levels at 6-7 months post-vaccination in cases were similar to that of controls. More than 1 in 5 patients with COVID-19 infection, including those with mild infection, reported persistent symptoms during follow-up. Both nucleocapsid and spike protein antibody levels decreased within six months following a COVID-19 infection and vaccination.

Impaired systemic nucleocapsid antigen clearance in severe COVID-19.

The circulating nucleocapsid (NCP) antigen of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is detectable in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients. To better understand the biology of disease severity, we investigated NCP clearance kinetics in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Serum NCP was quantified using a commercial NCP-specific enzyme-linked immunoassay in hospitalized COVID-19 patients (n = 63) during their hospital stay. Results were correlated to COVID-19 disease severity, inflammation parameters, antibody response, and results of SARS-CoV-2 PCR from nasopharyngeal swabs. We demonstrate that NCP antigen levels in serum remained elevated in 21/45 (46.7%) samples from patients in intensive care units (ICU) after >8 days postdiagnosis. The proportion of ICU patients with detectable antigenemia declined only gradually from 84.6% to 25.0% over several weeks. This was in contrast to complete NCP clearance in all non-ICU patients after 8 days, and also in contrast to mucosal clearance of the virus as measured by PCR. Antigen clearance was associated with higher IgG against S1 but not NCP. Clearance of NCP antigenemia is delayed in >40% of severely ill COVID-19 patients. Thus, NCP antigenemia detected after 8 days post COVID-19 diagnosis is a characteristic of patients requiring intensive care. Prospective trials should further investigate NCP antigen clearance kinetics as a mechanistic biomarker.

COVID-19 Antibody Response in Patients with Thalassemia.

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can severely affect people with comorbidities such as those with diabetes, hypertension, chronic lung disease, cancer, and hemoglobinopathies. Studies assessing the clinical characteristics and immune response to COVID-19 infection in patients with thalassemia are limited. Objectives The primary objective of the study was to study the clinical pattern and the immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) compared to patients without thalassemia. The secondary objective wasto study the relationship of COVID-19 severity with IgG antibody titers. Setting, Design, and Participants This case-control study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital between January 2021 and August 2022. A total of 30 patients with TDT (mean age: 12.7 years, SD: 4.7) and 30 patients without thalassemia (mean age: 13.9years, SD: 7) who tested positive for COVID-19 in the preceding six weeks were recruited. Methods Serum samples from the cases and controls were collected after 6, 12, and 24 weeks of COVID-19 infection for IgG antibody estimation using chemiluminescent immunoassay. Outcome variables The primary variable was comparative analysis of antibody levels and clinical profile of COVID-19 in cases and controls. The secondaryvariable was association of the severity of COVID-19 with the antibody titers produced. Results Symptomatic individuals among cases (n=12) were significantly lesser than controls (n=22) (p=0.009). The median IgG titers of cases and controls were comparable at six weeks (p=0.40), but the titers were significantly lower for cases at 12 weeks (p=0.011) and 24 weeks (p=0.006). There was significant fall in titers from 6 to 12 and 24 weeks in both the groups. The titers were not affected by COVID-19 severity and pre-existing comorbidities. Conclusion Patients with TDT manifest with mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 and mount a comparable IgG antibody response to COVID-19 akin to controls. However, this serological response could not sustain over three to six months advocating the need for protection through vaccination.

Serological Response to COVID-19 and Its Association With Measles-Rubella (MR)-Containing Vaccines.

Epidemiological studies suggest that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a less severe disease course and a more favorable prognosis among children. Childhood vaccines and heterologous immunity have been suggested as reasons for this. Additionally, the structural similarity between the measles, rubella, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus particles may affect immune responses. The objective of this study was to compare COVID-19 antibody titers and disease severity between measles-rubella (MR) vaccinated and unvaccinated children. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate and compare the antibody response in recipients of a single dose and two doses of the MR vaccine. The study was prospective and comparative and included 90 COVID-19-positive children aged nine months to 12 years. The study was registered under the clinical trials registry of India (CTRI/2021/01/030363). COVID-19 antibody titers were measured at two weeks, six weeks, and 12 weeks, along with the assessment of MR antibody titers. COVID-19 antibody titers and disease severity were compared between MR-vaccinated and MR-unvaccinated children. The comparison of COVID-19 antibody titers between recipients of a single dose and two doses of MR vaccine was also conducted. The results showed significantly higher median COVID-19 antibody titers at all time points during follow-up in the MR-vaccinated group (P<0.05). However, the two groups had no significant difference in the disease severity. Moreover, there was no difference in the antibody titers of MR one dose and two dose recipients. Exposure to even a single dose of MR-containing vaccine enhances the antibody response against COVID-19. However, randomized trials are necessary to further explore this subject.

Post-discharge health assessment in survivors of coronavirus disease: a time-point analysis of a prospective cohort study.

The objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate psychological and quality of life-related complications at three months following discharge in hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients during the pandemic in Iran. In this time-point analysis of prospective cohort study data, adult patients hospitalized with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 were enrolled. Patients were stratified in analyses based on severity. The primary outcomes consisted of psychological problems and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in the three months following discharge, with Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as the secondary outcome. Exploratory predictors were determined for both primary and secondary outcomes. 283 out of 900 (30%) eligible patients were accessible for the follow-up assessment and included in the study. The mean age was 53.65 ± 13.43years, with 68% experiencing a severe disease course. At the time of the final follow-up, participants still reported persistent symptoms, among which fatigue, shortness of breath, and cough were the most common. Based on the regression-adjusted analysis, lower levels of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio was associated with higher levels of depression (standardized β = -0.161 (SE = 0.042), P = 0.017) and stress levels (standardized β =-0.110 (SE = 0.047), P = 0.015). Furthermore, higher levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin-M (IgM) were associated with significantly lower levels of depression (standardized β = -0.139 (SE = 0.135), P = 0.031). There is an association between lung damage during COVID-19 and the reduction of pulmonary function for up to three months from acute infection in hospitalized patients. Varying degrees of anxiety, depression, stress, and low HRQoL frequently occur in patients with COVID-19. More severe lung damage and lower COVID-19 antibodies were associated with lower levels of psychological health.

275P Serological response to COVID-19 vaccine in patients with advanced breast cancer

Patients (p) with solid tumor have an increased risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and associate higher mortality compared to general population. Cancer patients were not included in pivotal trials of COVID-19 vaccines. A high proportion of p with solid tumors develop immunological responses following vaccination, and subsequent doses can result in seroconversion in those who were previously seronegative after the two first doses. In Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC) p knowledge of vaccine effects is scarce. Prospective observational study analysed the serological response to COVID-19 vaccine in a series of patients (p) with ABC treated in a single institution. Between 01/03/2021 and 19/05/2021 we analysed the serological response by serial determination of COVID-19 antibodies (Ab) 21 or 28 days after each dose and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months (m) after the second dose. We considered an antibody titration of 2500 total Ig/ml as a robust antibody response (RAR). N=43 p. with ABC, 100% female; median age: 69 years (y). Comorbidity: 29 p (67%) hypertension, 6 p (14%) active smoking. Histological subtype: 21 p (49%) luminal, 19 p (44%) Her2 + and 3 p (7%) triple negative (TN). Treatment: 2 p (5%) chemotherapy (CT), 3 p (7%) immunotherapy and 29 p (88%); First-line: 20 p (48%), 2ndline 8 p (19%), 3rdor successive line 14 p (33,4)[MMDP1]. A previous COVID-19 infection: 1 p (2,3%); In the period of study 8 p were tested positive for COVID-19. Type of vaccine: Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty): 33 p (78%) and Moderna (Spikevax) 10 p (23%). Adverse effects: 2 p (4.7%) with one requiring hospitalization (2.3%). After the first vaccine, 2/32 p (6.3%) had RAR. Following a second dose, the RAR rose to 8/35 p (23%). At 3 and 6 m after the second dose a RAR was observed in 4/23 p (17.4 %) and 10/25 p (40%) respectively. A 3rddose increased the RAR robust to 13/16 p ( 81%), and in those receiving a 4thvaccine (9/43) 77.8% achieved a robust Ab response. At the end of the follow-up, 7 p (16%) (7/43) died of cancer. The efficacy of vaccines was similar to general population regardless of cancer diagnosis and treatments. In our series of ABC patients tested for COVID-19 vaccine seroconversion, a robust serological response was shown especially after the 3rdand 4thdose (in up to 80% of patients).

Quantitative SARS-CoV-2 Spike Receptor-Binding Domain on Vaccinated Individuals Compared to Natural Infection

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been going on for more than 2 years, with various treatments and diagnostic methods available. One of the most prized structures, the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has long been thoroughly researched for its function and becoming the target for various diagnostic methods and treatments, including a vaccine. The spike-RBD (sRBD) antibody count might be the parameter for antibody response in vaccinated and infected individuals. However, no direct comparison is made. AIM: The study aims to compare the sRBD antibody count in the naturally infected individuals to the vaccinated ones. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 49 participants of the infected patients, and vaccinated individuals were included in this study from Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou Hospital, Manado. The participants underwent a COVID-19 antibody test, using enhanced “Chemiluminescence” Immuno assay to analyze the anti-sRBD IgG quantitatively. Results were then analyzed and compared using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences ver 25.0 with Mann−Whitney non-parametric test. RESULTS: The study shows a higher median antibody count in the naturally infected group compared to the vaccinated group (132.70 vs. 11.95 U/mL; p &lt; 0.001). Further studies on the topic should be conducted to determine the comparison on a larger scale. CONCLUSION: The s-RBD antibody titer is significantly higher in naturally infected patients than in vaccinated individuals.

Long COVID and risk of erectile dysfunction in recovered patients from mild to moderate COVID-19

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were shown to have reduced serum testosterone levels compared to healthy individuals. Low testosterone levels are linked with the development of erectile dysfunction (ED). In this case-controlled study, 20 healthy controls and 39 patients with ED 3 months after recovering from mild-to-moderate COVID-19 pneumonia were studied. The patients ranged in age from 31 to 47 years. To identify early and late COVID-19 infections, real-time polymerase-chain reaction (RT-PCR) and COVID-19 antibody testing were done. The levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), free androgenic index (FAI), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured. The sexual health inventory for patients (SHIM) score was used to measure the erectile function of the patients and controls. When compared to the controls, the TT serum level in long COVID-19 (LC) patients with ED was low (p = 0.01). In contrast to controls, FT and FAI were both lower in LC patients with ED. (p = 0.001). FSH serum levels did not significantly differ (p = 0.07), but in ED patients, LH serum levels were elevated. SHIM scores were associated with low TT (p = 0.30), FT (p = 0.09), and high LH (p = 0.76) in LC patients with ED. Male patients with decreased serum levels of LH and testosterone may have hypothalamic-pituitary–gonadal axis dysfunction, which could lead to the development of LC-induced ED. Therefore, an in-depth research is necessary to confirm the causal link between COVID-19 and ED in LC patients.

Reactivation of Tuberculosis and COVID-19 in Pediatric Patients

Abstract Objective Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an immobile aerobic bacillus that causes tuberculosis (TB) disease. We aimed to evaluate the association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), COVID-19-related drugs, TB reactivation, and TB incidence during the pandemic. Methods Eight patients who were diagnosed as having TB in Meram Medical Faculty, Necmettin Erbakan University between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, at the beginning of the pandemic, were enrolled in this study. The presence of COVID-19 infection was confirmed using COVID-19 antibody tests and the patients' COVID-19 history. We evaluated the demographic data, laboratory findings, imaging tests, and pathology results of all patients. Results We checked all our patients with TB using COVID-19 antibodies (immunoglobulin [Ig]G + IgM) or polymerase chain reaction. Seven of the eight patients were female (87.5%). The median age was 16 years. Family screening of all patients was negative, and they had bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccine scars. Two patients had chronic diseases. One was diagnosed as having primary ciliary dyskinesia in our department (patient no. 8) and the second was under follow-up by the rheumatology department with a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusion There has been an increase in the incidence of TB in children, especially in adolescents, during the pandemic period. This may be due to the pathogenic structure of the COVID-19 virus with an unknown mechanism. In addition, lifestyle changes and changes in health care policies during the pandemic may have caused this. Further research should be performed on this topic.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan of the Brain After Mild COVID-19 Infection.

There have been several reports of central nervous system impairments associated with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection on head magnetic resonance imaging and angiography (MRI/A). However, head MRI/A is rarely performed in mild cases, and there have been few reports on intracranial changes after COVID-19 infection in these cases. Here, we report a comparative examination of the findings seen in common head MRI/A sequences in mild cases of COVID-19. Of the 15,376 patients who underwent head MRI/A examination called "Brain Dock"between June 2020 and June 2021, 746 patients who received a COVID-19 antibody test were evaluated. Positive and negative patients were comparatively examined for head MRI/A findings such as cerebral white matter lesions, ischemic changes, cerebral microbleeds, cerebral aneurysms, arterial stenosis, sinusitis, and other abnormal findings. Overall, 31 (4.2%) patients were COVID-19 positive, and all of them had mild infections not requiring hospitalization. There was no significant difference in patient characteristics and head MRI/A findings between positive and negative patients. All positive patients showed no particular abnormalities in the nasal findings such as olfactory bulb atrophy or thickening of the olfactory mucosa. Intracranial lesions in mild patients do not show a clear difference from those in negative patients. This indicates that findings seen in common MRI/A sequences of severe patients are not likely in mild patients, supporting that there is relatively no damage to the central nervous system in mild patients.

A Brief Questionnaire on Healthcare Workers’ Awareness Toward the COVID-19 Vaccine and Antibody Tests

In 2022, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread worldwide with the emergence of many variants. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19 because vaccines provide powerful protection from serious illnesses, hospitalization, and death. However, breakthrough infections on vaccinees have been frequently reported, and more studies are required to understand the mechanism of breakthrough infection and establish a standard neutralizing antibody (NTAb) level with efficacy. In particular, it is important to develop useful research tools for HCWs at high risk of breakthrough infection. Here, we administered a brief questionnaire on awareness of COVID-19 vaccines and antibody tests to uncover the needs of HCWs. Our questionnaire showed that HCWs felt a lower priority for vaccines among infection control measures than non-HCWs. On the other hand, HCWs expected more strongly the vaccine to be effective in preventing infection at work than non-HCWs. About half of the respondents, whether HCWs or not, thought that there was a correlation between the severity of adverse reactions and the degree of antibody induction. About 20% of the respondents had a change in awareness of the correlation after an antibody survey. Many respondents believed that the antibody test would be useful. Therefore, we should contribute to the development of a method of evaluating vaccines that can protect against infection and to improving other infection control measures in the future.

Evaluation of Antibody Response in COVID-19 Recovered Population of Swat Kp, Pakistan

A novel coronavirus disease now known as the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It poses a huge challenge to the society, economy, and public health worldwide. At present, the antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 remain largely unknown especially in remote regions of developing countries. The objective of the study was to evaluate the antibody response in COVID-19 recovered patients and vaccinated individuals of district Swat. COBAS-511 machine was used for quantitative detection of COVID-19 antibodies in 3 cc venous blood collected from selected patients and was stored in collection tubes followed by subsequent centrifugation to separate the serum. Further to ensure the variable factors does not affect the accuracy of the study, 95 questionnaires were distributed where the participants were asked to disclose basic information (name, age, gender, address, area, COVID-19 test, vaccinated or nonvaccinated, signs and symptoms, antibiotics/antivirals used during the infection time) since it is important to confirm patients' health status and to clearly determine whether they can donate plasma. Participant’s age ranging from 15 to 63 were involved in these studies. As per findings of this study, people aged 45 to 55 years had high levels of antibodies against COVID-19. In age wise antibody response level women were found to have higher antibody levels than men. Among the variable factors, the most common pre-complications were heart disease and diabetes, such individuals had higher levels of anti-COVID-19 antibodies than those with no prior health complications. The level of antibodies was significantly higher in patients that received anti-COVID-19 vaccines post recovery as compared to those that did not receive vaccine. However further study will be required to validate these preliminary observations.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Antibodies in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients and its Impact on Thrombus in the Coronaries

Objective: Higher thrombus load and poorer outcomes have been reported in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The presence of antibodies to the COVID-19 infection has been linked to excess thrombus. This retrospective study compared the thrombus burden and outcomes in STEMI during primary angioplasty in myocardial infarction (PAMI) between the two groups with Sars antibody positive (SAP) and Sars antibody negative (SAN). Materials and Methods: Consecutive STEMI patients undergoing PAMI from November 2020 to July 2021 admitted to this single center were included. All patients were ruled out for an active infection by a negative rapid antigen and subsequently by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test. Participants were divided into SAP and SAN groups based on COVID-19 antibody results performed with the Roche kit. The primary aim was to compare thrombus load, coronary risk factors, and demographic characteristics between SAP and SAN patients and the secondary aim was to compare the inhospital and 30-day mortality between the two groups after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Results: The study included 261 consecutive STEMI patients (≥18 years; average age: 60.32 + 11.5 [standard deviation]). COVID antibody test results were available for 177 patients (36 SAP and 141 SAN), and these patients were included in the analysis; 144 were male, and 33 were female. There was no significant difference in baseline demographic characteristics between the two groups. Inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (P = 0.479), troponin-T (P = 0.466), or D-dimer (P = 0.681) levels, and thrombus load status (G0 to G5) were not statistically significantly different (P = 0.344) between the two groups. Two patients in the SAP group and none in the SAN group (P = 0.005) died. The 30-day mortality rate (one patient in each group; P = 0.272) was not statistically significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: Positive COVID-19 antibody levels in the blood did not produce changes in thrombus load and presentation in STEMI PAMI patients. The inhospital mortality rates and 30-day mortality rates were not affected by the antibody levels to COVID-19 infection.

Rapidly accelerated development of neutralizing COVID-19 antibodies by reducing cell line and CMC development timelines.

Since the Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19) outbreak, unconventional cell line development (CLD) strategies have been taken to enable development of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)-neutralizing antibodies at expedited speed. We previously reported a novel chemistry, manufacturing, and control (CMC) workflow and demonstrated a much-shortened timeline of 3-6 months from DNA to investigational new drug (IND) application. Hereafter, we have incorporated this CMC strategy for many SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing antibody programs at WuXi Biologics. In this paper, we summarize the accelerated development of a total of seven antibody programs, some of which have received emergency use authorization approval in less than 2 years. Stable pools generated under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions consistently exhibited similar productivity and product quality at different scales and batches, enabling rapid initiation of phase I clinical trials. Clones with comparable product quality as parental pools were subsequently screened and selected for late-stage development and manufacturing. Moreover, a preliminary stability study plan was devised to greatly reduce the time required for final clone determination and next-generation sequencing-based viral testing was implemented to support rapid conditional release of the master cell bankfor GMP production. The successful execution of these COVID-19 programs relies on our robust, fit for purpose, and continuously improving CLD platform. The speed achieved for pandemic-related biologics development may innovate typical biologics development timelines and become a new standard in the industry.

Safety and immunogenicity of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in inpatients with muscular dystrophy.

Due to muscular weakness and cardiopulmonary dysfunction, patients with muscular dystrophy (MD) have an increased risk of serious complications from coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Although vaccination is recommended, COVID-19 vaccination safety and immunogenicity in these patients are unknown. We investigated reaction frequency, post-vaccine antibody titers after two mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses, and clinical predictors of antibody response among patients with MD. We recruited 171 inpatients with MD receiving two BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses from seven hospitals. Blood samples were obtained from 53 inpatients before the first dose and 28 to 30 days after the second dose, and antibody titers were measured. Overall, 104 (60.8%) and 115 (67.6%) patients had side effects after the first and second doses, respectively. These were generally mild and self-limited. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a bedridden state was associated with reduced side effects (odds ratio [OR] = 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12 to 0.71). The antibody titers of all participants changed from negative to positive after two vaccine doses. The geometric mean titer (GMT) of the inpatients was 239 (95% CI, 159.3 to 358.7). Older age (relative risk [RR]=0.97; 95% CI, 0.95 to 0.99) and bedridden state (RR=0.27; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.51) were associated with a lower antibody titer. Patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) had a lower GMT than patients with other MDs (RR=0.42; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.85). COVID-19 vaccination is safe and immunogenic in inpatients with MD. Patients with DM1 appear to have a poorer COVID-19 antibody response than those with other MDs.